Course Summary
The course entails 30 credits consisting of 3 modules in the first semester and 3 modules in the second semester.
The modules are as follows:
Semester 1
- ICT & Transferable Skills
- Water and Wastewater Science
- Health and Safety for Treatment Plant Operators
Semester 2
- Energy Management
- Law and Compliance
- Networks Flow Measurement and Control
Key Course Information
Study hours: It is very important that you allocate enough study time to your online course to stay focused, reduce stress and achieve your goals. It is very important that you allocate enough study time to your online course to stay focused, reduce stress and achieve your goals. For part-time online programmes, required hours will be reflective of your experience and will require additional focus around exam time.
Live Lectures: Live lectures normally take place between 6pm and 10pm, two evenings per week but this may vary depending on the availability of specific lecturers. If the Live Classroom scheduled times for the live online lectures do not suit you, recordings will be made available through Moodle.
On-Campus Attendance: Two workshop days per semester - both take place in ATU Sligo.
Application Closing Date : 15th August 2025
Entry Requirements
This course is directed at those who have completed a Level 5 or equivalent.
Graduates who have not obtained this minimum may incorporate other equivalent qualifications and relevant work experience and apply for assessment via the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. RPL is a process that may allow you to gain admission to a programme or to receive exemptions/credit from some parts of a programme based on demonstrated learning that you may have achieved through another programme of study or through your work or career. Further information is available through www.myexperience.ie which our dedicated RPL portal or by contacting our admissions team at admissions.sligo@atu.ie.
Career Opportunities
On completion of this one year programme, students can progress to year 2 of the Level 6 Certificate in Drinking Water Treatment Operations or year 2 of the Level 6 Certificate in Waste Water Treatment Operations. On completion of either of these 2 programmes, graduates will be qualified to work in Water or Wastewater Treatment Plants as operators to the expected industry standard. This qualification may become the standard that the major operators in the Water Industry in Ireland will come to expect from their operators.
The treatment of Waste Water occurs in a variety of sectors. Treatment plants not only exist for the processing of public waste water but are located in industries such as Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture and Food processing forming an integral part of their manufacturing systems.
Further Study
Students who wish to continue their studies following completion of this Certificate in Water & Wastewater Operations can apply to complete either our Certificate in Drinking Water Treatment Operations or our Certificate in Wastewater Treatment operations. As you will have already completed 30 Credits through this current programme, you are required only to complete a further 30 credits to complete either of these two Certificates.
Further details can be found on these two programme pages:
Certificate in Drinking Water Treatment Operations
Certificate in Waste Water Treatment Operations
Please contact admissions.sligo@atu.ie for details on application process.
Did you know?
This course is the first year of the Level 6 Certificate in Drinking Water Operations & the Level 6 Certificate in Wastewater Treatment Operations, both of which have been developed in conjunction with Irish Water and Local Authorities to ensure consistency of education for operators of Drinking Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants
Programme Fees
Academic Year 2024/25 Fees
Total Programme Fee: €2,400
To help make the payment of fees more manageable for students who are self-funding their studies, tuition fees can be paid through payment instalment plans at ATU Sligo. For further information on instalment plans, please visit our Fees and Funding webpage.
If you apply and are approved for an online course at ATU Sligo, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of €250 to secure your place. Your deposit will then be credited against the course fees once you are registered as a student. Students at ATU Sligo are also eligible to claim tax relief at the standard rate for tuition fees.
For further information and guidance about Fees and Funding for online and part-time courses at ATU Sligo, click here.
If you are seeking to take your exams online, and you meet the eligibility criteria (overseas students and those with extenuating circumstances), an additional examinations fee will apply. For further information, please visit our Examinations webpage.
Course Format
Semester 1
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| ICT and Transferable Skills | 05 |
| Water and Wastewater Science Module | 05 |
| Health and Safety for Treatment Plant Operators | 05 |
Semester 2
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Energy Management | 05 |
| Law and Compliance | 05 |
| Networks Flow Measurement and Control | 05 |