Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Monitoring
About
Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Monitoring is aligned to both the Agri-Food and Life and Health Sciences strategic clusters in the DfE Skills Strategy for Northern Ireland. Key skill gaps across Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Monitoring have been identified. The course also aligns to DAERA’s Knowledge Framework (2019) by focusing on healthy environments that benefit people, nature and the economy.
This course teaches skills such as pollution monitoring for air, water and land, chemical and biological analysis, bio-assessment, sustainability, water quality, data analysis, impacts of chemicals and legislation and policy.
This course is designed for those with a primary degree in science, or in a related area.
Start dates
22 September 2025 - April 2026 (30 weeks taught). Please note the application deadline to apply for this programme is Monday 15 September 2025.
Delivery format (fully online)
Typically the course will have 5 hours of taught content per week. Those undertaking the course should expect to spend 25 hours per week on the course.
Teaching will be fully online with lecture and practical material being released on a weekly basis. There is strong support from e-tutors on each module who are experienced professionals with industry and/or research expertise in environmental research areas. Suggested reading materials, tutorials and discussion boards facilitate learning and understanding. Assessment is 100% coursework using on-line submission and ranges from reports to essays.
Hardware requirements for study
To complete the programme, all successful applicants must have access to an internet connection, a computer or laptop, a webcam and a microphone. A basic-entry PC or laptop would be sufficient. A computer with at least 8 GB of RAM, with an Intel or similar processor will be sufficient.
Progression
On successful completion of this programme, it is possible to progress to the Postgraduate Diploma and MSc in Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Monitoring.
Contact
If you have any queries about the course, please email GES@ulster.ac.uk.
Further Information
Modules
The Postgraduate Certificate consists of two modules at 30 credit points each. Modules are offered on a biennial basis and the module being offered is dependent on course start date. The modules below are all part of the Postgraduate Diploma and two of the modules Environmental Data Analysis and Environmental Toxicology, will be taken as part of the Postgraduate Certificate in 2025/2026. Module content may vary depending on course updates and staff availability.
Pollution Monitoring
This module provides the knowledge and skills necessary to monitor pollution of the environment. The topics included are: the key elements of the monitoring programmes for air, water and land; sample collection; chemical methods of analysis, including quality assurance; biological methods of analysis, including toxicity tests and bio-assessment; use of environmental models; statistics, data analysis and assessing compliance and; critical loads. The student gains experience through lectures, supporting documents, directed reading and practicals.
Water Management
This module introduces the theory and practice of water management. It is intended to provide an understanding of current methods of water treatment and distribution, sustainable use of resources and principles of water quality management and legislation. In addition it aims at teaching skills in analysis and interpretation of water quality data and in applying water legislation. Lecture-based teaching of key concepts is reinforced by linked case study based practical exercises. The module assumes no prior knowledge or experience of water management.
Environmental Data Analysis
This module will provide new and synthesise existing knowledge and skills necessary to understand and analyse environmental data. Statistics, environmental modelling, geographical information systems and presentation skills will all be taught and demonstrated. The students will put this knowledge into action in the form of worked examples and assessments. Knowledge and evaluation techniques are provided in lectures, skills developed during worked examples and demonstrated by assessments.
Environmental Toxicology
This module provides knowledge and skills necessary to understand the impact of chemicals in the environment. Specific areas covered include: the major toxicants, both organic and inorganic: sources, pathways and fate of major toxicants; specific effects on organisms (including humans); physiological & biochemical principles of toxicity testing; LD50 & NOEC; risk assessment of soils and water; environmental quality standards and toxicity quotients.
Entry requirements
Academic qualifications
You must hold a degree in a science, or other suitable discipline, or demonstrate your ability to undertake the course through the accreditation of prior experiential learning.
Eligibility
Places are limited and open to applicants who:
- are 18 or over at the point of enrolment;
- have a right to work and undertake training in the UK at the point of application and for the duration of the course and must not be disqualified from doing either by reason of their immigration status. Proof of this will be required to progress your application. Prove your right to work to an employer: Overview - GOV.UK
- meet the course specific entry requirements. See course pages for requirements.
- meet the Ulster University general entry requirements including competency in English (as evidenced by GCSE Grade C in English or alternative). For English competency, a degree taught in UK or Ireland covers this requirement. If your degree is from outside the UK or Ireland, please see our list of acceptable qualifications or tests.
- are available to register in person at the campus as required.
Apply now - limited places available
There are a limited number of places for this course. Offers will be extended to those applicants who meet the entry requirements following successful completion of the application process, and have provided evidence of such, on a first come, first served basis. Applications will no longer be accepted or processed once all offers are extended. Applications will no longer be accepted or processed once all places are filled. Applications can not be considered once a course has started.
Please note you can only be funded by DfE for a maximum of two courses at any one time (including modules to a total of 45 credits per semester - if studying part-time).
When creating your application you will need to have the following documents saved electronically as they need to be uploaded as part of the application process:
- Passport
- Evidence of having right to work and undertake training in the UK*
- Degree Certificate
- English Competency (If you have a degree from UK/ROI, you don't need to provide anything else
* Holders of UK or Irish passports automatically have this right. if you hold a passport from another nation, please provide evidence of UK immigration permissions to include a ShareCode and/or BRP.
To select the correct course, in the field called Please select the subject area, select Green Skills from the drop down box. Then select Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Monitoring, PG Cert from the next drop down box.
