Why Choose This Course
You are at a clear advantage if you do a Diploma before signing up for an undergrad degree as your knowledge base and confidence levels increase dramatically and I feel that this is important.
Kathy O'Hare
Student
Find Out MoreI completed Disability Studies in 2010 and I hadn't really thought about doing a degree until it was mentioned by lecturers in DS. I put in the CAO application form and so began the process. The Diploma in Disability Studies really prepared me for the undergrad. I am now in my third year and still referencing from notes and essays on the DS course. You are at a clear advantage if you do a Diploma before signing up for an undergrad degree as your knowledge base and confidence levels increase dramatically and I feel that this is important. I now work part time for a radio station producing radio documentaries and hope to do some sort of postgraduate course next year as I don’t feel quite ready to leave the bosom of UCC just yet.
Benefits to Learners and Their Communities
This course enables the learner, their employer or business, organisation, voluntary group or charity, family, friends and colleagues to better support the inclusion of those often marginalised by disability in society.
Employment: The programme equips employers and employees, placement facilitators and providers, with specific knowledge on how to design and offer placements, work-based roles and flexible positions to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
Advocacy and Facilitation: Students are encouraged in their development of facilitation and advocacy skills, as well as honing both their own knowledge and confidence, and that of those with whom they work, facilitating their journey to autonomy and independence.
Theory: This diploma prepares learners to critically engage with current theories, practices, research and studies, interventions and approaches, as well as fostering the skills to access the most up to date information.
Personal Development: In addition to the practical and academic skills acquired on a course such as this, learners also develop a range of life skills including self-confidence and awareness, problem solving, independent self-management and team work, as well as professional presentation of self and reports, assignments and tasks, time and boundary management.
Requirements
Applicants must be at least 21 years of age by 1 January of the year of application, and will have shown an interest in or be employed in the area of disability. While there are no formal educational requirements, it is expected that proposed candidates will have attained Leaving Certificate/FETAC Level 5 or an equivalent qualification. Prior experience will be taken into account and short-listed candidates may be required to attend for an interview.
Diploma programmes are offered subject to a minimum number of eligible applicants registering for the programme. Following completion of year 1 of this programme, should a sufficient number of eligible students not wish to progress form year 1 to year 2 of this programme as to make the year 2 viable, students will graduate with a certificate at that point. Programme viability is determined by reference to fee income and applicable costs in running the programme.
Fees and Costs
€1,500 per academic year.
For further information on fees and financial supports please click here.
How Do I Apply
Applicants need to be aware of the IT student checklist below before applying:
- You will need access to a laptop or desktop computer running a modern supported operating system with all software updates.
- Some of UCC’s services (e.g. the Canvas Virtual Learning Environment) link to an external site and also have mobile apps for iOS and Android Devices that you may wish to use as part of your studies. However, we recommend using your desktop web browser for submission of assessments.
- You should always use the most current version of your preferred browser. In general, we recommend the Chrome Web browser (Important Note: Internet Explorer will not work with Canvas).
- We recommend a reliable broadband connection with at least 2Mbps or more.
- You will require an Office suite of software (Microsoft Office or equivalent) and a PDF reader. You should always use the latest version of this software. All UCC students will have access to Office 365 which includes software such as Word/Excel/Powerpoint etc. once registered.
To Apply for this course please follow the steps below:
When you log into the Application Portal:
Click Apply Online
Select Start a new Adult & Continuing Education Application
During your online application you will be required to upload the following documents:
- Birth Cert or Passport
- Passport Photograph
- English Language Test Report [if applicable]
- 50% of the fees are also required to complete your application.
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