Certificate in Quality Assurance (Online)

  • NFQ Level 6
  • Credits 30*
  • Course Code SG_EQUAL_E06
  • Award Certificate
  • Duration 1

Course Summary


Programme Code: SG_EQUAL_E06

Delivery: Online

About this programme:
The Certificate in Quality Assurance aims to provide provides participants with enhanced problem-solving and analytical skills as well as the ‘soft skills’ required in interacting within teams and with peers and subordinates. This certificate is in great demand by companies across all sectors in either manufacturing, pharmaceutical, healthcare or service sectors. It is suitable for all levels within the organisation. This is a one-year programme (September to May), and on successful completion offers the participant 30 credits at level 6.

In general, students of this course usually work in Production or Quality roles in Manufacturing, Pharma, Biopharma, Med-tech, and Medical Device sectors. Applicants should have a keen interest in Quality. The type of roles that would be suitable for upskilling through this role are Quality Technicians, Quality Supervisors or Quality Coordinators.  

Important Notes:

This programme is worth 30 credits at Level 6. If a student wishes to progress to a Level 7 Degree programme on completion, they will require 120 credits at Level 6. ATU Sligo may allow up to 60 credits for relevant work experience. The remaining credits must be made up from academic qualifications. There is an option to complete this programme in addition to a 30-credit work-based project (over 1 year) to gain 60 credits in one year. You may apply for the combined programme instead here.

Key Course Information

This is a one-year programme (September to May), and on successful completion offers the participant 30 credits at level 6. 

Live lectures for this course normally take place on two or three evenings per week and each lecture will last for approximately 1 hour. If the Live Classroom scheduled times for the live online lectures do not suit you, recordings will be made available through Moodle (our virtual learning environment), and you can watch back. 

Study Hours: Whether you are studying part-time online, blended or full-time online, it is very important that you allocate enough study time to your online course to stay focused, reduce stress and achieve your goals. For part-time online or blended learning, it is recommended that you should try to allow for 5-6 hours per week per 5 credit module to your studies.  As well as live lecturers, you must allocate time for independent learning, communicating with your lecturers and classmates and carrying out assignments. 

Assignments/Examinations: You will be assessed through a mixture of CA assignments and a final exam. For Examinations, students may have to attend at the ATU campus through which they completed their studies. For some programmes it may be possible for the Exam to be taken remotely via online proctoring. ATU Students resident in the Republic of Ireland will be invited to attend exams at an exam centre located in Ireland. Students resident outside of Ireland or with exceptional circumstances may be eligible to attend remotely via online proctoring, where examinations are taken online and supervised virtually, subject to availability.

Application Closing Date : 16th August 2024

Entry Requirements

To qualify for entry to this Special Purpose Award a standard applicant must achieve a pass in the leaving certificate (or equivalent examinations) with five grade (O6) D's which must include Mathematics and English. Non-national applicants may be required to demonstrate proficiency in written and spoken English. In addition, an applicant must successfully complete an entrance exam in Mathematics.

 

Programme Fees

Academic Year 2023/24 Fees

 

Total Programme Fees: €2,100

€2,100

Fees listed for 2023/24 academic year. Fees may be subject to change for 2024/25 academic year.  

Funding Opportunities

Next Level Skillnet funding may be available to successful applicants who fulfil eligibility criteria. Please email Sue Davies in Next Level Skillnet to find out more information: sue@nextlevel.ie

 

To help make the payment of fees more manageable for students who are self-funding their studies, tuition fees can be paid through payment instalment plans at ATU Sligo. For further information on instalment plans, please visit our Fees and Funding webpage


If you apply and are approved for an online course at ATU Sligo, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of €250 to secure your place. Your deposit will then be credited against the course fees once you are registered as a student. Students at ATU Sligo are also eligible to claim tax relief at the standard rate for tuition fees.


For further information and guidance about Fees and Funding for online and part-time courses at ATU Sligo, click here.


If you are seeking to take your exams online, and you meet the eligibility criteria (overseas students and those with extenuating circumstances), an additional examinations fee will apply. For further information, please visit our Examinations webpage.