World-class research based on a distinctive, interdisciplinary approach to the natural sciences, social sciences, engineering and technology, and the arts and humanities.
The MU International Office is the first point of contact for international students applying for full-degree, Erasmus, Study Abroad, and Summer School programmes, and supports MU students who wish to study abroad.
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.
Register Your Interest: If you are interested in 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.
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 accepted documentation, please visit the International Office website.
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: 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.
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: 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.
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 Experiential Learning (RPEL) 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: €600 (€450.00 with Taste4Success subsidy) Application Closing Date: 19th February 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.
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: €1,950.00 (There is an additional fee of €350.00 if participants wish to sit the optional MII Certified Assessment).
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Apply Design Thinking methods to innovate a digital processes, solutions, and services.
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.
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
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.
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
