Program Overview

Energy Renovation for Traditional Buildings (Certificate, L8, 10 ECTS)

Course Overview

The aim of the Certificate in Energy Renovation for Traditional Buildings programme is to up-skill building professionals to develop knowledge and skills that allow them to identify, analyse, and develop high quality, energy-efficient renovations and address the challenging defects and risks associated with applying energy methods to renovate traditional buildings (pre 1940s). This will also place them in a position to contribute to meeting Ireland’s climate action and energy targets in relation to the green renovation of buildings. It will additionally boost demand for energy efficiency from householders and the public sector by having a trusted industry professional/standard for unique traditional energy retrofitting experts and advisors.

Entry Requirements

• An honours degree (level 8) in a cognate (e.g. Engineering, Architecture, Building Services, Construction Management etc.) discipline or approved equivalent qualification
• A level 7 qualification in a cognate discipline (e.g. Engineering, Architecture, Building Services. Construction Management etc.,) or approved equivalent qualification with 1-year relevant work experience. RPL applicants will be considered under the University’s standard application system.

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.

Course Content

Modules

• Fundamentals In Energy Renovation Of Traditional Buildings (5 ECTS)
  • Government policy on energy in buildings, and the regulatory environment
  • Appraising a building
  • Monitoring the building fabric and Air Quality
  • Incentives and opportunities
• Building Defects Detection And Analysis (5 ECTS)
  • Digital Tools for Identifying Building Defects in Existing Buildings
  • Formatting Condition Assessment Reports for Existing Buildings
  • Building Fabric Defects Identification and Analysis for Energy Upgrades
  • Hygrothermal risk evaluation and modelling
  • U-Value calculations
  • Maintenance & Repair

Delivery

• Delivered over one semester in a blended learning format.
• Student Induction will take place online on the evening of Wednesday 3rd September 2025.
• Classes will commence on week commencing 8th September 2025.
• Wednesday and Thursday evening online lectures 18.30-21.30hrs weekly commencing Wednesday 10th September 2025.
• Live online classes will be recorded and available to watch back.
• Full day face to face practical workshops and site visits on Fridays or Saturdays, details to be confirmed.

Time Commitment

• 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

• Module 1; Online quizzes leading to a final reflective renovation project.
• Module 2; Online practical assignments leading to an individual submission of a project.

Qualification

• Certificate in Engineering in Energy Renovation for Traditional Buildings (Special Purpose Award, Level 8, 10 ECTS)

Fees

• €1,250* This programme is Springboard + funded in 2025. Successful applicants will qualify for 50% Springboard+ funding & will be liable for the remaining 50% of the fee which is €625.

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.