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Welcome to Micro-credentials at Maynooth University!
Our micro-credentials offer a fantastic opportunity to expand your skills and knowledge in a short period, whether it's for professional development or personal growth. Discover the benefits of completing a micro-credential with Maynooth University and find out why this could be the perfect choice for you.
Micro-credentials...a flexible approach to gaining new skills
To find out more about each micro-credential, please visit the respective tabs below.
Currently Open for Applications (closing 7 September 2024):
ESAP 1and ESAP 2 - 2 week intensive courses, both starting 12 August 2024. Apply on PAC using code MMC41 (ESAP1) or MMC46 (ESAP2).
Mediation - 12 weeks, starting 21 Sept 2024. Apply on PAC using course code MMC17.
Register Your Interest: If you are interested in receiving updates about any of our micro-credentials, please click here to register your interest.
Contact Us: We would love to hear from you! If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to get in touch with Oriana using the following contact details:
Email: microcredentials@mu.ie Telephone: +353 1 708 3875 Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 09.00 to 13.00 and 14.00 to 17.00
IUA MicroCreds is a Human Capital Initiative funded €12.3 million project led by the Irish Universities Association (IUA) to empower learners on their journeys to life-long and life-wide learning through short, part-time courses known as micro-credentials.
The Irish Universities Association (IUA) has welcomed the announcement by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris T.D, that €3.4m in funding will be awarded to the MicroCreds Project as part of the HCI Pillar 3 Micro-Credential Course Learner Subsidy.
To read the full press release, please click here. For more information, visit the HEA webpage.
Approved Courses
The following courses have a limited number of subsidised spaces:
Course
Start Date
Mediation
September 2024
Introduction to UDL (Universal Design for Learning): Learning & Teaching with Variability in Mind
September 2024
Trauma Informed Care in Human Service Settings: A Foundational Programme
September 2024
Mentoring for Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
September 2024
Understanding and Applying R.P.L. in Tertiary Education
November 2024
Restorative Practice
January 2025
Leading Digital Transformation in Organisations
June 2024
The subsidy will be allocated on a first come, first served basis to applicants who are taking part in an approved micro-credential and meet the eligbility criteria.
Register Your Interest
Complete this short form to be among the first to know when applications open for your selected micro-credential(s).
Short and focused bursts of learning that fit around the needs of the organisation
Ensure your workforce skills are up to date and can respond to industry changes
Support attracting new talent and enhancing staff retention
Accredited by Maynooth University offering quality assurance to the programme and the learning outcomes
Flexibility - designed to meet current and emerging market needs and align with relevant industry standards
Help to unlock existing workforce talent to future proof your business while helping your employees reach their full potential
Welcome Enterprise Engagement
If you are looking to address a specific skills gap in your organisation but can't find the right micro-credential to address it, we may be able to assist you with the development of a new micro-credential.
To discuss opportunities for collaboration please contact:
Sinéad Gannon, External Engagement Officer at +353 1 708 6033 Email: microcredentials@mu.ie
Micro-credentials are short, accredited courses designed to meet the demands of learners and enterprise. Micro-credentials provide learning opportunities which offer a highly flexible, bite sized and accessible way of upskilling and reskilling. These courses are tailored to fit around your busy schedule, giving you the flexibility to learn at your own pace.
Credits in the range of 5-15 ECTS (1 ECT = 25 Learning hours)
Underpinned by quality assured teaching, learning and assessment
Depending on the course you choose it will be delivered either fully online, blended (online and in person) or in person.
Who are Micro-credentials for?
Our micro-credentials cater to two main groups: Individuals: If you're looking to upskill, reskill, or invest in your personal development, our micro-credentials are perfect for you. Whether you want to advance your career or explore new opportunities, our courses can help you achieve your goals.
Companies: Are you a company seeking quality training to address skill gaps within your workforce? Our micro-credentials can assist in attracting, nurturing, and retaining top talent, ensuring your team stays competitive in today's fast-changing job market.
