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1. Study
2. Adult Continuing Education
3. Study At ACE
4. Certificate
5. Advocacy - CPD Cert

Course Fact File

Code	CCPDAD
Duration	12 weeks
Teaching Mode	Part-Time
Qualifications	Cert
NFQ Level	Level 6
NFQ Award Title	Special Purpose Award
Fees	€550 See Fees and Costs for full details.
Closing Date	Round One: 26 June 2026
Course Delivery Method	Online
Venue	Online
Start Date	7 Oct 2026

Course Outline

This programme provides an interdisciplinary introduction to advocacy. The programme will provide students with a holistic and people-centred understanding of what is to be an advocate for themselves, as part of a community and for others. The first part of the programme offers a general introduction to the concept of advocacy, the contexts where it is important, different perspectives and the aims of advocacy. The students will learn about the elements of advocacy, the theories and the models of advocacy, its history and what the legislative framework is in an Irish context. The second half of the course will equip the students with advocacy skills that will help them personally. This will be done through lectures and two ‘advocacy in action’ workshops. These workshops will allow for the students to show what they have learned. By the end of the programme, learners will have developed a broad knowledge of different advocacy methods and types. How to identify relevant supports and provide impartial information and advice. Learners may also develop a range of life skills including selfconfidence, self-awareness, problem solving, time, good effective communication and boundary management. Learners will identify the key strengths needed to bring to the role of advocacy provision. Please see below a short introductory video on the course. 

Important Notice on Course Registration Deadlines:

• Applications are accepted in two rounds.
• Round 1 closes on 26 June and Round 2 closes on 28 August.
• Please note: if all places are filled by eligible applicants by the Round 1 deadline, the programme will not open for Round 2.
• For round 2, applications will remain open until the final deadline or until all places are filled, whichever occurs first. Early application is strongly advised.

Course Practicalities

Programme Modules: 

This course comprises two 5 credit modules delivered over a 12-week period:

1. An Introduction to Advocacy and Activism
2. Citizenship and Leadership

Lecture Schedule: 

• Classes are delivered live online via Microsoft Teams on Wednesdays from 7pm-10pm over 10 weeks.
• There will also be two Saturday workshops.
• In total, students will engage in 48 hours of lecture and 9 hours of tutorials/guest lectures.
• Students are also expected to engage in self-directed learning including; readings, short videos and participation in online discussion boards.

Additional Information: 

The course is ideal if you are an adult learner who is looking to enhance your skills and learn more about advocacy, or if you are an individual who wishes to improve their communication, problem-solving, research, public speaking, and organisational skills.

Why Choose This Course

• This course is important for those people who work or volunteer in various health care and community settings like day services, youth clubs, mental health services; or who are carers, parents or anyone who needs to speak up for themselves or others.
• It is designed to help students develop essential advocacy skills including self-confidence, self-awareness, problem solving, good effective communication, time and boundary management.
• On completion of the course students will gain a recognised academic qualification, this is significant because there has been a rise in demand for qualified advocates.

Skills and Careers Information

There are also opportunities for employment or work advancement after this course in places such as government bodies, local charities, the HSE, within workplaces such as unions, or for promotion. 

Requirements

Programme Entry Requirements:

Applicants must: 

• Be at least 21 years of age by 1 January of the year of application.
• Hold a Leaving Certificate/QQI Level 5 qualification (or equivalent).
• Candidates may be required to attend for interview (which can be arranged online). Shortlisting may apply.

English Language Requirements:

All applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English language proficiency. See the UCC English language proficiency requirements. 

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applicants who do not hold a Leaving Certificate/QQI Level 5 qualification may be eligible to apply through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). See information on RPL here. 

To be considered, applicants demonstrate that they hold an equivalent professional qualification in a health and social care setting or practice experience relevant to the course aims and objectives. These applicants will also need to attend an interview. 

• If you wish to apply via RPL, you must select “Yes” to the RPL question when completing your application in UCC Apply.
• As part of the application, you will be required to submit:
  • A Personal Statement outlining your motivation for applying and detailing relevant work or life experience.
  • Any other relevant supporting documentation evidencing your prior learning - please refer to the for details on appropriate evidence.

Fees and Costs

The fee for this programme is €550.

• The full fee must be paid on application.
• This fee is fully refundable if the programme does not run or you are not offered a place on the programme.

For further information on fees and financial supports please click here.

How To Apply

Applications are accepted in two rounds.

• Round 1 closes on 26 June and Round 2 closes on 28 August.
• Please note: if all places are filled by eligible applicants by the Round 1 deadline, the programme will not open for Round 2.
• For round 2, applications will remain open until the final deadline or until all places are filled, whichever occurs first. Early application is strongly advised.

Before you apply, please prepare the following items which you will need during your application:

• Proof of Identity (Birth Cert, Passport or Driver's Licence)
• Passport-style Photograph
• English Language Test Report (if applicable)
• Supporting documentation if required for RPL
• Programme Fee

Start Your Application

Create an account or login to UCC Apply (click the 'Apply' button below).

1. Start a new application
   • WHEN ASKED FOR APPLICATION TYPE - YOU MUST CHOOSE: ADULT & CONTINUING EDUCATION
2. During the application on the tab titled Academic Level, under Level Selection, select the following options:
   • Academic Level: Adult Continuing Education (ACE at UCC)
   • Course Type: ACE Part-time ÉîÒ¹ÑÇÖÞ¸£Àû¾Ã¾Ã
   • Academic Programme: Continuing Professional Development in Advocacy - Cert 

A step-by-step visual application guide for this specific programme is available – please email the Programme Coordinator. You can view a general application guide for all part-time programmes here: /en/ace/helphub/