This Post Graduate Diploma in Mindfulness Based Practice and Research is run over two years. Year one accompanies the student to develop a committed mindfulness practice within their own lives while year two offers the student the opportunity to research Mindfulness at a deeper level. The programme includes an eight week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course which incorporates elements of Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy. It examines both the eastern philosophy and the western psychology of mindfulness and supports the student by enhancing their reflective skills through enquiry and heightened awareness. The programmes explores the use of mindfulness in settings such as healthcare, education, social care, the workplace, family and relationships. Students who complete year one of the programme may exit the programme and graduate with a PG Certificate in Mindfulness Based Practice while those who complete year two will graduate with a PG Diploma in Mindfulness Based Practice and Research.

Students take the following modules:

Year 1 Modules:

• AP6805: Mindfulness Practice (5 credits)
  Eight week mindfulness based stress reduction programme informed in parts by mindfulness based cognitive therapy for the general public.
• AP6806: Mindfulness in Personal and Professional Life (5 credits)
  Mindfulness in family and relationships, work, health care and education. Research into mindfulness and its implications for contemporary life. Eastern origins and influence of western psychology in mindfulness based approaches.
• AP6807: Mindfulness and Reflective Practice (5 credits)
  Reflective practice, acceptance and commitment training, nine attitudinal foundations of mindfulness.
• AP6808: Enquiry into Mindfulness Practice (15 credits)
  Enquiry into personal practice, deepening of personal practice. Exploring the connection between and transition from formal practice to informal practice, practising mindfulness in every aspect of daily life.

Year 2 Modules:

• AP6809: Research Methodologies (5 credits)
  Qualitative, quantitative and mixed research. Theory, research and practice, data gathering, reflexive practice in research.
• AP6810: Research Project (25 credits)
  Demonstrate the ability to complete a minor research work to the appropriate standard.

In year one, the Post Graduate Certificate in Mindfulness Based Practice, the student completes a total of 30 credits.  The programme also require a committed personal practice of formal and informal mindfulness outside of lecture times.

In year two, the Post Graduate Diploma in Mindfulness based Practice and Research the student completes a total of thirty credits.

The Post Graduate Diploma in Mindfulness based Practice and Research will use academic style assignments along with reflective assignments which allow the student to engage with both research and personal practice and encourages the student to draw on research to inform their practice. There is also a classroom presentation which the student gives of their learning in the programme. The PG Diploma requires a minor research to be completed and allows for a deeper engagement with research and theory.

Staff of ACE and of the School of Psychology UCC

Currently not accepting applications