When you choose to complete a micro-credential at Maynooth University, you'll enjoy a range of advantages:
1. Flexibility: Our part-time courses are designed to fit seamlessly into your work and personal commitments, making it easier for you to balance your learning journey with other responsibilities. 2. Speedy Knowledge Acquisition: Within just 6-12 weeks, you'll acquire valuable skills and knowledge that can lead to immediate improvements in your professional or personal life. 3. Career Progression: By completing a micro-credential, you can enhance your career prospects or even explore new career paths altogether, opening doors to exciting opportunities. 4. Staying Ahead: Our courses are carefully crafted to keep you up-to-date with the latest industry advancements and emerging trends, ensuring you remain relevant in your field.
Why Choose Maynooth University?
There are several compelling reasons to choose Maynooth University for your micro-credentials:
Quality Assurance: Our micro-credentials are thoroughly reviewed and accredited by Maynooth University, guaranteeing the highest standards of education and training.
Practical Skills: The knowledge and skills you gain from our courses are not just theoretical but immediately applicable, giving you a competitive edge in your professional endeavors.
Engaged Academic Staff: Our small class sizes are led by passionate and dedicated academic staff, providing you with an interactive and enriching learning experience.
Industry Alignment: Our courses are designed to align with industry needs, ensuring you're equipped with the most relevant and sought-after skills in your chosen field.
Expert Course Creation: The content of our micro-credentials is curated by subject matter experts, ensuring you receive the best and most up-to-date information.
Academic Recognition: Upon completion of your micro-credential, you will earn 5-15 ECTS credits aligned at level 8/9 on the National Framework of Qualifications, further enhancing the value of your learning journey. Following completion of a micro-credential, credits may be accepted as part of relevant postgraduate programmes, such as postgraduate diplomas or masters.
For more information on:
National Framework of Qualifications: Please click here
Most of our micro-credentials require that applicants should hold at a minimum an honours (NFQ level 8) Bachelors degree in a relevant discipline or an equivalent international qualification. Applicants with a minimum 3 years of documented relevant work experience are also eligible for admission.
Where an applicant does not meet the stipulated admissions criteria for a micro-credential, the applicant (or, in some cases, the employer of a group of learners) has the opportunity to submit an application through the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning process.
Minimum English Language requirements:
All applicants who are non-native English speakers must provide documented evidence of competency in the English language. It is important that you have the level of English to successfully participate on the course. For more information, please refer to the Language Competencies section of the Maynooth University Micro-credentials Entry Requirements and the English Language Requirements tab here for the types of test scores that will be accepted.
Who is this course aimed at?
This 2-week intensive programme is a course of learning through the medium of English, for specific academic purposes, for staff working and teaching in Higher Education.
Why should you do this course?
The module will foster discussion of how the participants’ professional practice and attitudes towards their own teaching are affected by the condition of teaching through the medium of English, including how this impacts upon the roles of lecturer and student. Participants will discuss the fundamental theoretical underpinnings of English-medium Instruction (EMI), including, for example, the idea of language as a tool for learning and communication; sociocultural and sociolinguistic issues of EMI, for example, meaningful authentic communication; and how EMI relates to other approaches, such as content and language integrated learning (CLIL). Participants will also be exposed to a number of teaching philosophies and will use these to adapt their own Teaching Philosophy Statements to the EMI situation.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, participants should be able to:
Analyse the key benefits and challenges of teaching disciplinary content through the medium of English.
Develop a range of classroom activities to foster students’ creativity and interaction in the EMI/EME classroom.
Create appropriate forms of assessment and design feedback mechanisms to properly support students’ learning through the medium of English.
Reflect on the usefulness and potential impact of blended learning and pedagogical technologies on teaching and learning through the medium of English.
Participate in group discussions on theories of EME and EMI, and key pedagogical topics and themes and share their experiences and insights with other members of the group.
Explain the relevance and applicability of new insights and perspectives on professional practice in Higher Education to their own teaching and assessment at their home universities.
