Course Summary
This course will prepare participants with the knowledge, skills and competencies required for success in operation of water treatment plants. It will also provide formal certification to operatives in this area.
In Stage 1, the focus is on developing a greater understanding of the Water Industry in Ireland.
In Stage 2, the focus is on Wastewater sector specific specialist topics.
Final Effluent Stream in Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant
Key Course Information
Programme/Course Structure
In collaboration with Irish Water and the Local Authority Services National Training Group, L6 Certificate in Wastewater Treatment Operations (online and on a part time basis) tailored to address the increasing and demanding needs of Wastewater treatment plant operations.
Available to operatives in Local Authorities, Irish Water and Private Sector Water organisations.
Approved Local Authority and Irish Water employees will have their fees fully funded to undertake these programmes.
Stage 1 focuses on developing a greater understanding of computer applications, health and safety, flow measurement and controls, as well as law and compliance
Stage 2, the focus is on specific specialist topics in the wastewater area including preliminary, primary and secondary treatment as well as sludge treatment and plant maintenance. Advanced wastewater treatment is also included in stage 2.
Attendance Requirements
Two one day workshops will take place each semester in ATU Sligo. Attendance at the workshops will be compulsory.
Application Closing Date : 15th August 2025
Entry Requirements
A Level 5 qualification (e.g. leaving certificate) or equivalent is required for entry to this programme.
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 will be qualified to work in 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 programme can complete a further 60 credits by way of (a) a 30 Credit Work Based Project Module and (b) 30 credits of modules not already undertaken from the Certificate in Drinking Water Treatment Operations. On completion of these additional 60 Credits (120 Credits in total will then be held) students will be entitled to the award of a Higher Certificate in Water and Wastewater Treatment Operations and can apply to progress to our Level 7 Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management.
Please contact admissions.sligo@atu.ie for details on application process.
Did you know?
Approved Local Authority and Irish Water employees will have their fees fully funded to undertake these programmes.
Programme Fees
Academic Year 2024/25 Fees
Total Programme Fees: €4,800
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 |
Semester 3
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Wastewater Sludge Treatment | 05 |
| Wastewater Treatment Plant Maintenance | 05 |
| Advanced Wastewater Treatment | 05 |
Semester 4
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Preliminary and Primary Wastewater Treatment | 05 |
| Wastewater Treatment | 10 |