Mindfulness Based Practice & Research

Course Outline
This Post Graduate Diploma in Mindfulness Based Practice and Research is run fully online over two years. Year one accompanies the student to develop a committed mindfulness practice within their own lives while year two offers the student the opportunity to research Mindfulness at a deeper level. The programme includes an eight week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course which incorporates elements of Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy. It examines both the eastern philosophy and the western psychology of mindfulness and supports the students by enhancing their reflective skills through enquiry and heightened awareness. The programmes explores the use of mindfulness in settings such as healthcare, education, social care, the workplace, family and relationships. Students who complete year one of the programme may exit the programme and graduate with a PG Certificate in Mindfulness Based Practice while those who complete year two will graduate with a PG Diploma in Mindfulness Based Practice and Research.

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 over one year 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.

Graduates from this course can integrate their new skills and knowledge into their place of work and into their own personal lives.

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.

Year 2 Modules

AP6809: Research Methodologies (5 credits)
Qualitative, quantitative and mixed research. Theory, research and practice, data gathering, reflexive practice in research.

AP6810: Research Project (25 credits)
Demonstrate the ability to complete a minor research work to the appropriate standard.

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 30 July 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.

Two years, exit award of PG Cert at the end of year one

Delivered Fully Online

Online - Thursday evenings.