Level: Aligned to NFQ Level 9; 5 ECTS Credits Assessment: 100% Continuous Assessment Course Fee: See Fees & Grants Office website. Application Closing Date: 29 July 2024
Register Your Interest: Please fill out this online form.
If the current start date isn't suitable for you, we encourage you to register your interest for this course. By registering your interest, you will be among the first to know when the dates for the next course delivery are confirmed.
Apply Now: Register with PAC and search course code MMC46
Who is this course aimed at?
Academic staff currently teaching within Higher Education institutions and who wish to improve their use of academic English to deliver modules within their subject areas. ESAP2 is also suited for students studying education/pedagogy and who may wish to count the ESAP2 micro-credential towards a major award in the future (see below).
Why should you do this course?
This micro-credential is suitable for academic staff who wish to improve both their competence and confidence in teaching their specialised subject areas through English, in an appropriate academic style.
ESAP2 is stackable towards minor/supplemental awards and also contributes ECTS credits towards major qualifications, such as the future MA in English-Medium Instruction (EMI) / English-Medium Education (EMI) / Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL ), which is currently in development.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, participants should be able to:
Identify the features of appropriate academic style in English and practice these in written texts and oral presentations.
Analyse and reflect on their own academic style in written and spoken English to identify and improve areas of weakness.
Plan and deliver effective lessons and lectures in their subject areas, using EMI/EME.
Evaluate the appropriateness of their students’ written work in Academic English.
Demonstrate an improved level of verbal academic style of English in presentations and talks, which will also enable more confident and effective interactions with colleagues.
Participate in group discussions on theories, topics and themes related to academic writing style and how it is used in Higher Education, sharing their experiences and insights with other members of the group.
Level: Aligned to NFQ Level 9; 5 ECTS Credits Assessment: 100% Continuous Assessment Course Fee: See Fees & Grants Office website. Application Closing Date: 29 July 2024
Register Your Interest: Please fill out this online form.
If the current start date isn't suitable for you, we encourage you to register your interest for this course. By registering your interest, you will be among the first to know when the dates for the next course delivery are confirmed.
Apply Now: Register with PAC and search course code MMC17
This course is ideal for:
Professionals interested in developing the skills to work with others to resolve disputes constructively.
Professionals across various industries seeking to upskill for career development.
Professionals aspiring to reskill and become a mediator as a new career path (following a separate professional assessment of skills at the end of the course, participants can apply to join the Mediators’ Institute of Ireland).
People wishing to develop a supportive peer learning network and apply the learning in practical ways across various areas of their lives.
Why should you do this course?
Expand your knowledge about the process of conflict resolution and develop your practical skills for successful dispute resolution in a structured learning environment. Build your confidence to address conflicts across various areas of your life and help others resolve conflicts. Expand your network of likeminded peers and participate in peer to peer learning activities.
What will you learn?
Mediation Concepts: develop a solid grasp of mediation principles and theories, enabling you to navigate complex conflict situations with ease.
Policy and Best Practices: stay up-to-date with the latest mediation policies and industry best practices, ensuring you are well-versed in contemporary approaches.
Critical Mediation Skills: hone your critical skills as a mediator, enhancing your ability to facilitate meaningful and productive dialogue between conflicting parties.
Successful completion of this micro-credential will provide participants with the opportunity to take a separate professional assessment of their skills. Successful completion of this assessment allows participants to apply to join the Mediators Institute of Ireland (MII).
For further information on the course entry requirements, course structure and career options, please visit our Mediation webpage.
Level: Aligned to NFQ Level 9; 10 ECTS Credits Assessment: 100% Continuous Assessment Course Fee: See Fees & Grants Office website. (There is an additional fee of €350.00 if participants wish to sit the optional MII Certified Assessment). Application Closing Date: 7 September 2024
Register Your Interest: Please fill out this online form.
If the current start date isn't suitable for you, we encourage you to register your interest for this course. By registering your interest, you will be among the first to know when the dates for the next course delivery are confirmed.
