Course Summary
This course is delivered online over two semesters with 15 credits being completed in each semester. 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. Attendance at live lectures is voluntary and recordings will be made available via moodle.
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. Students can sit the end of semester exam in Sligo or Dublin.
The programme has also been approved by ulearning Skillnet for a fees subsidy of 20% for students whose company is a member of the ulearning Skillnet Network. Please note there are only a limited number of subsidies available and offers will be made on a first come, first served basis. Please visit www.ulearning.ie for further information.
This programme is funded under the Springboard initiative and provides free fees for this programme under this initiative. If this programme is funded you will find it and be able to submit an application on the Springboard site at www.springboardcourses.ie
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
The objective of this 30 credit Level 6 award in Validation Technologies is to enable students who are work-based to acquire key skills in the area of validation. 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 validation roles such as validation technician and will equip the student to complete many validation activities within their organisation. The impetus for the development of this programme has emerged from industry needs and the course content has been designed to meet this industry need.
Application Closing Date : 15th August 2025
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 D's which must include Mathematics and English or Irish. An E in Higher Level Mathematics is also acceptable, as is a B2 or higher in Foundation Mathematics.
Applicants who may not meet the above minimum entry requirements can have their experiential, work-based learning assessed through the IT Sligo RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) process.
There is a requirement for students to attend a 1 day practical/ workshop in semester 2.
Career Opportunities
There will be a progression pathways for those students who successfully complete this Special Purpose Award in Validation Technologies and who wish to continue on to complete a degree in Quality, Manufacturing Management, or various Life Sciences at IT Sligo. Students will be required to meet the eligibility criteria to enter the full degree programme and are assessed on an individual basis.
Programme Fees
Academic Year 2024/25 Fees
Total Programme Fee: €2,100
Springboard Fees
FREE for Springboard funded participants
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
Course Format
Semester 1
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| GMP 1 Quality Assurance | 10 |
| Validation Principles | 05 |
Semester 2
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Metrology and Calibration | 05 |
| Validation applications | 05 |
| Introduction to Regulatory Affairs | 05 |