This Post Graduate Diploma in Mindfulness Based Practice and Research is run 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 student 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.
In year one, the Post Graduate Certificate in Mindfulness Based Practice, the student completes a total of 30 credits. The programme also require a committed personal practice of formal and informal mindfulness outside of lecture times.
In year two, the Post Graduate Diploma in Mindfulness based Practice and Research the student completes a total of thirty credits.
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 demonstrate 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 critical examines the empirical research undertaken in these areas and evaluates the implications 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 current place of work. This programme is designed to allow the student to experience the impact a committed mindfulness practice can make within the areas of education, health care, social care, the work place, family and relationships.