Apply Now: Register with PAC and search course code MMC37
Who should do this course?
While this micro-credential is aimed at early childhood, primary and post-primary teachers/educators and teacher educators it is also suitable for policy makers, curriculum designers, teacher support services, further and higher education educators, and health and social care sectors. It will cater for new career entrants, mid-career professionals, and senior managers and leaders.
Why should you do this course?
Internationally, education and other systems are showing growing interest in UDL with increasing evidence around its effectiveness in creating more inclusive classrooms across education sectors. As a result, many human service sectors, including education, health care, and social work are interested in embedding a UDL approach to support inclusion into their organisations.
This micro-credential will provide applicants with a deep understanding of UDL and its impacts, and empower them to enact UDL and inclusive practices in the context of their particular sector and context.
Professionals with these skills, values, and knowledge-bases are increasingly in demand.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, participants should be able to:
Explain the concept of variability
Discuss the key concepts of UDL
Critically reflect on the goals of their learning, teaching and assessment design and delivery through a UDL lens
Discuss the three principles of UDL in the context of their educational setting and practice
Apply appropriate aspects of the UDL guidelines to their learning, teaching and assessment planning, design and deliver
Redesign a learning, teaching and assessment experience to make one change based on their understanding of variability and the UDL guidelines.
For further information on the course entry requirements, course structure and career options, please visit the Introduction to UDL webpage.
Level: Aligned to NFQ Level 9; 10 ECTS Credits Assessment: 100% Continuous Assessment Course Fee: See Fees & Grants Office website. Application Closing Date: 7 September 2024
Register Your Interest: Please fill out this online form.
If the current start date isn't suitable for you, we encourage you to register your interest for this course. By registering your interest, you will be among the first to know when the dates for the next course delivery are confirmed.
Apply Now: Register with PAC and search course code MMC31
This course is ideal for:
Individuals working in human service settings where trauma may have an impact. This includes teachers, school leaders, psychologists, social workers, youth workers, health professionals, community development workers, youth diversion workers, guidance counsellors, and home-school liaison coordinators, along with early-years educators. It's also suitable for non-professionals seeking to learn more about trauma and healing.
Why should you do this course?
Participate in this course if you aim to contribute to the transition towards more compassionate, responsive, and equitable services and society.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, participants should be able to:
Explain how trauma impacts mind, body and behaviour.
Discuss trauma in relation to social injustices and the negative operation of power.
Discuss the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to practice trauma-informed care in various contexts.
Reflect upon one’s own practice and work environment to identify barriers and facilitators to adopting trauma-informed approaches.
Identify ways to embed trauma-informed principles into one’s own practice.
Consider and utilise self-care and self-compassion strategies and reflect on systemic structures required to enhance practitioner wellbeing.
For further information on the course entry requirements, course structure and career options, please visit our Trauma Informed Care webpage.
Level: Aligned to NFQ Level 9; 10 ECTS Credits Assessment: 100% Continuous Assessment Course Fee: See Fees & Grants Office website. Application Closing Date: 7 September 2024
Register Your Interest: Please fill out this online form.
If the current start date isn't suitable for you, we encourage you to register your interest for this course. By registering your interest, you will be among the first to know when the dates for the next course delivery are confirmed.
Apply Now: Register with PAC and search course code MMC48
This course is ideal for:
People working in the adult, community and further education sector. In particular, it is of benefit to people working within Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) accreditation structures.
The course is designed to equip attendees with the knowledge, skills and competencies to effectively and confidently implement Recognition of Prior Learning principles and practices into their work with an emphasis on legal, methodological and ethical aspects.
Why should you do this course?
This course will enhance your potential to implement RPL policies and practices as part of your work as an educator.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, participants should be able to:
Understand the key principles of RPL including its theoretical considerations.
Analyse existing RPL practices with an emphasis on their own institution and practices. both within their own institution.
Evaluation national RPL policies in the context of wider European education frameworks.
Develop skills in designing assessment strategies for evaluating prior learning in a way that is fair and transparent.
