| Code | SS6820 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Teaching Mode | Part-Time. See Additional Teaching Mode Information for more info. |
| Fees | Cost fee covered by a HEA Grant- subject to acceptance onto the programme See Fees and Costs for full details. |
| Closing Date | 11 Sep 2026 |
| Venue | Hybrid delivery - online and in person components. |
| Credits | 5 |
| Start Date | 21 Sep 2026 |
Outline
This module aims to develop awareness and understanding of approaches to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in higher education in Ireland. Based on an intersectional and critical perspective, it draws on evidence-based research to illustrate how inequalities are experienced in university and social life. It equips participants with the knowledge and skills to advance an anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practice, thereby positioning them to contribute to a supportive, enabling higher education environment for all students and staff.
Additional Teaching Mode Information
This micro-credential is delivered in an online asynchronous format, meaning we offer “on demand” learning for individuals.
The course takes place part-time over 12 weeks.
Students can work at a time that best suits them, with lecture notes released on a Monday. It’s designed for adult learners who need to balance study with work and other commitments.
Teaching Methods:
| Quantity | Duration | Unit | Type | Mode of Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | 1 | hr(s) | Lectures | Online |
| 2 | 1 | hr(s) | Tutorials | Online |
| 8 | 1 | hr(s) | Workshops | In person |
Learning Methods:
| Quantity | Unit | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | hr(s) | Online Asynchronous Activities |
| 20 | hr(s) | Directed Learning |
| 41 | hr(s) | Independent Enquiry |
Practicalities
Competency in understanding and addressing equality, diversity and inclusion issues is a key skill and responsibility for all people working in contemporary higher education institutions. Informed by current research, this module explores issues relating to equality, diversity, and inclusion from a rights-based and social justice perspective.
The content explores how social discrimination shapes our everyday interactions and people's lived experiences of studying and working in higher education institutions. It considers how higher education professionals and colleagues can become better allies and accomplices, encouraging participants to imagine and develop better practices and strategies to produce a more welcoming campus and a more positive workplace.
Students will engage in a one-to-one discussion with university-based mentors about their ideas for enhancing policy and practice in higher education, thereby benefitting from their expertise in developing good practice. In this module we maintain a critical stance on how equality, diversity and inclusion are spoken about, addressed, challenged, ignored, resisted, rejected, belittled, etc. – in the organisations in which we work and in society more broadly. Students undertaking this module will be supported to think critically about equality, diversity, and inclusion with a view to translating these insights into actions that advance social justice in their institutions, professions, and personal lives.
Why Choose
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
- Facilitate awareness and understanding of what Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) mean;
- Create awareness of how inequality and exclusion are experienced, drawing from evidence-based research and first-person accounts;
- Support development of critical thinking about how Equality, Diversity and Inclusion can be promoted in workplace settings;
- increase professional skills and competencies around promoting culturally sensitive, inclusive, and anti-discriminatory work practices;
- Discussion and implementation of EDI principles in the workplace, though practical ideas and innovations, including the opportunity to workshop key EDI issues.
Requirements
- Applicants must be employed in a HEI within the Republic of Ireland
Fees and Costs
Cost fee covered by a HEA Grant- subject to acceptance onto the programme
How To Apply
You must be a staff member at one of the following universities to be eligible to apply:
- University College Cork
- University of Galway
- University of Limerick
Eligible staff from these institutions can undertake this course free of charge, thanks to funding provided by the Higher Education Authority (HEA). Please note that funded places are limited and subject to availability. To apply, please complete this form: SS6820: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education – Fill out form
We will then contact you with an application guide and fee waiver code, which you will need to register for the programme free of charge.
During this registration, you will be requested to upload documents as part of your application:
- Proof of employment in Higher Education - e.g. Copy of Staff Card
- Proof of ID - this can be added to the additional information request document generated after submission
- Passport-style photo
Contact Details
Micro-credentials
Micrea-dintiúir
Contact us
The Laurels, University College Cork, Western Road, Cork, T12 EH31,