The Certificate in Nature Conservation and Interpretation is a Special Purpose Level 6 Award, aimed at those interested in pursuing a career in outdoor pursuits, conservation, ecology and wildlife biology.
2025 will be the fifth edition of this course (previously titled Certificate in Nature Animation), and applications are open from now until January 17th 2025.
The course is designed, developed and delivered as a collaboration between The National Parks and Wildlife Service, Munster Technological University and Leave No Trace Ireland. For the past four years the course has proved hugely popular with participants.
The Certificate in Nature Conservation and Interpretation has been developed to provide a foundation of knowledge in the key roles and responsibilities of someone looking to work in the conservation sphere.
The 2025 course, beginning in March and running until December, is a free NFQ level 6 accredited course and is available to anyone with a level 5 qualification or above. The course is designed using blended learning, modules will are being delivered online by MTU, and students will complete 8 weeks of place-based learning situated in a National Park, Nature Reserve or on a European Conservation Project.
The course modules include;
- Communications & visitor experience
- Nature wildlife and habitats in Ireland
- Work-based learning
- Sustainable handling of our wildlife & habitats
- Practising nature interpretation
The knowledge imparted in this course can translate into roles such as an Outdoor Educator, Guide, Field Work Specialist, and more