Advocate for RPL practices with an emphasis on their capacity to create more diverse learning environments that recognise different ways of learning.
For further information on the course entry requirements, course structure and career options, please visit our Understanding and Applying R.P.L. webpage.
Level: Aligned to NFQ Level 8; 5 ECTS Credits Assessment: 100% Continuous Assessment Course Fee: See Fees & Grants Office website. Application Closing Date: 7 September 2024
Register Your Interest: Please fill out this online form.
If the current start date isn't suitable for you, we encourage you to register your interest for this course. By registering your interest, you will be among the first to know when the dates for the next course delivery are confirmed.
New career entrants looking to develop digital transformation knowledge and skills.
Mid-career professionals looking to update their digital leadership abilities.
Senior managers or leaders who wish to use digital to build operational excellence and organisational agility.
Why should you do this course?
Learn how to use digital technology (including data, machine learning, governance, and artificial intelligence) and change management practices to boost your organisation’s value proposition.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, participants should be able to:
Describe the business value of digital transformation in the context of organisation change.
Use standard business analysis tools and techniques to measure current digital capability maturity within organisations.
Critically analyse and interpret qualitative and quantitative research data to diagnose organisational digital capability gaps.
Innovate digital processes, solutions and services by applying design thinking methods.
For further information on the course entry requirements, course structure and career options, please visit our Leading Digital Transformation webpage.
Register Your Interest
Don't miss out on the next opportunity - to be among the first to know when the dates for the next course delivery are confirmed, register your interest by completing this online form.
Who is this course for?
The students enrolled in the micro-credential come from diverse professional backgrounds, spanning from STEM careers to the legal profession. We welcome individuals from all sectors. Completing this micro-credential provides a comprehensive understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion from an Irish perspective.
Why should you do this course?
Research emphasizes the positive impacts of diversity and inclusion programs on organizations, making the skill set provided in this course highly desirable to companies. Students can position themselves as key individuals within their organizations, equipped with the knowledge necessary to embed equality, diversity, and inclusion. Successful completion of the program awards students with a qualification in equality, diversity, and inclusion, highly relevant in workplace and community settings, as all companies and organizations have an obligation to incorporate equality, diversity, and inclusion practices.
Learning Outcomes
Critically evaluate the concepts of equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Critically evaluate mentoring practices and theory.
Build and support and effective mentoring relationship.
Provide objective guidance and feedback based on personal experience.
Evaluate inclusive and ethical mentoring practices.
For further information on the course entry requirements, course structure and career options, please visit our Mentoring for EDI webpage.
Note: Applicants must be willing to complete Garda Vetting as part of the application process for this micro-credential.
Register Your Interest
Don't miss out on the next opportunity - to be among the first to know when the dates for the next course delivery are confirmed, register your interest by completing this online form.
Professionals across various industries seeking practical learning that may be applied to creating engaged workplaces and engaging with clients/customers.
People wishing to enhance their broader communication skills and their capability of addressing concerns arising in relationships with others (commercial, workplace, personal, etc).
People interested in developing a supportive peer learning network.
Why should you do this course?
Expand your knowledge about the process of repairing and restoring relationships across various areas of your life. Develop your practical skills for restorative practices in a structured learning environment. Build your confidence to be able to create a safe space and a sense of community for people. Expand your network of like-minded peers and participate in peer to peer learning activities.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students should be able to:
Critically analyse restorative philosophy, principles and practices as well as key concepts and issues in restorative practices and restorative justice.
Critically discuss some of the key theories and philosophical approaches in the contemporary study and development of restorative practices and restorative justice - including shame, anger, and vulnerability and the role of revenge, apology and forgiveness.
Critically analyse conflict theory and the principles and practices of mediation within restorative practices and restorative justice.
Develop practice skills including circle processes, restorative conferences, victim-offender dialogues.
Understand and reflect on the empirical study of restorative practices and restorative justice, focusing in particular on its impact on people and its application in different situations and environments including as a response to trauma, grief and adversity to build atrauma-informed approach to restorative practices.
