Facilities and Property Management

This degree prepares you to manage the built environment across commercial, public and industrial settings. You study how buildings operate day-to-day, covering maintenance systems, energy performance, health and safety legislation, and sustainable building practices. Specialist modules address property law, contract management, and asset lifecycle planning, while emerging areas such as data centre operations and smart campus management feature increasingly in the curriculum. A typical week combines lectures, site visits to commercial estates or public sector buildings, and project-based work using industry software for space planning and energy monitoring. A work placement, usually in third year, places you with employers such as property management firms, facilities contractors, or public bodies like the HSE or third-level institutions.

Entry is typically through the CAO with a Leaving Certificate that includes at least six subjects, with English and Maths (Ordinary or Higher level) generally required as minimum passes. Points requirements are moderate, making this a realistic target for a broad range of students. Subjects such as Construction Studies, Business, Physics or Applied Mathematics are useful preparation, though not always mandatory. Applicants holding a QQI Level 5 or 6 award in Construction, Facilities Management, or a related area may progress through a FET/PLC route with a competitive distinction profile. Mature applicants aged 23 or over may apply directly and are assessed on relevant work experience, and HEAR and DARE schemes provide access routes for eligible applicants.

The graduate outlook is strong, with increasing demand driven by Ireland's large commercial property sector, the expansion of data centres and the national focus on energy efficiency and decarbonisation of buildings. Facilities and property management professionals are needed across public and private sectors, providing good job security and geographic spread of roles beyond Dublin. Starting salaries for graduates typically range from around €32,000 to €42,000, with experienced facilities managers earning €55,000 to €80,000 or more depending on the scale of the portfolio managed. Professional membership through BIFM (now IWFM) or RICS adds further career credibility and progression opportunities.