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Lean and Quality Systems (Specialist Diploma)
Course Overview
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 or Lean & Quality Systems.
Applications and Selections
Online Applications open on March 1st, 2021.
Please visit our How to Apply page for Application tips and Supporting Documents information.
NB: Applicants must have successfully completed the Diploma in Science & Technology Studies, or a related NFQ Level 7 qualification, 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 by blended learning on a part-time basis. Candidates will receive learning materials in both online and in hard copy 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 on campus for approximately 10 hours per module, mainly on Saturdays.
Notice: with the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 coronavirus, we have decided to move classroom-based courses and blended learning seminars to a fully online teaching mode for the academic year 2020/21. The teaching schedule for the 2021/22 academic year will be reviewed over the coming months in line with government restrictions and social distancing guidelines. This decision has been made to ensure the safety of students & staff and our desire to continue to provide upskilling and professional development opportunities for all. If you have any queries regarding the format of online delivery mode, please contact your course administrator for further details.Key Facts
Entry Requirements
Applicants must have successfully completed the Diploma in Science & Technology Studies or a related NFQ Level 7 qualification, 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
Closing Date
TBC
NFQ level
8
Mode of study
Blended learning
ECTS weighting
30
Award
CAO
Course code
Course Outline
Each 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.
Lean & Quality Systems: Lean & Quality Systems: Lean Thinking / Lean Tools; Quality Science – Six Sigma; Problem Solving Tools and Techniques; Enterprise Modelling and Simulation; Project.
Download Lean and Quality brochure.
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
Fees: Tuition
Fees: Student levy
Fees: Non EU
*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
Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development
Nuns' Island
NUI Galway
Tel: 091 494060
Email: sciencetech@nuigalway.ie