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Courses
Courses
Choosing a course is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make! View our courses and see what our students and lecturers have to say about the courses you are interested in at the links below.
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University Life
University Life
Each year more than 4,000 choose University of Galway as their University of choice. Find out what life at University of Galway is all about here.
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About University of Galway
About University of Galway
Since 1845, University of Galway has been sharing the highest quality teaching and research with Ireland and the world. Find out what makes our University so special – from our distinguished history to the latest news and campus developments.
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Colleges & Schools
Colleges & Schools
University of Galway has earned international recognition as a research-led university with a commitment to top quality teaching across a range of key areas of expertise.
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Research & Innovation
Research & Innovation
University of Galway’s vibrant research community take on some of the most pressing challenges of our times.
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Business & Industry
Guiding Breakthrough Research at University of Galway
We explore and facilitate commercial opportunities for the research community at University of Galway, as well as facilitating industry partnership.
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Alumni & Friends
Alumni & Friends
There are 128,000 University of Galway alumni worldwide. Stay connected to your alumni community! Join our social networks and update your details online.
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Community Engagement
Community Engagement
At University of Galway, we believe that the best learning takes place when you apply what you learn in a real world context. That's why many of our courses include work placements or community projects.
Learning and Development (Diploma)
Course Overview
Diploma in Learning and Development Timetable
This course is specifically targeted at those who currently hold coordination, managerial and supervisory responsibilities in corporate Learning and Development roles; as well as new participants entering this sector. The course aims to develop effective and responsible change agents to design, develop and operationalise strategic plans within their areas of responsibility and emphasises skills development around Coaching, Human Resource Management and Online Learning Development.
This course allows you to gain a one-year part-time Diploma in Learning and Development (30 ECTS) and is accredited at Level 8 on the NFQ.
Mode of Study: Online Learning
This course has been approved by Galway Executive Skillnet for a fees subsidy of up to 40% for students whose company is a member of their network. For more information, contact:
Galway Executive Skillnet – Eamonn Molloy at: info@galwayexecutiveskillnet.com
Applications and Selections
Applications open from 1st April 2024.
Applications are made online via the University of Galway Applications System. This course is listed under Adult Learning & CPD Courses Application.
Please visit our How to Apply page for Application tips and Supporting Documents information.
Early application is advised as offers will be made on a rolling basis.
Who Teaches this Course
Requirements and Assessment
Students are required to participate in online discussions and activities throughout the year. All modules are individually assessed. Assessment will be by means of a combination of written assignments, reflective journals, e-learning and multi-media exercises, group projects, practical assignments, and presentations.
Key Facts
Entry Requirements
Applicants should normally have a level 7 qualification in any discipline. Applicants with a level 6 award or non-standard applicants with relevant work experience are also encouraged to apply through the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) route. Please contact the Course Administrator for further details: trainingeducation@universityofgalway.ie.
General entry requirements for part-time students can be found in our FAQs section (i.e. age, english language requirements etc.).
Additional Requirements
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Duration
1 year, part-time
Next start date
October 2024
A Level Grades ()
Average intake
25
QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes
Closing Date
NFQ level
8
Mode of study
Online Learning
ECTS weighting
30
Award
Diploma in Learning and Development
CAO
Course code
Course Outline
Course Delivery
This course is delivered online through:
- Live online lectures
- Podcasts and presentations (recorded spoken lectures with presentation slides)
- Screencasts
- Reading material, assignments and online discussions
This course will help you build your professional competence. On successful completion of the course you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an up-to-date specialised knowledge learning and development change management frameworks paying particular attention to identifying how their activities are shaped by organisational policies and economic conditions;
- Carry out a situation analysis with a view to gaining insights into the activities, implications and challenges of implementing strategy within a changing political, societal, economic and organisational environments;
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the concepts and models of coaching and mentoring and their role in enhancing individual performance in the workplace;
- Critically analyse core concepts, principles and models of human resource management and human resource development in relation to their application and their limitations;
- Explain the range of knowledge, skills and competence needed by learning and development practitioners to develop, facilitate and manage an effective virtual learning environment and the range of knowledge, skills and competence needed by learners to fully engage in collaborative virtual learning communities;
- Apply advance analytical skills to the practical considerations of establishing a virtual learning environment that encompasses online learning models and blended learning models;
- Self-assess personal strengths, characteristics and skills to evaluate and monitor personal and professional development;
- Perform professional roles and responsibilities in a way that fosters a climate of mutual support and trust, that instils an agentic culture of accomplishment and that enables continuous improvement of strategy implementation and change management processes.
Further Education
For graduates who do not hold an undergraduate degree, this course offers exemptions into the Business/Commerce (Degree/Diploma)
Why Choose This Course?
Career Opportunities
This course will provide you with a recognised training qualification that can lead to or accelerate career opportunities in a wide range of areas such as:
- Corporate training and professional development sectors
- Further education and training sectors
- Voluntary and community-based training organisations
- Human resources and staff development areas of a wide range of organisations
- Private training providers
Who’s Suited to This Course
These courses are suitable to those from backgrounds such as:
- Learning and Development managers and practitioners;
- Vocational trainers;
- Solas instructors or people wishing to pursue a career as a trainer in Solas;
- Educational consultants;
- Human resource specialists;
- Those practising or planning a career as trainers in the educational, industrial, commercial, voluntary and community sectors.
Learning Outcomes
Transferable Skills Employers Value
Work Placement
Study Abroad
Related Student Organisations
Course Fees
Fees: EU
Fees: Tuition
Fees: Student levy
Fees: Non EU
Fees for this course are collected directly by the Centre, please see our staff listing
*Galway Executive Skillnet funding (40% fee subsidy) is available for this course. You also may be eligible for the Adult Learning Tuition Scholarship, find out more
Find out More
Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development
University of Galway, Nuns' Island, Galway
Tel: 353 91 494059/494055
Email: trainingeducation@universityofgalway.ie

Anna Farkas | Graduate
I chose the Learning & Development Diploma so that I can change my career path. I have always been passionate about learning and teaching and the University of Galway gave me profound knowledge as well as useful tools to unlock my potential. The modules of the course are very well-structured with especially relevant content that makes use of the latest research available in the field of L&D. I have gained valuable knowledge and experience through meaningful learning activities, projects, and assignments. I had to put the theoretics into practice which significantly improved many of my professional capabilities. Furthermore, the tutors are highly competent experts who show genuine enthusiasm and motivate learners, which really inspired me. I particularly enjoyed the interactive virtual classes where I could collaborate with and learn from my peers. The fact that the course was delivered online in a blended way allowed me to participate from outside Ireland while working full-time. I am sure that I will be able to reach my professional goals now that I have completed the course as I am equipped with a strong foundation to be able to work in this field as a dedicated professional.