Course Summary
This course is delivered online over two semesters with 30 credits being completed through a work-based project over the two semesters. The remaining 30credits is gained through the successful completion of 5 modules - in semester 1 the student will complete 2 modules and in semester 2 there are 3 modules. Each module is delivered online via weekly live lectures which are recorded to provide maximum flexibility as attendance at live lectures is voluntary but strongly recommended.
In support of the work-based project, students are assigned a dedicated academic supervisor who is available to meet 1:1 on a regular basis throughout the project duration. Students must identify an appropriate work-based mentor to support and guide their project internally in their work environment. Accommodations can be made for those applicants who are currently unemployed and could undertake an in-depth research project.
Other resources will also be made available to students via moodle. Assessment will be a combination of online quizzes, essays and mini projects and all modules will have an end of semester exam with the exception of the project which is 100% continuous assessment. Students can sit the end of semester exam in one of the designated examination hubs.
Key Course Information
The objective of this 60 credit Level 6 award in Quality Assurance with Project is to enable students who are work-based to acquire key skills and formal recognition in the area of quality and quality management whilst also gaining additional academic credits for the completion of a work-based project. The programme is applicable to students working in many different sectors such as pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, medical device, food and engineering.
The programme will prepare students to undertake different quality roles such as quality technician, quality team-lead or shift supervisor and will equip the student to complete many quality-related activities within their organisation. The impetus for the development of this programme has emerged from industry needs and the course content has been designed specifically to meet this need.
It was also identified that Students and industry sought the opportunity to gain 60-credits within one academic year balancing more traditional academic study through the completion of the programme’s 5 modules as well as gaining formal recognition of transversal skills by successfully completing their practical learning objectives through the work-based project. The main intent being the provision for motivated students to swiftly progress onto a Level 7 related degree programme.
Application Closing Date : 15th August 2025
Entry Requirements
To qualify for entry to this Certificate 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.
Applicants who may not meet the above minimum entry requirements can have their experiential, work-based learning assessed through the ATU- Sligo RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) process.
Ideally students are currently working and have the possibility of undertaking a related work-based improvement project during the academic year which is supported by a work-based mentor [at supervisory level] which the student nominates. Students will also be supported by an assigned academic supervisor from ATU.
In addition, an applicant must successfully complete an entrance exam in Mathematics.
Career Opportunities
Successful graduates from this course will have gained, within one academic year, the formal and academic recognition of their abilities which is sought by their current or future employer in order to progress within the organisation and undertake roles specifically in Quality and Quality Management at a technician or team-lead role with the prospect of moving further into engineering and supervisory roles in the future.
Further Study
There will be progression pathways for those students who successfully complete this Certificate in Quality Assurance with Project as they will have gained 60 credits. Those who wish to continue on their academic studies are eligible for consideration on a Level 7 degree in Quality, Manufacturing Management, or various Life Sciences at ATU. These 60 credits in conjunction with approved Recognition for Prior Learning may enable students to move directly onto a related Level 7 degree. However, students will be assessed on an individual basis and are required to meet the eligibility criteria for the specific Level 7 programme.
Programme Fees