| Code | CCPDNS |
|---|---|
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Teaching Mode | Part-Time |
| Qualifications | Cert |
| NFQ Level | Level 6 |
| NFQ Award Title | Special Purpose Award |
| Fees | €600 (Full fee funding available from Screen Ireland) See Fees and Costs for full details. |
| Closing Date | Round One: 26 June 2026 |
| Course Delivery Method | Online |
| Venue | Online |
| Start Date | 24 September 2026 |
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, people-centred understanding of the multifaceted 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
Programme Modules:
This course comprises two 5-credit modules delivered over 12 weeks:
Lecture Schedule:
- Lectures take place online on Thursday evenings from 7pm-9pm
- There are also two full day online Saturday workshops (10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm)
- There are four x one-hour tutorials during the programme. These are usually scheduled to take place directly after a lecture.
- This programme is delivered full online
- Students are also exepected to engage in self study including self-directed learning, readings and participation in online discussion boards.
Why Choose This Course
This course is specifically developed for the screen industry by screen industry professionals who are also neurodivergent screen professionals. This also includes consultations with neurodivergent screen professionals and Screen Ireland. This course is designed for producers, scriptwriters, cast, technicians, crew, content creators, directors, company leaders, HODs, managers, supervisors, teams, and anyone interested in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the screen industry. It is also relevant for those working to create neuroinclusive workplaces and content.
The course focuses on neurodiversity, examining its presence, history, strengths, challenges, and its understanding within the industry. This course will explore the legal obligations and the practicalities that govern best practice for companies and practitioners in this area. The hope is to create a culture in which everyone has the opportunities to thrive and participate in the industry’s operations and leadership.
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
Programme Entry Requirements:
Applicants must:
- 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
- As this course is delivered fully online, applicants 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
Applicants who do not hold a QQI Level 6 of equivalent qualification may be eligible to apply through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). See information on RPL here.
- 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
Screen Ireland Funding:
Screen Ireland is offering a limited number of full-fee subsidies for professionals 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.
If you intend to apply for funding, you must await the outcome of your funding application before making your application for this programme on UCC Apply.

How To Apply
Applications are accepted in two rounds.
- Round 1 closes on 26 June and Round 2 closes on 28 August.
- Please note: if all places are filled by eligible applicants by the Round 1 deadline, the programme will not open for Round 2.
- For round 2, applications will remain open until the final deadline or until all places are filled, whichever occurs first. Early application is strongly advised.
To Apply for this course please follow the steps below:
Screen Ireland Funding Applications:
- 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.
Direct Applications:
- If you are applying for this programme as a fee-paying applicant, please apply via the steps below under 'start your application'
- If your organisation is paying part or all of your programme fees, this is called 'sponsorship' and you will need to review the sponsorship guides here before starting your application.
- Before you apply, please prepare the following documents/text which you will need to upload:
- Proof of Identity (Birth Cert, Passport or Driver's Licence)
- Passport-style Photograph
- English Language Test Report (if applicable)
- Supporting documentation if required for RPL
Start Your Application
Create an account or login to UCC Apply (click the 'Apply' button below).
- Start a new application
- WHEN ASKED FOR APPLICATION TYPE - YOU MUST CHOOSE: ADULT & CONTINUING EDUCATION
- During the application on the tab titled Academic Level, under Level Selection, select the following options:
- Academic Level: Adult Continuing Education (ACE at UCC)
- Course Type: ACE Part-time Courses
- Academic Programme: Continuing Professional Development in Neurodiversity in the Screen industry
A step-by-step visual application guide for this specific programme is available – please email the Programme Coordinator. You can view a general application guide for all part-time programmes here: https://www.ucc.ie/en/ace/helphub/
Apply NowYear 1 Modules
Year 2 Modules
Year 3 Modules
Year 4 Modules
For queries regarding course content or timetables please contact
Adult Continuing Education
Aosoideachas Leanúnach
Contact us
The Laurels, University College Cork, Western Road, Cork, T12 EH31