Lean and Quality Systems (Specialist Diploma)

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Course Overview
Key Facts
Course Outline
Why Choose This Course?
Course Fees
Find Out More

Course Overview

The course is intended for those who wish to focus their skills with a view to moving into specialist and hybrid lean roles, e.g. internal lean consultants, waste minimisation specialists, process optimisation advisors. It is also suitable for those who wish to upskill and specialise. On completion of the course, graduates will have highly marketable, up-to-date knowledge and skills relevant to product, process and service optimisation and improvement. Expertise in Lean and Six Sigma is currently in strong demand across all sectors.

The specialist diploma awards are particularly suitable for students requiring medium-term upskilling for career advancement or for those interested in focused study in this subject area for personal or topical interest. The specialist diplomas are linked to the degree cycle of the modular programme in Science & Technology Studies which allow students to specialise by choosing from a range of electives. These elective modules are also available as independent awards which students may take for the purposes of upskilling or retraining in the area of Automation & Control, Medical Device Science, Lean & Quality Systems and Corporate Environmental Planning.

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The Specialist Diploma in Lean & Quality Systems is approved by Engineers Ireland as a CPD learning opportunity and contributes 600 hours towards an engineer’s CPD requirement.

Mode of Study: Online Learning

Applications and Selections

Applications are made online via the NUI 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.

NB: Applicants should have a Diploma at NFQ Level 7 of 90 ECTS minimum, in a Science, Engineering or Technical area, or otherwise prove that they satisfy the prerequisites of each of the modules as listed in the course outline section.

Who Teaches this Course

Requirements and Assessment

Assessment is through assignments, written examinations and in some cases practical laboratory sessions. Exams take place at the end of each semester. All modules from the course will be individually assessed.

The course is delivered online on a part-time basis. Candidates will receive learning materials in online format for each module. Materials will be specifically designed for independent study and will be supplemented by supporting reading material and interactive learning resources where appropriate. The course requires attendance online for approximately 10 hours per module, mainly on Saturdays.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Applicants should have a Diploma at NFQ Level 7 of 90 ECTS minimum, in a Science, Engineering or Technical area, or otherwise prove that they satisfy the prerequisites of each of the modules as listed in the course outline section.

Entry requirements for part-time students can be found in our FAQs section (i.e. age, english language requirements etc.).

Additional Requirements

Duration

1-year, part-time

Next start date

September

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

25-30

QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes

Closing Date

NFQ level

Mode of study

Online Learning

ECTS weighting

Award

CAO

Course code

Course Outline

The Lean and Quality Systems (Specialist Diploma) consists of four inter-related taught modules and a project (chosen in consultation with their project supervisor), to allow individuals to up-skill in a particular area or study in a highly focused area of interest. See module descriptions below:

Lean Thinking/Lean Tools
The module provides an overview of the Toyota Production System (TPS) and the 5 Lean Principles. Learners examine the main components of the TPS system including Just-in-Time (JIT) and cellular manufacturing. The module covers the main lean tools including Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Kaizen, and Standard Work. The principles behind each of the tools and the various elements involved in effectively using these tools is discussed.

Quality Science - Six Sigma
This module introduces the concept of Quality Science. Learners will gain an understanding of the Six Sigma methodology, and gain a foundation in the statistical methods and statistical thinking that forms the basis of the Six Sigma process. Learners build on this foundation so that they have the confidence and statistical skills necessary to visualise and interpret data. Learners develop a working knowledge of the statistical package Minitab.

Problem Solving Tools & Techniques
The Problem Solving Tools and Techniques module gives learners an understanding of the tools and techniques used by organisations to implement Six Sigma projects. Learners analyse problems and learn how to target areas applicable to Six Sigma methodologies.

Enterprise Modelling & Simulation
Enterprise modelling is the process of building models of whole or part of an enterprise using process models, data models, resource models and/or new processes etc. Enterprise modelling deals with the process of understanding an enterprise and improving its performance through creation of enterprise models. It is based on knowledge about the enterprise, previous models and/or reference models.

Lean & Quality Systems Project
In this project the learner will complete a literature review on a topic that is relevant to both the course and to their own work. The learner will develop a project plan and execute a practical research project using well established research methodology methods. Students will be allocated an academic supervisor who will work with them to offer guidance and ensure the successful completion of the project. This module will enable the learner to develop their project management skills, team-working and communication skills.

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Expertise in Lean and Six Sigma is currently in strong demand across all sectors. On completion of the course, graduates will have highly marketable, up-to-date and confidence-building knowledge and skills relevant to product, process and service optimisation and improvement. They will have practiced, and been assessed on, a range of technical and transferable skills which will be beneficial at the personal, enterprise and community levels. If graduates so wish they can progress to the BSc in Science and Technology Studies (NFQ Level 8) with credit for their studies. In this case they will be exempt from one elective stream in the Degree cycle.

Who’s Suited to This Course

The specialist diplomas are primarily intended for students who already have a Science or Engineering related diploma or degree and who wish to up-skill or become expert in one of the specialist areas as offered through these one-year diploma courses.

Learning Outcomes

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€2,115 p.a. 2022/23*

Fees: Tuition

€2,045 p.a. 2022/23

Fees: Student levy

€70 p.a. 2022/23

Fees: Non EU

€2,615 p.a. 2022/23

*Next Level 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

Course Administrator

Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development
Nuns' Island
NUI Galway
Tel: 091 494060
Email: sciencetech@nuigalway.ie

What Our Students Say

Jack Winters | Graduate

The Diploma in Lean and Quality Systems provided me with an opportunity to develop a range of valuable skills including project management, problem-solving, process improvement and lean thinking which have contributed to my development as a Design Engineer. On a practical level, I found the online delivery of the course to be very beneficial as I could learn at a time that suited me whilst still working full time. The lecturers are all very approachable and the modules were assessed on a continuous basis making it a lot more manageable. We were also offered the opportunity to obtain a Six Sigma Green Belt certification which coincided with the modules we were learning. The course highlight for me was completing a Lean & Quality Systems Project in my workplace which allowed me to execute what I had learned in each module under the guidance of an academic supervisor with a wealth of manufacturing experience. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who is not only interested in a career in this area but to those who wants to develop numerous new skills which are highly transferable.