Health Literacy Microcredential at UCC Now Open for 2026 Enrolment
The School of Pharmacy, UCC are delighted to announce that the one-credit microcredential, “An Introduction to Health Literacy for Health and Social Care Professions” is once again open for registration: PF5012: An Introduction to Health Literacy for Health and Social Care Professions | University College Cork.
The course, designed and delivered by Prof. Laura J Sahm and Dr Michelle O’Driscoll at the School of Pharmacy UCC in collaboration with the National Adult Literacy Agency, will commence on Tuesday 4 February 2026, with a registration deadline of Friday 30 January.
What is health literacy?
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 professionals can lead to tailored interventions for improved HL and patient outcomes.
Who is the course open to?
This microcredential is open to all health and social care professionals, students of such professions, or those who work in these settings – essentially those who are currently or will in the future engage with patients experiencing health literacy challenges, and who wish to optimise their care.
What does the course involve?
The course runs online over ten weeks, comprising of weekly bite-sized recordings and short online discussions and activities, with some associated readings provided. Content is released weekly, and can be completed at a time that suits the student.
Embedded into the course are contributions from the National Adult Literacy Agency, including an interactive live 90-minute online workshop.
How do I obtain the microcredential?
The microcredential will be awarded to those who have completed the prescribed learning activities and submitted a reflective e-portfolio and brief two-page assignment at the end of the course.
What topics are covered?
The course will explore the following topics:
- What is health literacy?
- The impact of health literacy on patient outcomes
- Written, verbal and digital approaches to improving health literacy
- A specific focus on the cardiology patient, and the impact of health literacy on their care and outcomes
- Putting your health literacy learnings into practice
Why sign up?
Prof Laura J. Sahm explains:
“As a healthcare professional, I am passionate about our role in helping patients and their caregivers to access easy-to-understand information about their health and wellbeing. Medicines are a big part of preventing, managing and treating illnesses. If we can make information about medicines and the healthcare system easier to access and understand, this is an important first step.”
Dr Michelle O’Driscoll adds:
“The feedback from this training has been extremely positive. We’ve welcomed participants from a wide range of healthcare settings and organisations, many with prior qualifications and experience.
Offering this learning as a microcredential means it is credit-bearing for those who wish to build on existing expertise, without an onerous time commitment. Past participants have reported making tangible changes in their practice, using this qualification to inform workplace initiatives and improve patient care.”
What past participants say
“Eye opening course about all those affected and the impact it can have on their health decisions. Enjoyed hearing the views of other healthcare professionals. Overall great insights.”
“I would highly recommend this course. I acquired loads of new knowledge and also reinforced lots that I already knew. Great opportunities to network and learn from others in different health and social care settings.”
Offering this learning as a microcredential means that it is recognised as credit-bearing for those who wish to build on existing expertise, without an onerous time commitment. Past participants have reported implementing real tangible change in their practice as a result of completing this course, using the qualification to inform new workplace initiatives and improve patient care.”
How can I sign up for the course?
A registration fee of €225 will apply upon completion of the registration form, which is available on the UCC website. Evidence of work setting or qualifications where relevant may be required. Please note that spaces are limited due to an existing waitlist, so register early to avoid disappointment.
If you require any further information about the course, or wish to be informed about future dates, you can email michelle.odriscoll@ucc.ie.