Strategic Quality Management, Lean Sigma Systems - MSc

For Professionals Who

• Are responsible for or actively engaged in organisational improvement and development through the use of quality management.
• Wish to develop a comprehensive understanding of the theory and practical application of quality management tools and techniques.
• Seek recognition as a Master Black Belt in Lean and Six Sigma.

How It Works

• The course is delivered over 2 years with a prescribed progression route.
• Students complete 6 taught modules, 2 work based projects (one in lean and one in six sigma) and an Enterprise Improvement project/dissertation

The Masters in Strategic Quality Management, Lean Sigma Systems is a 2 year programme, but applicants who have already completed either or both Specialist/Professional Diplomas in Lean and/or Six Sigma at the University of Limerick can apply to be enrolled directly to Year 2 of the Masters and complete within one year.

Enterprise Improvement Project

Completion of the MSc programme requires a substantial industry-based Enterprise Improvement Project (EIP), to be reported in the form of a Journal Article. The EIP requires the application of the concepts, tools and techniques of both lean and six sigma covered throughout the programme and carries an expectation of helping participant organisations realise a significant benefit that impacts their strategic and operational direction.

This benefit should be clearly stated in the project scope and with a specific target around process optimisation that aims to reduce process defects and waste, and to provide a framework for culture change.

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 Masters Black Belt holder.

Successful participants will receive a letter from the University of Limerick stating that their capability is at Master Black Belt level.

Applicants require a 2.1 degree (NFQ level 8) in any discipline or equivalent and at least three years relevant work experience.

Applicants who have completed the Professional Diploma in Lean Systems and/or Six Sigma are eligible for exemptions from those modules on this 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
• 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.