| Code | CCPDNS |
|---|---|
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Teaching Mode | Part-Time |
| Qualifications | Cert |
| NFQ Level | Level 6 |
| NFQ Award Title | Special Purpose Award |
| Fees | €600 - Funded by Screen Ireland See Fees and Costs for full details. |
| Closing Date | 18 September 2025 |
| Next Intake | September 2025 |
| Course Delivery Method | Online |
| Venue | Online |
| Start Date | 25 September 2025 |
Course Outline
This programme provides an interdisciplinary introduction to the concept of Neurodiversity in the context of the screen industry. The programme will provide students with a holistic and people-centred understanding of the multi-faceted concept and movement of Neurodiversity.
This course is important for anyone who works in the screen industry who cares about equity, diversity and inclusion.
Please see below a short introductory video on the course.
Course Practicalities
The remainder of the programme is completed through self-directed learning, readings and participation in online discussion boards.
Why Choose This Course
Skills and Careers Information
What our students say:
I just want to thank you and the wider team for running "Certificate in Continuing Professional Development in Neurodiversity for the Screen Industry". I have learnt so much on the course and feel much better equipped in dealing with recruiting and supporting neurodiverse candidates and indeed it has expanded my knowledge even on a day-to-day level. It was extremely well put together; there were plenty of resources made available to us students and really practical insights with some great guest speakers. I have already recommended it to several colleagues so hopefully a change is happening in the screen industry and beyond. The passion and drive you put behind this course will be testament to that.
Elaine Walsh - Award Winning Producer, Development Producer and Script Mentor
I’ve gone through college and several courses throughout my career, and each time I pick up something new and learn something valuable from the entire course. But the Neurodiversity in the Screen Industry was exceptional in detailing valuable information, around policy and legislation, here and in the UK, around the practicalities of accommodations, and the participants and guest speakers spoke sensitively, and with tremendous honesty and insight. Eleanor McSherry is a superb lecturer, is a superb curator, she provided a lot of information but also helped us to navigate this information so it resonated with us and we could retain and apply it. I am a mentor with Screen Yorkshire to diverse writers, producers, director’s, I don’t necessarily know what diversity my mentees will my goal with this course was to explore all types neurodiversity and develop better language and accommodations. Eleanor taught us that the language is evolving in this area and that policy is too, and she also taught us how we can advocate, be an ally, on set, in pressurised situations for others who may be experiencing difficulties or feeling excluded. At first, I wasn’t sure that an online course would answer all my questions, but Eleanor really, really knows her stuff! The video tutorials and printable docs are excellent, I downloaded all the materials and built a cheat sheet, but the cheat sheet is a few sheets long! No matter it is all captivating and vital information that I can refer to and keep it dynamic by adding to it. I really, strongly recommend everyone do this course, it is empowering, it is so inclusive, it is timely, human and kind.
Requirements
Candidates should be at least 21 years of age by 1 January of the year of application and must:
- Be a screen industry professional
- Hold a QQI level 6 or equivalent qualification
- English Language Requirement: All applicants whose first language is not English must have attained IELTS Level6 or the equivalent TOEFL score or the equivalent Duolingo score.
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.
Recognition of Prior Learning
In exceptional cases applicants not meeting the above criteria will be considered for entry based on an interview and successfully demonstrating that they hold an equivalent professional qualification in a health and social care setting or practice experience relevant to the course aims and objectives
Fees and Costs
For further information on fees and financial supports please click here.
Screen Ireland Funding:
Screen Ireland is offering fee subsidies for applicants in the Screen industry.
If you are a screen industry professional and you wish to apply for Screen Ireland funding, please complete this application HERE.
How To Apply
Applicants need to be aware of the IT student checklist below before applying:
- You will need access to a laptop or desktop computer running a modern supported operating system with all software updates.
- Some of UCC’s services (e.g. the Canvas Virtual Learning Environment) link to an external site and also have mobile apps for iOS and Android Devices that you may wish to use as part of your studies. However, we recommend using your desktop web browser for submission of assessments.
- You should always use the most current version of your preferred browser. In general, we recommend the Chrome Web browser (Important Note: Internet Explorer will not work with Canvas).
- We recommend a reliable broadband connection with at least 2Mbps or more.
- You will require an Office suite of software (Microsoft Office or equivalent) and a PDF reader. You should always use the latest version of this software. All UCC students will have access to Office 365 which includes software such as Word/Excel/PowerPoint etc. once registered.
To Apply for this course please follow the steps below:
Screen Ireland Funded Applicants:
- Please complete this application HERE.
- Our Coordinator will review your application. If you are successful, you will be provided with a fee waiver code and a link to complete your application on UCC Apply.
General/ Fee-paying Applicants:
You may also choose to enter this programme as a self-funded applicant. Please apply via the UCC Apply portal. Application instructions as follows:
- When you log into the Application Portal:
- Click Apply Online
- Select Start a new Adult & Continuing Education Application
- Academic Level: Adult Continuing Education (ACE at UCC)
- Course Type: ACE Part-time Courses
- Academic Programme: The course title you are applying for.
During your online application you will be required to upload the following documents:
- Birth Cert or Passport
- Passport Photograph
- English Language Test Report [if applicable]
- The full fee is required to complete your application.