| Code | PCPLHE |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Year Part-time |
| Teaching Mode | Part-Time |
| Qualifications | PG Cert |
| NFQ Level | Level 9 |
| Fees | See Fees and Costs for full details. |
| Closing Date | 22 August 2025 or until places have filled. Early application is advised. |
| Start Date | 10 September 2025 |
Course Outline
The Centre for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning (CIRTL) is pleased to offer this part-time Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Practice and Leadership in Higher Education as a flexible learning opportunity for professionals working in an administrative or academic role in Higher Education.
This is an ideal programme for those of you looking to formalise your experience, develop your leadership potential, and enhance your skillset and professional competencies in the Higher Education (HE) sector.
With a unique focus on leadership in higher education, participants in this part-time programme will explore the higher education landscape and operations. You will discover the latest insights into the development of policy and practice and connect with peers across the HE sector via a virtual and in-person learning environment. This course allows you to engage in peer learning, gain a professional qualification, and grow your network, both nationally and internationally.
Modules
This part-time programme is delivered over one academic year, using a blended learning model with online and face-to-face instruction. The programme consists of four modules, worth 30 credits in total.
Full detail on the modules on offer including, when they are offered and how they are assessed, can be found in the Academic Programme Catalogue
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:
- Examine the key features or challenges in your professional practice as relates to your institutional setting and the wider higher education landscape and policy context.
- Investigate opportunities within your professional practice identifying options to effect innovation and change and the potential for sustainable societal impact.
- Reflect on professional identity and professional culture and how these are manifest in the higher educational context.
- Critique professional practice and leadership and the implications for future innovative practice as a community of learners committed to inter-professionalism.
- Demonstrate engagement in interprofessional exchange, collaboration, and peer learning.
Course Practicalities
The Postgraduate Certificate is a part time one-year blended offering. An indicative timetable with regard to on-campus requirements is below.
Campus Days 2025-2026
- Orientation: 10 September
- TL6103: 10-11 September, 16 October
- MG6104: 15 October, 19 November
- TL6103: 14 January, 18 February
- TL6102: 19 February, 25 March
All other classes will be delivered online.
The programme team (s.thelen@ucc.ie) will email the full timetable to incoming students
Why Choose This Course
We provide HE staff with an opportunity to do a deep dive into the policy landscape and key operations of the HE sector while facilitating their potential to impact and shape professional practice.
The growth of universities as complex educational ecosystems has led to differentiation and professionalisation of key functions and roles, and the emergence of HE professionals who play key roles in this new ecosystem. Consequently, there is a demand for professionals who are responsible for the implementation of policies and practices in support of institutional, national, and international strategies, and who shape and respond to the core research, teaching, and learning activities of the university. In this respect, the postgraduate certificate will facilitate your professional development and enhance your career opportunities across the sector.
Teaching Staff
We will connect you to an experienced team of academics and professional services staff in higher education including:
- Patrice Cooper, Lecturer, Management & Marketing, School of Business
- Sarah Thelen, Lecturer in Teaching and Learning Enhancement (CIRTL)
- Anne Gannon, Wellbeing & Development Manager, People and Culture
- Thomas Garavan, Professor in Leadership Practice in the School of Business
- Michelle Nelson, Focus Team, IT Services
- Elizabeth Noonan, Director of the Quality Enhancement Unit
- Catherine O’Mahony, Director of Centre for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning (CIRTL)
Requirements
Applicants must have a Second Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8).
Applicants who do not hold a Second Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) may also be accepted under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), following a review of their qualifications, relevant industry experience and interview with the programme team, and subject to final approval by the CIRTL Academic Programmes Board.
As the course assignments are based on authentic professional scenarios, applicants must be in employment or be able to gain access to an organisation upon which to base assignments. You will need to provide evidence of permission from the organisation to use their data during your course. Applicants must supply written permission to access employer data for acceptance onto the programme.
Applicants whose first language is not English: proof of English language certification is not required if currently employed in the third-level education sector where the main language of instruction is English. Applicants who fall into this category are required to show proof of employment, e.g. a letter from your director of Human Resources, which is evidence of working in a third-level educational setting where the main language of instruction is English. Any applicant whose first language is not English and who cannot provide the above evidence, must provide English language certification in line with University policy as detailed here: PG English Language Entry Requirements | UCC | University College Cork | Ireland.
Please see important notes on the application process in the How to Apply section below.
Fees and Costs
The tuition fee for this programme is €3,000 plus the capitation fee of €207.
UCC staff have a discounted fee of €1,000 and may be eligible for the staff fee concession scheme.
How To Apply
You can apply online via our online application portal before the course closing date. There is a €50 application fee for all courses.
Questions on how to apply? Use our web inquiry form to contact us.
Motivation Statement (Min 500- Max 1000 words)
Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme. When writing your statement, you may want to describe:
- Why you are applying.
- What you can contribute as a course participant.
- A project or initiative which highlights your professionalism.
UCC Staff number
Including your UCC staff number will ensure you are only charged the discounted fee of €1,000. Please see further details on the UCC staff fee concession scheme here.
Apply Now