Write, think and speak in a reflective and critical manner which highlights intellectual engagement and understanding of how knowledge is constructed in restorative practices and restorative justice.
Directly engage in completing a project whereby the concepts and principles of restorative practice is applied within communities and organisations to implement change.
For further information on the course entry requirements, course structure and career options, please visit our Restorative Practice webpage.
Register Your Interest
Don't miss out on the next opportunity - to be among the first to know when the dates for the next course delivery are confirmed, register your interest by completing this online form.
Professionals in the music industry wishing to upskill or refresh their craft;
Professionals in related disciplines wishing to move laterally or broaden their knowledge;
Students and academics wanting to learn how to pitch material to the general public and how to adapt this knowledge to the needs of industry;
Interested amateur writers and musicians.
Why should you do this course?
This course is the first of its kind in Ireland and involves industry experts both within and outside academia and encourages students to develop closer links with external stakeholders such as The Journal of Music, Chamber Choir Ireland, Contemporary Music Centre and Arts Council Ireland through the teaching and assessment of the course. For those already in employment, the course offers an opportunity to strengthen and deepen such industrial and artistic relationships.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students should be able to:
Understand and distinguish different types of writing about music in a range of professional scenarios
Understand and apply diverse writing styles for a range of professionally relevant audiences
Critically engage with a range of musical artforms
Become competent in creating and disseminating different types of writing work for employment
This course involves industry experts both within and outside academia and encourages students to develop closer links with external stakeholders such as The Journal of Music, Chamber Choir Ireland, Contemporary Music Centre and Arts Council Ireland through the teaching and assessment of the module. For those already in employment, the course offers an opportunity to strengthen and deepen such industrial and artistic relationships.
For further information on the course entry requirements, course structure and career options, please visit our Writing About Music webpage.
Register Your Interest
Don't miss out on the next opportunity - to be among the first to know when the dates for the next course delivery are confirmed, register your interest by completing this online form.
This course in Brewing & Distilling Science is both co-designed and co-delivered by industry experts and will equip learners with the necessary scientific knowledge and instrumentation competencies to develop skills relevant to the alcoholic drinks industry. The course was created in response to the strong demand for an analytical course to support the growing Irish craft brewing and traditional whiskey industries.
This course is ideal for:
A new entrant to Brewing & Distilling (B&D) looking to upskill and develop applicable knowledge in QC and analysis.
A professional already in the B&D industry who is looking to upskill to enhance their career development.
A craft brewery or traditional whiskey distillery seeking a quality training opportunity to enhance employee skills.
Topics covered by industry lecturers include:
Yeast: Introduction to relevant Analytical Techniques.
Environment & Sustainability.
Analysis in Fermentation & Raw Materials.
Distillation.
Sensory analysis & small molecule impact on flavour.
Quality: Process Control & Clean-in-place (CIP).
Course delivery:
10 weeks of one-hour live online lectures provided by experts in the B&D industry with a 3-day hands-on laboratory experience working with Maynooth University experts in our modern lab setting.
Lecture notes, workshops, group work, virtual lab simulations and online quizzes will supplement your learning experience.
Career Development Lecture by the Institute of Brewing & Distilling (IBD) - Irish Section.
Industry Course Delivery
Dr Gearoid Cahill - Slane Distillery Manager & Master Distiller
Dr Jack O’Shea - Managing Director Distilltech Teoranta, Institute of Brewing & Distilling (IBD) Fellow
Dr Cathal Connolly - Associate Director of Research, Alltech
Mr Daragh Cuskelly, MSc - Brewing & Distilling Technologist, Kerry Group
Maynooth University Course Delivery
Ms Barbara Woods, MSc - Chief Technical Officer, Course Lead, MU
Prof Denise Rooney - Head of Chemistry Department, MU
Dr Trinidad Velasco -Torrijos - Associate Professor, MU
Attendance to the laboratory practical sessions is compulsory.
