Course Summary
The aim of this part time, online programme is to help prepare graduates for marine spatial planning roles and contribute to the sustainable development of Ireland’s blue economy.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
Candidates must hold a cognate level 8 Bachelor (Hons) degree with a minimum grade classification of H2.2 or equivalent. Cognate degrees for this programme include: marine science, marine biology, oceanography, marine ecology, geography, planning, economics, law, civil engineering.
Candidates who do not meet the H2.2 performance standard in a Level 8 award will be required to pass a qualifying assignment at a H2.2 performance standard as established by the Programme Board, and approved by the Registrar.
Application Details
Those interested in studying this course must apply directly through the Springboard website and must meet eligibility criteria. For further information, visit http://springboardcourses.ie
Application Closing Date
15th August 2025. Refer to https://springboardcourses.ie for Springboard+ closing dates.
Start Date: September 2026.
Fees
Total Fees: €4000.
Through Springboard+ funding, employed candidates only pay €400 to study this course. For unemployed candidates, the course tuition fee is free, with 100% of the fee funded by Springboard+.
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Naturalist
Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.
Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Career Progression
Duration
Recommended Study Hours per week
There will be an average of 6 hours of classes per semester, (slightly more in the January to June semester, less in the September to December semester). This will need to be augmented by additional study on an individual basis, approximately 8 more hours per week, depending in existing knowledge and expertise.
On-Campus Attendance Requirement: No on-campus attendance required.