Mindfulness Based Practice & Research

Course Outline
This Post Graduate Certificate in Mindfulness Based Practice and Research is run over eight months, fully online. The programme supports the student to develop a committed mindfulness practice in their own lives. This practice enables the student to manage stress more effectively, improve interpersonal skills and enhance self awareness. The programme includes an eight week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course which incorporates elements of Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy. For those who have already completed an 8 week mindfulness programme it serves as an excellent follow up programme. This PG Cert examines both the eastern philosophy and the western pyschology of mindfulness and supports the student by enhancing their reflective skills through practice and enquiry. The programme explores the use of mindfulness in settings such as healthcare, education, social care, the workplace, family and relationships.

This PG Cert acts as an ideal preparation for those who wish to progress to the MSC in Mindfulness Based Wellbeing and become a mindfulness teacher.

Why Choose This Course
There are many programmes throughout the country that offer an eight week course in mindfulness however this is the first programme of its kind in Ireland that offers the student a sustained support in learning and embedding their mindfulness practice into daily life. Through the programme the student learns how mindfulness can be brought into healthcare, education, social care, the workplace, family and relationships. Research in these settings demonstrates that training in mindfulness can lead to a significant reduction of stress levels, an increase in levels of emotional intelligence, increased levels of interpersonal effectiveness, lower rates of health related absenteeism, increased self awareness, better communication skills, increased concentration and attention span, a greater capacity to hold information, lower levels of psychological distress and anxiety along with higher levels of well-being, resilience and overall life and work satisfaction.

This programme critically examines the empirical research undertaken in these areas and evaluates the implications of this for contemporary society. It provides the student the opportunity to establish a committed mindfulness practice and to deepen their understanding of Mindfulness Based Interventions.

Year 1 Modules

AP6807: Mindfulness and Reflective Practice (5 credits)
Reflective practice, acceptance and commitment training, nine attitudinal foundations of mindfulness.

AP6808: Enquiry into Mindfulness Practice (15 credits)
Enquiry into personal practice, deepening of personal practice. Exploring the connection between and transition from formal practice to informal practice, practising mindfulness in every aspect of daily life.

AP6817: Mindfulness Practice (10 credits)
Eight week mindfulness based stress reduction programme informed in parts by mindfulness based cognitive therapy for the general public.

Applicants should hold a level eight honours degree or an equivalent qualification or professional qualification within a relevant field such as health care, education, social care, family care or workplace development
or
Have at least five years of relevant experience within the workplace, healthcare, social care, family care or education, for those who have a degree outside of these areas. An interview forms an important element in assessing a candidates suitability for the programme, final decision on the inclusion of a candidate onto the programme will be determined by this process

CLOSING DATE 31 August 2022

How Do I Apply
Applicants need to be aware of the IT student checklist below before applying:

You will need access to a laptop or desktop computer running a modern supported operating system with all software updates.
Some of UCC's services (e.g. the Canvas Virtual Learning Environment) link to an external site and also have mobile apps for iOS and Android Devices that you may wish to use as part of your studies. However, we recommend using your desktop web browser for submission of assessments.

You should always use the most current version of your preferred browser. In general, we recommend the Chrome Web browser (Important Note: Internet Explorer will not work with Canvas).
We recommend a reliable broadband connection with at least 2Mbps or more.

You will require an Office suite of software (Microsoft Office or equivalent) and a PDF reader. You should always use the latest version of this software. All UCC students will have access to Office 365 which includes software such as Word/Excel/Powerpoint etc. once registered.

To Apply for this course please follow the steps below:

When you log into the Application Portal:

Click Apply Online

Select Start a new Adult & Continuing Education Application

On the 2nd tab Academic Level

Select the following options:

Academic Level: Adult Continuing Education (ACE at UCC)
Course Type: ACE Part-time Courses
Academic Programme: The course title you are applying for.

During your online application you will be required to upload the following documents:

Application Statement
Birth Cert or Passport
Passport Photograph
Curriculum Vitae
English Language Test Report [if applicable]
Transcripts [if applicable]
50% of the fees are required to complete your application.

8 months part-time

Delivered Fully Online

The Post Graduate Certificate in Mindfulness Based Practice is run fully online and so can be completed from home. The programme requires a committed personal practice of formal and informal mindfulness outside of lecture times.