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1. Study
2. Adult Continuing Education
3. Study At ACE
4. Higher Diploma and Postgraduate Cert/Dip
5. Mindfulness Based Practice and Research - PG Cert

Course Fact File

Code	PCMBP
Duration	Seven Months
Teaching Mode	Part-Time
Qualifications	PG Cert
NFQ Level	Level 9
NFQ Award Title	Minor
Fees	€1,700 See Fees and Costs for full details.
Closing Date	Round One: 26 June 2026
Venue	Delivered Fully Online - Generally Thursday evenings and occasional Saturdays.
Start Date	November 2026

Course Outline

This Post Graduate Certificate in Mindfulness-Based Practice is run over seven months, fully online. The programme supports the student to develop a committed mindfulness practice in their own lives. This practice enables the student to manage stress more effectively, improve interpersonal skills and enhance self awareness. The programme includes an eight-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction course which incorporates elements of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy. For those who have already completed an 8-week mindfulness programme,, it serves as an excellent follow-up programme. This PG Cert examines both the eastern philosophy and the western psychology of mindfulness and supports the student by enhancing their reflective skills through practice and enquiry. The programme explores the use of mindfulness in settings such as healthcare, education, social care, the workplace, family and relationships.   

This PG Cert acts as an ideal preparation for those who wish to progress to the MSC in Mindfulness Based Wellbeing and become a mindfulness teacher. Please see below a short introductory video about the course. 

 

Course Queries

We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions about this programme here: FAQs Mindfulness Based Practice | Postgraduate Certificate UCC

If you do not see your Academic Query or Course Content Query listed above, please contact the Programme Coordinators:

• Dr Pat O Leary at p.oleary@ucc.ie,  087 3298052
• Pascale De Coninck on 087 2248607

For Online Application Support please click here. 

If you require further assistance with your online application please contact the Programme Administrator Noreen Delea at n.delea@ucc.ie. 

Course Practicalities

The Post Graduate Certificate in Mindfulness Based Practice is run fully online and so can be completed from home. The programme requires a committed personal practice of formal and informal mindfulness outside of lecture times.

Lectures generally take place on Thursday evenings with occasional Saturday workshops. 

Modules

• AP6807: Mindfulness and Reflective Practice (5 credits)
• AP6808: Enquiry into Mindfulness Practice (15 credits)
• AP6817: Mindfulness Practice (10 credits)

Why Choose This Course

There are many programmes throughout the country that offer an eight-week course in mindfulness; however, this is the first programme of its kind in Ireland that offers the student sustained support in learning and embedding their mindfulness practice into daily life. Through the programme, the student learns how mindfulness can be brought into healthcare, education, social care, the workplace, family and relationships. Research in these settings demonstrates that training in mindfulness can lead to a significant reduction of stress levels, an increase in levels of emotional intelligence, increased levels of interpersonal effectiveness, lower rates of health related absenteeism, increased self awareness, better communication skills, increased concentration and attention span, a greater capacity to hold information, lower levels of psychological distress and anxiety along with higher levels of well-being, resilience and overall life and work satisfaction.

This programme critically examines the empirical research undertaken in these areas and evaluates the implications of this for contemporary society. It provides the student the opportunity to establish a committed mindfulness practice and to deepen their understanding of Mindfulness Based Interventions.

Requirements

• Applicants should hold a level eight honours degree or an equivalent qualification or professional qualification within a relevant field such as health care, education, social care, family care or workplace development

or

• Have at least five years of relevant experience within the workplace, healthcare, social care, family care or education, for those who have a degree outside  of these areas.
• An interview forms an important element in assessing a candidates suitability for the programme, final decision on the inclusion of a candidate onto the programme will be determined by this process.

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. 

Fees and Costs

The fee for this programme is €1,700

• Applicants pay 50% of this fee on application.
• This fee is fully refundable if the programme does not run or you are not offered a place on the programme
• The remaining 50% programme fee is due by 31 Jan. 

For further information on fees and financial supports please click here.

 

Sponsorship

If your fees are fully or partially covered by your organisation, this is called sponsorship. You will need to apply as a sponsored applicant. You can indicate that you are a sponsored applicant during your application on UCC Apply. Please read the sponsorship guides here in advance of making your application. 

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.

Before you apply, please prepare the following items which you will need during your application:

• 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
• 50% of the Programme fee

Create an account or login to UCC Apply (click the 'Apply' button below).

1. Start a new application
   • WHEN ASKED FOR APPLICATION TYPE - YOU MUST CHOOSE: ADULT & CONTINUING EDUCATION
2. 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:  Mindfulness Based Practice and Research - PG Cert

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 Now