Certificate in Auctioneering and Estate Agency Practice (Online)

Course Summary

This Level 7 Certificate in Auctioneering and Estate Agency is a programme offered via on-line distance learning over a period of 1 year part time. It is an embedded award in our 2 year Level 7 BSc in Property Services and Facilities Management i.e. it is Year 1 of our 2 year BSc programme. The programme, which has been developed in partnership with and accredited by the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland is specifically designed to enable industry professionals including; Estate Agents, Property Managers or other qualified level 6 property professionals gain a level 7 qualification.

The programme prepares graduates to assume technical and management level positions within the property services industry with modules covering - Property lettings, Management, Sales & Marketing - Project Feasibility & Appraisal - Introduction to Planning & Development - Investment Valuations - Commercial Real Estate Planning - Capstone project in Property Development.

Key Course Information

The course is delivered over one year. The course consists of six subject modules – three per semester and learners may take as few modules as they wish and complete the programme over a number of years to suit their own circumstances.

Qualified and experienced Property Services and Facilities Management professionals will teach the various modules which are summarised on the following pages.

Programme Attendance Requirements

Classes - students remotely attend live online classes, including software tutorials. Should a student miss a live class they can view the recording whenever it suits them. Software is available for the duration of the course via remote access to our on-campus PCs or students may choose to download free student licences directly to their home PC/laptop. On average students will study three taught modules per semester. Typically there will be three live lectures per week - each live lecture lasts for  approximately 1 hour. In addition to attending the lectures students will be required to undertake self study (3-5hrs per week per module). Live lectures will be delivered on Monday - Thursday evenings after 6pm. 

Exams - students who reside outside the island of Ireland at the time of their exams have the choice to sit an exam remotely using ATU Sligo’s online invigilator service (proctoring) - therefore, there is no requirement to travel to Ireland for examinations. Students that reside in Ireland at the time of examinations will be required to sit their exams in an exam centre.

Application Closing Date : 15th August 2025

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have as a minimum a National Framework of Qualifications level 6 Higher Cert in a related field or equivalent (including RPL etc).  

For candidates without level 6 qualifications, a process of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can be undertaken to assess the candidates’ suitability to the course. Applicants with other qualifications and with relevant work experience may also be considered through ATU Sligo’s Recognised 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 and career. Further information is available through www.atu.ie/recognition-of-prior-learning which our dedicated RPL portal or by contacting our admissions team at admissions.sligo@atu.ie

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the programme will typically be involved in facility management, property management (residential/commercial/retail), service providers to the industry or public sector employees involved in hospital / OPW / local authorities / social housing management etc.

Further Study

On successful completion of this programme, learners may progress to the second and final year of the Level 7 BSc. in Property Services and Facilities Management. ATU Sligo have launched 2 Level 8 SCSI accredited programmes which will enable students to specialise through either a Level 8 BSc in Real Estate Development and Valuation or a Level 8 BSc in Facilities and Building Services Management - please see links to programme pages below.

Bachelor of Science in Property Services and Facilities Management (Online)

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Real Estate Development and Valuation (Online)

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Facilities and Building Services Management (Online)

Testimonials

An important partner in the development of this suite of programmes has been the SCSI. James Lonergan, Director of Education at SCSI commented on their launch, “The Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland is delighted to see the launch of these courses through our partnership with ATU Sligo.  The availability of these online courses in Real Estate Development and Valuation and in Facilities Management (FM) provides a unique, flexible, accessible opportunity for students who wish to upskill on a part time basis”.  

James went on to say “As the courses are all delivered online, they will help to address a significant skills gap in the industry by providing access to education to prospective students nationwide.  The level 8 FM course is the first SCSI accredited FM course in Ireland while the Real Estate courses will broaden education options and opportunities for learners.  Those who complete either of these level 8 degree courses will be eligible to apply for Chartered Membership of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland, which is a vital step in the career path for Property and FM professionals.” 

Did you know?

What is property services?

Property Services is Auctioneering, Estate Agency, Property Management, Property Valuations, and Planning for all types of property such as residential housing, apartment blocks, commercial such as retail, offices, industrial, development land, hotels and other trading assets.

What is Facilities Management?

Facilities Management (FM) deals with both the Hard and Soft FM. Asset Management, Property Maintenance and Facility Management. A Facilities Manager deals with Life cycle costings and maintenance, energy management, the introduction and management of renewable technologies, risk and cost management, management of legal requirements, health and safety of buildings (fire safety etc), budgeting and future planning. Lastly, a Facilities Manager with deal with external contract management.

Accreditation

This programme is fully accredited by the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) which has direct links with the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Once chartered with the SCSI, graduates will be enabled to work anywhere in the world.  

Programme Fees

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

Semester 2