Quality Management, Lean Systems - Professional Diploma

For Whom

• The Diploma is aimed at managers, engineers, supervisors and technicians who have responsibility for quality or continuous improvement within their organisations and also those who wish to develop knowledge and skills in the area of Lean systems.
• Those responsible for or actively engaged in organisational improvement and development through the use of quality management. tools and techniques.
• Those seeking recognition as a Black Belt in Lean.

How It Works

• Students are required to take three taught modules over two semesters. In addition to the taught modules, an in-company project will ensure a strong focus on the integration of the concepts tools and techniques in the participant’s organisation during the course of the programme.
• This course is delivered online but students may be invited on campus for an orientation day (on a Saturday) during their first semester

In Company Project

Completion of this programme requires a substantial industry-based project, to be reported in the form of a management report.

Lean projects require the application of the concepts covered throughout the programme and carry an expectation of helping participant organisations realise a major benefit. This benefit should be quantifiable in terms of reduction or saving in; defects, over-production, waiting, non-utilised talent, transportation, inventory, motion, and/or extra-processing.

Black Belt

The University of Limerick and several leading Irish companies designed this course to meet the standards of a black belt. While there is no single authority that issues Black Belts in Lean or Six Sigma, the industry group and university carried out extensive research in designing this course to ensure that the course met the general standards that are expected of a Black Belt holder.

Successful participants will receive a letter from the University of Limerick stating that their capability is at black belt level.

Relevant primary degree (Level 8) or recognised professional qualification and 1-3 years relevant industrial experience.

In the situation where an applicant does not meet the minimum entry requirements above, an offer of a place on the course may be made in exceptional circumstances. The candidate will be required to provide a portfolio of evidence of prior qualifications in quality management together with the application of learning or competence (e.g green/black belt project reports, reflective papers or journals). Two references from appropriate signatories in the candidate’s organisation will be accepted as evidence. Candidates may be required to attend an interview prior to enrolling on the programme.

What to Include with your Application
Delays in receiving these documents will affect the progress of your application

• Photo or Scanned original copy of your transcripts for all years of study. (Graduates of UL need only provide us with their Student ID number.)
• A copy of your birth cert or passport
• A copy of your most recent CV, (for Springboard applicants, please note that by providing this document you are agreeing that we may send it to members of industry if you require assistance when searching for an Industry Learning Placement (ILE) or project work). Applies to some courses only.
• Applicants who do not have English as their first language may satisfy English Language requirements:
• If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice
• If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided:
• English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts AND
• English language competency certificate
• Please click here for Further Information on English Language Requirements

Guidelines on Completing your Application

• To ensure a speedy assessment of your application, please upload the above documents with your application form – your application cannot be assessed until relevant documentation is uploaded

• Please title appropriately any documents you are uploading with the application form, for example "Supporting Statement", "Undergraduate Transcript", "Postgraduate Transcript", "English Language Certificate" etc.

International students can find more information on eligibility requirements here.