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4. Certificate
5. Neurodiversity for the Arts & Creative Sector - CPD Cert

Course Fact File

Code	CCPDND
Duration	12 weeks
Teaching Mode	Part-Time
Qualifications	Cert
NFQ Level	Level 6
NFQ Award Title	Special Purpose Award
Fees	€600 (€280 Fee Subsidy available) See Fees and Costs for full details.
Closing Date	28 August 2026
Course Delivery Method	Online
Venue	Online
Start Date	5 October 2026

Course Outline

This programme offers an interdisciplinary introduction to Neurodiversity within the creative sector. Students will gain a holistic, people-centred understanding of this complex concept and movement. The course examines legal obligations and practical approaches that define best practice for companies and practitioners. We aim to foster a culture where everyone can thrive and participate fully in the industry’s operations and leadership.

This course is essential for professionals in the arts and creative sector who are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Course Practicalities

Modules:

• This course consists of two 5-credit modules delivered over 12 weeks tailored for professionals in the arts and creative sectors.
  • AD1109 Introduction to Neurodiversity
  • AD1110 Neurodiversity - Policy and Practice

Lecture Schedule:

• Lectures take place Monday evenings from 7pm-9pm
• Classes take place live, online via Microsoft Teams.
• Lectures are recorded, however, attendance at the live lectures is expected.
• There will be two additional Saturday workshops.
• There are also four x one-hour of tutorials during the programme - these are usually scheduled to take place directly after a lecture.
• Students are also expected to undertake self-study including assigned readings, virtual activities, self-directed learning, and participation in online discussion boards.

Assignments:

This programme is assessed through continuous assessment and may include essays, participation in discussion boards, presentations and reflective writing. 

Why Choose This Course

This course, developed by creative professionals from the Irish Theatre Institute, Safe to Create and Screen Ireland for the creative industries, is intended for It is intended for animators, content creators, practitioners, teachers, festival teams, artists, producers, directors, volunteer coordinators, event organisers, organisations, arts advocates, curators, and anyone interested in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workplace and others in the arts and creative sectors who wish to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in their workplaces and across the industry. 

The course supports practitioners seeking to understand neurodiversity and its significance for creative professionals. It explores the history and presence of neurodiversity in the creative sector, emphasising key strengths, challenges, and perspectives.

The course reviews legal requirements and practical strategies for best practice in the creative industries. We aim to create a more neuroinclusive industry where everyone can thrive and participate fully.

Skills and Careers Information

What our graduates say: 

I learned a lot from the lectures, recordings and having the lecture slides for review and readings. The information was succinct and extremely useful. I’ve learned through this course and how much a neurodiverse society benefits us all. Neurodivergent individuals often have innovative solutions, creative minds and unique perspectives which can benefit workplaces and communities alike.

Taryn de Vere, an Artist and Arts Manager:

I recently completed the UCC course on Neurodiversity and the Arts. The course was incredibly informative for me personally and professionally. Even though I’m Autistic, I still learned a lot from it with regards to the various challenges Neurodivergent people face. The course also gave me a good grounding in the legislative and policy frameworks that shape Ireland’s approach to these subjects. I found the information invaluable and the peer learning from my classmates was hugely enriching as well.

Requirements

Programme Entry Requirements: 

Applicant must:

• Be at least 21 years of age by 1 January of the year of application.
• Be working in the arts and creative sector for at least two-years.
• Hold a QQI level 5 or equivalent qualification.
• Please note that this course is fully online with live classes; therefore, you need to be proficient with technology. The applications used by UCC are Microsoft Teams, Outlook, and the Canvas Virtual Learning Environment.

English Language Requirements: 

All applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English language proficiency. See the UCC English language proficiency requirements. 

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Applicants who do not hold QQI level 5 or equivalent qualification may be eligible to apply through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). See information on RPL here. 

To be considered, applicants should be able to demonstrate relevant work or life experience related to the programme. These applicants may be required to attend an interview.

• If you wish to apply via RPL, you must select “Yes” to the RPL question when completing your application in UCC Apply.
• As part of the application, you will be required to submit:
  • A Personal Statement outlining your motivation for applying and detailing relevant work or life experience.
  • Any other relevant supporting documentation evidencing your prior learning - please refer to the RPL Learner Guide for details on appropriate evidence.

Fees and Costs

The fee for this programme is €600. 

Cultural and Creative Skillnet Funding

Cultural and Creative Skillnet will fund €280 of the programme fee for eligible applicants. These funded applicants will pay a subsidised rate of €320.

Click HERE to apply for Cultural and Creative Skillnet funding.

 

How To Apply

Applications will close on 28 August 2026. All applications must be made via Cultural and Creative Skillnet. Click HERE to apply.

Direct Applications: 

Applications for this programme are currently only open for those eligible for the above funding. If you are not eligible for this funding you may consider: 

• Those in the Screen industry may be eligible to apply for: Neurodiversity in the Screen Industry (funding available) 
• Those in the BioPharmaChem industry may be eligible to apply for: Neurodiversity for the Workplace - CPD Cert (funding available)
• All others can express their interest for the open intake in Neurodiversity in the Workplace HERE. 

Apply Now