On successful completion:
Learners are awarded a Maynooth University accredited Certificate of Completion from the Department of Chemistry.
Entry requirements:
Applicants should have a minimum 2.2 grade, honours (NFQ level 8) degree in a science background.
Prospective students who do not have a level 8 qualification, but have the equivalent in professional experience, may be eligible under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) route.Visit our Recognition for Prior Learning webpage for further information and to complete the RPL application form.
For further information on the course entry requirements, course structure and career options, please visit our Brewing & Distilling webpage.
Level: Aligned to NFQ Level 9; 5 ECTS Credits Assessment: 100% Continuous Assessment Course Fee: See Fees & Grants Office website. (€450.00 with Taste4Success subsidy)
Register Your Interest
Don't miss out on the next opportunity - to be among the first to know when the dates for the next course delivery are confirmed, register your interest by completing this online form.
Course co-ordinator: Dr Brian McKenzie Maynooth University Department of English / Critical Skills
This course was co-developed in collaboration with industry partners and Creative and Cultural Industries Skillnet (CCIS). Successful applicants may qualify for membership support from CCIS. To qualify for CCIS membership support, applicants must be:
Resident in the Republic of Ireland;
Employed, freelance or sole traders; and
Not in receipt of a bursary, scholarship or Grant Aid.
For more information and to register with CCIS, visit the webpage here.
This course is ideal for:
Anyone seeking to professionalise their game design skills, diversify their writing abilities, or deepen their knowledge and appreciation of TTRPGs. After completion of the micro-credential, participants will be prepared to apply for positions within the TTRPG industry or embark on freelance careers, equipped with the skills to create engaging content and the knowledge to navigate the professional landscape effectively.
Why should you do this course?
This micro-credential will empower participants to turn their creative and inspirational ideas into professional RPG products that are accessible, appealing, and usable by a broad audience of gamers. Participants will work closely with industry leaders and academic experts to learn how to pitch ideas, write according to strict editorial standards, and assemble a strong portfolio of writing samples.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, participants should be able to:
Operate at the forefront of the RPG industry and gain mastery of emerging techniques and trends in tabletop RPG design:
Incorporating innovative storytelling and narrative design techniques
Analyse the structural elements of storytelling within the context of tabletop RPGs
Apply traditional narrative theory to the interactive medium of tabletop RPGs
Understand and Apply Technical Writing Skills:
Demonstrate the capacity for independent content creation while producing RPG materials, such as rulebooks, campaign guides, and player aids, with clarity and conciseness
Understand the importance of style, voice, and tone in technical writing and how to adapt to various project needs and audiences
Learning to self-evaluate writing deliverables in response to unpredictable and often-shifting professional requirements through considerations of usability
Collaborate and Communicate Effectively:
Initiate and lead collaborative activities that foster creative brainstorming and idea generation among team members
Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively in a team to achieve shared narrative and design goals
Present narrative and design ideas effectively to a team, stakeholders, and wider audiences
Use project management tools to organize and track narrative and design tasks
Practice Ethical Storytelling:
Recognize and respect cultural, racial, gender, and other diversity in RPG narratives
Apply ethical considerations in the depiction of sensitive or controversial topics
Consider the impact of narratives on the player and wider society
Implement Narrative into RPG Design:
Incorporate narrative elements into RPG design using various game development techniques
Understand how game mechanics, systems, and scenarios can serve narrative goals
Manage the pacing, tension, and resolution of RPG narratives to achieve desired player experiences
Craft Interactive Narratives for RPGs:
Design branching narratives and dialogue possibilities in a manner that serves gameplay and player agency
Construct compelling player-driven narratives that adapt to player choices and actions
Master World-building for RPGs:
Construct immersive and consistent game worlds, encompassing factors such as history, geography, culture, and magic or technology systems
Understand and apply the concept of 'show, don't tell' within the context of world-building
Balance the needs for depth and detail with player accessibility and engagement
Design dynamic worlds that evolve and react to player actions through the use of specialized research workflows using industry and open-source writing software.
