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Biomethane and Renewable Gas Development (Certificate, L9, 30 ECTS)

Programme Overview

The Postgraduate Diploma in Biomethane Development and Renewable Gas aims to equip graduates and professionals with the technical, regulatory, environmental, and financial knowledge required to develop and manage biomethane and renewable gas projects successfully. The programme provides a comprehensive understanding of biomethane production, policy frameworks, environmental compliance, and investment considerations, preparing students to contribute to the growing renewable gas sector in Ireland and beyond.

Modules

Module 1

• Biomethane Technology and Systems
  • Introduction to biomethane and anaerobic digestion
  • Feedstocks and process optimisation
  • Gas upgrading technologies (membrane separation, water scrubbing, PSA, cryogenic)
  • Grid injection and distribution systems
  • Biomethane for transport (CNG, LNG applications)
  • Emerging technologies (Power-to-Gas, methanation, sector coupling)
  • Case studies of operational biomethane projects
  • Understanding on construction, operational, technical and safety features (Industry expert lecture)

Module 2

• Legal, Planning, and Environmental Aspects of Biomethane Projects
  • EU and Irish renewable gas policies and legislation
  • Planning and permitting requirements for biomethane projects
  • Environmental regulations (EIA, water and air quality standards, biodiversity impact)
  • Sustainability and carbon footprint assessment
  • Certification schemes and guarantees of origin (GO) systems
  • Community engagement and social acceptance strategies
  • Risk assessment and regulatory compliance in project execution
  • Policy perspectives (Policy expert lecture)

Module 3

• Investment and Financial Strategies for Renewable Gas Development
  • Economic analysis of biomethane production (CAPEX, OPEX, revenue streams)
  • Business models for biomethane deployment (direct sale, grid injection, CNG/LNG markets)
  • Investment strategies and risk management
  • Funding mechanisms (EU funding, green bonds, venture capital, PPPs)
  • Policy incentives and financial supports (grants, tariffs, carbon trading)
  • Case studies on successful biomethane projects

Further Information

Application Queries

• Flexible Learning Office

Academic Queries

• Seamus Hoyne

What are the academic entry requirements?

• Admission for Postgraduate Certificate (Level 9): (a) A minimum PASS honours degree (Level 8) in Arts, Business, Humanities, Social Sciences; or (b) A minimum PASS honours degree (Level 8) in an area outside the fields mentioned above, but with evidence of strong interest, experience and ability in the area, as determined during the interview; or (c) Equivalent Qualifications. Applicants with equivalent qualifications on the European and International frameworks will also be considered, but with evidence of strong interest, experience and ability in the area, as determined during the interview.

English Language Requirements

• Applicants who do not have English as their first language must ensure they satisfy English Language requirements. For entry to undergraduate courses, a score of 5.5 in an IELTS or equivalent exam is required. For postgraduate courses, a score of 6.0 in an IELTS or equivalent exam is required. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure their English proficiency meets these requirements.

Delivery

• Student Induction will take place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd September 2025.
• Classes will commence on the week of 8th September 2025.
• This programme will be delivered over one academic year, two semesters. It will be run fully online and classes will take place as follows:
  • Semester 1 – Tuesday evenings from 7pm to 9pm and Thursday evenings from 7pm to 8pm
  • Semester 2 – Tuesday evenings from 7pm to 9pm
• Live online classes will be recorded and available to watch back.

What will the time commitment be?

• Each 5 credits will normally equate to approximately 100 Total Learning Hours. Total Learning Hours includes the time you spend in class (lectures, tutorials, practical elements) and the time you spend completing work outside of college. The balance between these two varies by discipline, and by level of study. You should bear in mind that the workload will increase at particular times e.g. when assignments are due.

Assessment

• 100% Continuous Assessment
• A variety of assessment techniques will be employed, including:
  • Individual projects
  • Case studies
  • Essays
  • Presentations
  • Open-book exams
  • Online and in-class assessments
  • Client-based live company projects

Qualification

• Postgraduate Certificate in Biomethane and Renewable Gas Development (Special Purpose Award, Level 9, 30 ECTS)

Fees

• €4250
• This programme will be Springboard+ funded in 2025.
• Successful applicants in employment will qualify for 90% Springboard+ funding & will be liable for the balance of the 10% fee of €425.
• Successful applicants on a qualifying DSP payment will qualify for 100% funding.

Application Deadline

• Limited Places
• Places are allocated on a first come first served basis, prioritizing unemployed and returning applicants.
• The programme will be closed once the maximum number of applicants is reached.
• Final cut off for applications, if spaces are still available, will be Friday 18th July 2025.
• Programmes run subject to viable numbers.