Subsidised Micro-Credential Courses from Recognition of Prior Learning
We are delighted to provide a list of new micro-credential courses under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Project, funded under the HCI Pillar 3 as part of the European Year of Skills.
The Micro-Credential Course Learner Subsidy, under the HCI Pillar 3, offers a subsidy rate of 80 per cent for courses addressing skills in key priority areas, including renewable energy, sustainability, construction and planning, artificial intelligence, cyber security, ICT, and electronic engineering. Other courses will provide a 50 per cent learner subsidy rate.
Micro-credential courses, designed to meet the evolving needs of learners, enterprises, and society, offer small, accredited programs awarding between 1 and 30 ECTS and provide awards at Levels 6-9 on the National Framework of Qualifications.
The inherent flexibility of micro-credentials allows learners to access education in small, manageable units, accommodating their life and work commitments.
The courses listed below are being offered by a number of our partner institutes as part of the HCI Pillar 3 Human Capital Initiative subsidies from the Higher Education Authority. These courses offer learners the opportunity to develop skills in a variety of areas within the broader context of RPL.
Atlantic Technological University - Donegal
Atlantic Technological University-Donegal
Recognition of Prior Learning Certificate
This certificate in Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is suitable for education practitioners, providing participants with a deep understanding of the policies and procedures underlying the process of RPL in the context of international and national best practice. It will provide participants with an appreciation of the complexities associated with the management of RPL, whether through formal/ non-formal or informal learning, in further and higher education institutions. The module is interactive and grounded in practice with a view to equipping lecturers and other potential assessors with the knowledge and competencies to enable them to effectively assess RPL applications and candidates.
This module provides an introduction to the process of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and its relevance within education, the workplace and the community. This module is suitable for those interested in understanding more about RPL , what it involves and how it can be used with individuals with workplace experience or lifelong learning who wish to upskill or reskill in an organisation. It also considers the broader benefits which can accrue from reflecting on past learning.
It takes the participant through the process of preparing a learning portfolio and outlines how prior learning, including learning acquired through day-to-day activities and the workplace, is given formal recognition and can be assessed for credits within formal education.
The module adopts a practical approach in that it supports participants to identify and document knowledge, skills and competencies gained to date. It outlines the relevance of portfolio development in facilitating those transitions between the workplace, community and formal education.
The module is useful for those with responsibility for areas such as talent management, training and development, community development, guidance counselling, admissions, student engagement, further education and training, higher education and learner engagement.
Entry Requirements: Leaving certificate or equivalent learning. Recognition of Prior Learning(RPL) is available to those who may not meet the standard entry requirements.
Recognition of Prior Learning in Further Education and Training
The aim of the micro-credential is to provide a clear, comprehensive and user-friendly approach to Recognition of Prior Learning for FET staff that outlines its positive impacts in education. It will draw from theoretical foundations, legal frameworks and examples of best practice to ensure graduates leave the programme confident in their capacities to implement change in their workplaces.
Link to further information: This course is currently in development. Further details will be made available in due course. For more information contact [email protected]
South East Technological University - Carlow
South East Technological University
RPL in Higher Education
This module will provide insight into how RPL is used in higher education, the background to RPL, the current policy position nationally and in Europe and how RPL can be used to facilitate Access, Transfer and Progression in higher education. The module will guide academic and administrative staff in higher ed. on the various approaches to RPL, the organisational systems and supports required and the modes of assessment used for RPL in higher education. The module aims to enable participants to understand how students identify and organise their prior learning and how this is used to develop an RPL portfolio. Student support and mentoring approaches will be addressed as well as assessment of RPL portfolios.
This micro-credential is designed to support learners to understand the RPL process and to complete and submit a comprehensive RPL portfolio with a view to gaining access to, advanced entry to or exemption from a module/modules on a specific programme.
The purpose of this micro-credential is to raise awareness and understanding of RPL in HEI Staff. Specifically, it will:
(i) provide a policy context for the scaling up of RPL (ii) outline the potential for RPL to address skills gaps and future proof the workforce (iii) provide a rationale for a more consistent approach to RPL practice across SETU (iv) outline local policy, processes and procedures around RPL at SETU (v) explore portfolio development and assessment for both individuals and enterprise cohorts using a case study methodology.
The aim of this micro-credential is to build consistency across RPL practice across SETU.
Certificate in Continuing Professional Development in Recognition of Prior Learning for Adult and Community Educators
This Certificate in Continuing Professional Development in RPL is the only course of its kind in Ireland. This Special Purpose Award of 10 Credits has been designed specifically for Adult and Community Educators to support their work in the use of RPL when dealing with marginalised and vulnerable groups, and employees with low educational qualifications. It will also build the capacity of staff for their own professional development and career opportunities. Participants will develop an awareness and understanding of RPL policy and practice while simultaneously providing them with the tools to practice RPL. The course will foster a collaborative approach to learning through the inclusion of the Peer Learning Triads which will build the expertise and capacity of adult and community educators across the entire Community Education sector in Ireland, thereby establishing a Community of Practice for RPL within the sector.
Candidates who do not fulfil the course specific entry criteria may apply using UCC's RPL policy
Certificate in Continuing Professional Development in Project Management
Based on the international standard – the Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – this part-time, 100% online, certified course will provide a practical introduction to the industry best-practices required for successful project initiating, planning, execution and closing. It has been designed with the working professional in mind who may have no prior third level academic qualifications. By applying RPL for entry processes, the course targets those with at least one year‘s professional experience in a business environment or those currently working on a project team or holding a project administrator / junior project manager role.
Candidates who do not fulfill the course specific entry criteria may apply using UCC's RPL policy
This module aims to help students develop a range of practical skills that can help enhance their performance at work including communication skills, teamwork, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. The objective is to build students’ capacity to promote positive change and growth for both individuals (e.g. resilience, increased capabilities, awareness of emotional intelligence) and the organisation. The module will introduce students to key ideas in the domains of interpersonal, team and leadership dynamics in organisations. The key focus will be on applying such ideas to working collaboratively and productively with others. This focus on practical skills will be framed/contextualised within contemporary views of leadership and change in organisations.
Candidates who do not fulfil the course specific entry criteria may apply using UCC's RPL policy
Contact for further information: Rhiannon Carey Bates; Email: [email protected]
Being an Effective Leader
This module will build students’ capacity to become effective and competent leaders in developing practical leadership knowledge, skills and behaviours that will enhance personal growth, thus creating the potential to make valuable impacts in their work roles. This module aims to help students recognise and understand the theoretical foundations of effective leadership, as well as how different leadership theories, concepts, and styles can influence employees' motivation, adaptability, proactivity and teamwork. It develops practical insights with the use of case studies, tools, and frameworks to enable students to lead high-performing teams in dynamic and ever-changing business environments
Candidates who do not fulfil the course specific entry criteria may apply using UCC's RPL policy
Contact for further information: Deirdre O'Byrne; Email: [email protected]
Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art Design and Technology
Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art Design and Technology
The RPL PG Cert is a practice-led, part-time module based on interactive and theoretical material in the realm of RPL nationally and internationally. Its purpose is to equip lecturers, administrators, and employers with the knowledge and skills to understand, promote and become effective assessors and enterprise champions of RPL, with a view to broader RPL work and awareness in Ireland and abroad.
Entry Requirements: Honours Bachelor degree or equivalent, appropriate Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for access will also be considered.
Award: Postgraduate Certificate (National Framework of Qualification Level 9)