For further information on the course entry requirements, course structure and career options, please visit the Writing for RPGs webpage.
Level: Aligned to NFQ Level 9; 5 ECTS Credits Assessment: 100% Continuous Assessment Course Fee: See Fees & Grants Office website for the full course fee. The fee for participants who qualify for membership support from Cultural and Creative Industries Skillnet (CCIS) is €540.00 (academic year 2023/2024). To view the CCIS eligibility criteria and register as a member with CCIS, visit the CCIS webpage.
Register Your Interest
Don't miss out on the next opportunity - to be among the first to know when the dates for the next course delivery are confirmed, register your interest by completing this online form.
Professionals who deal with protected disclosures in the workplace.
Prescribed persons who are legally required to be trained in protected disclosures.
Professionals identified by their company under the new law as a designated person to deal with protected disclosures.
Practising legal professionals seeking to enhance their career.
Why should you do this course?
Expand your knowledge on whistleblowing/protected disclosures from both legal and practical perspectives. Develop your tools for establishing and implementing best practice procedures in your workplace. Enhance your career opportunities in this evolving field. Fulfil your statutory obligations as a prescribed person. Widen your network of professional peers.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, participants should be able to:
Identify a whistleblowing/protected disclosure situation and apply their legislative and practical knowledge to that situation.
Assess the legal requirements that must be satisfied in order for a disclosure to attract statutory protections.
Critically evaluate existing and emerging whistleblowing law principles at national, EU, and international level.
Develop and implement best practice procedures for dealing with disclosures of wrongdoing in the workplace.
For further information on the course entry requirements, course structure and career options, please visit our Whistleblowing Law, Practice & Policy webpage.
Register Your Interest
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New Micro-credentials Platform Launch Gives Major Boost to Upskilling and Reskilling in Ireland
Maynooth University colleagues had a fantastic afternoon celebrating the launch of the MicroCreds.ie website on Thursday 12th July. We are excited to be a part of this innovative initiative that empowers individuals to upskill, reskill and stay ahead in today's dynamic job market.
MicroCreds universities are leading new ways of thinking in lifelong and life-wide learning
Cultural change about how and when learners engage with university learning
Cultural change in how universities, enterprise and civil society partners collaborate
Tackling Economic and Societal Challenges
Micro-credentials developed in close collaboration with Enterprise, Public Sector and Civil Society partners
Designed to address economic needs and respond to societal and developmental challenges
Dynamic suite of accredited short credentials/credit-bearing learning opportunities
Dynamic Enterprise Collaboration
Meaningful and sustainable model of enterprise partnership
Enterprise-informed micro-credentials
Supporting the work force of the future with design approach which fits around work and life commitments
Identifying emergent job and skills needs, informing and evolving the suite of micro-credentials available
Excellence and Innovation
Innovative teaching, learning and assessment approaches enhancing learner success
Quality assured by IUA universities
Research led and discovery focused micro-credentials
Flexible and Agile
Unlocking established programmes to foster learning through discrete, short credentials
Developing a suite of new, cutting-edge micro-credentials in emerging fields and high demands skills
Delivered online, in person or blended depending on the discipline content and stakeholder needs
Learning in a range of locations: on campus, off-site, in the workplace
Learner Focused
Learners may choose to undertake a micro-credential as a standalone award or stack credentials to form a larger award
Facilitates learner journey autonomy; learners may stack learning at their own pace
Wide range of learners: pre-entry, undergraduate, postgraduate
Different motivations for study: upskilling, re-skilling and career change and evolution, responding to legislative, regulatory, economic, and professional demands
Agency for learner to embrace innovation and technological change and pursue personal interests
Inclusive
Designed to support alternative pathways to, progress through, and journeys in higher education
Encouraging widest possible participation in micro-credentials by eliminating all unnecessary barriers to access
Underpinned by different approaches to communication, engagement, and learner support
Opens up professional learning journeys and lifelong learning