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1. Study
2. Micro-credentials
3. Study Micro-credentials
4. Micro-credential modules
5. PF5012: An Introduction to Health Literacy for Health and Social Care Professions

Course Fact File

Code	PF5012
Duration	10 weeks
Teaching Mode	Part-Time. See Additional Teaching Mode Information for more info.
Fees	€225 See Fees and Costs for full details.
Closing Date	21 Sep 2026
Venue	UCC
Credits	1 credit
Start Date	5 Oct 2026

Outline

Health literacy (HL) is the degree to which individuals have the ability to find, understand, and use information and services to inform health‐related decisions and actions. Low HL levels predispose to poor medication adherence and health outcomes. Awareness and knowledge of HL amongst healthcare professions can lead to tailored interventions for improved HL.

This micro credential is designed as a baseline HL training for Health and Social Care Professions and students of healthcare courses, who are currently or will in the future be responsible for patients (and their carers) who may face HL challenges, and need to be supported through suitable education about their condition and its effective treatment or management.

The micro credential will comprise of a total of 26 hours of student effort:

Topics include:

• What is Health Literacy?
• Understanding adult literacy, numeracy and digital literacy*
• Health literacy research
• Measuring health literacy levels
• Written techniques to support health literacy
• Verbal and digital techniques to support health literacy
• Providing a literacy friendly service*
• Specific disease challenges: the cardiology patient
• Putting learnings into action
  
  *students will complete these NALA courses for certs.

Additional Teaching Mode Information

This programme commences on 5 October 2026, running for ten weeks, and the final submission deadline is Monday 21^st December.

 

Teaching Methods:

5 x .25hr(s) lectures

1 x 1.5hr(s) workshops

Learning Methods:

2 hr(s) online asynchronous (anytime learning) activities

5.5 hr(s) directed learning

2 hr(s) autonomous student activities

9 hr(s) independent enquiry

Requirements

Professional requirement of six-months work experience in a patient-facing role, or a patient information provision role.  

After submitting your application you will be requested to upload:

• Proof of ID
• Additional Information Request (please upload ONE of the following):
  • Employer letter of support if no formal qualification applies
  • OR Copy of transcript
  • OR Professional Registration Certificate

Fees and Costs

The fee for this module is €225, payable on submission of your application.

It is possible to get the fee invoiced to your employer by selecting the sponsored payment option during your online application. You will be required to provide full employer details before your application can be processed/reviewed. 

How To Apply

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: Microcredentials
   • Academic Programme: An Introduction to Health Literacy for Health and Social Care Professions PF5012

Apply Now