ÉîÒ¹ÑÇÖÞ¸£Àû¾Ã¾Ã

Download or Print

1. Study
2. Adult Continuing Education
3. Study At ACE
4. Certificate
5. Neurodiversity for the Workplace - CPD Cert

Course Fact File

Code	CCPDNW
Duration	12 weeks
Teaching Mode	Part-Time
Qualifications	Cert
NFQ Level	Level 8
NFQ Award Title	Special Purpose Award
Fees	€1,250 (Skillnet Fee Subsidy available) See Fees and Costs for full details.
Closing Date	10 August 2026
Course Delivery Method	Online
Venue	Online
Start Date	2 September 2026

Course Outline

The Certificate in Continuing Professional Development in Neurodiversity in the Workplace is designed to upskill individuals so that they have a working knowledge of how Neurodiversity exists within the workplace and what are the policies and legislative context and the practicalities that govern best practices for companies in this area. Those who take this course will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to foster a more diverse and inclusive work culture. Due to a paucity of research in the area of Neurodiversity in Ireland, further education and training is crucial to support industries (small, medium and large) to adapt to changing legislation and maximise the full potential of neurodivergent staff.

Neurodiversity is a broad umbrella sociological concept that can be defined as an approach to learning and disability that suggests diverse neurological conditions appear as a result of normal/slight variations in the human genome. It uses terms like “Neurodivergent”, which is a term that refers to people who have less than typical cognitive variations such as Autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia et cetera. “Neurotypical” refers to people who have typical development, and intellectual/cognitive functioning.

Course Practicalities

Programme Modules: 

This course comprises two 5-credit modules: 

• - Introduction to Neurodiversity
• - Neurodiversity Policy & Practice

Lecture Schedule:

• Live online classes are delivered Wednesday evenings from 7pm-9/10pm
• There will also be two full-day Saturday workshops
• All classes are recorded for later viewing, however, attendance at live lectures is expected. 
• See a provisional schedule here: Provisional Schedule CCPDNW 2026

In addition to these lectures, self-study programme material will be provided. Students will need to complete self-directed learning, readings and participation in online discussion boards. 

Classes are delivered through Microsoft Teams and all course materials will be provided on Canvas (UCC's online learning environment).

Assessment:

•  An Introduction to Neurodiversity is assessed through a 3000-word essay and a peer activity conducted in class.
• Neurodiversity: Policy and Practice is assessed through a presentation and a 2000-word written report.

Why Choose This Course

The Certificate in Continuing Professional Development in Neurodiversity in the Workplace is designed specifically for industry. The course is aimed at Directors, Company leaders, HOD’s, Managers, Supervisors, Teams, and anyone interested in fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and the industry. It is for people who are interested in learning more about Neurodiversity and how it relates to industry. You will be introduced to the different ways in which Neurodiversity currently exists in industry, its history, including what the different strengths, challenges and conceptualisations are.

This course will explore the policies and legislative context and the practicalities that govern best practice for companies in this area. This will include covering areas such as recruitment, inclusion, support and retention of neurodivergent workers and colleagues. The hope is to create a culture in which everyone has the opportunities to thrive and participate in the industry’s operations and leadership. 

Requirements

Programme Entry Requirements: 

Applicant must:

• Be at least 21 years of age by 1 January of the year of application.
• Be working in the industry for ideally at least two years
• Hold a QQI level 7 or equivalent qualification

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 (RPL)

Applicants who do not hold QQI level 7 or equivalent qualification may be eligible to apply through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). See information on RPL here. 

To be considered, applicants should be able to demonstrate relevant work or life experience related to the programme. These applicants may be required 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 €1,250. 

Biopharmachem Skillnet Funding

Biopharmachem Skillnet will fund €375 of the programme fee for eligible applicants. These funded applicants will pay a subsidised rate of €875

• Skillnet Funding can only be applied where the employer pays the course fees on behalf of the student. 
• Self-employed applicants can avail of the subsidy.
• BioPharmaChem Skillnet will issue the invoice directly to you or your organisation. 

to see more information, register your interest, or apply for a funded place on this programme. 

How To Apply

Applications for BioPharmaChem Skillnet Funding: 

to apply for a funded place on this programme. 

Direct Applications: 

We are collecting expressions of interest for a fee-paying intake for those who are ineligible for the above fee subsidy. Please complete the We will contact you once we confirm an intake in late May/early June.