Entry Requirements
- Have an intellectual disability
- Be 18 years of age or over
- Have reading and comprehension skills at a capacity consistent with QQI Level 4 or above
Courses
Admissions & Support
Applied Learning and Skills Development – Certificate
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Location: Athlone / Moylish, Limerick City
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years: 2
Course Overview
The aim of this certificate course is to equip students with an intellectual disability with the skills, knowledge and confidence necessary to participate fully in higher education and to develop work-related competencies which facilitate meaningful employment. Its focus, therefore, is on inclusivity, personal, academic and social development and preparation for professional life.
Using a Universal Design for Learning model, students are supported to learn and be assessed based on their individual needs and preferences. In the classroom, students are supported by lecturers, educational staff officers and occupational therapists, based on their Individual Learning Plans. These supports continue throughout the academic programme and into the work placement module, availing of every opportunity for success.
Upon successful completion of the course, students may continue to further study or avail of work-related opportunities in the community, depending on the path they wish to take towards their future.
Contact Details
TUS Athlone Campus
Email: Athlone Campus
TUS Moylish Campus, Limerick
Email: Moylish Campus, Limerick
Application Process
1. Applicants must complete and submit an application form outlining why they would like to enrol in the course, what they hope to gain from participation and information about previous experience or knowledge they believe would be of help to them in successfully completing the course.
2. Applicants must provide evidence of their diagnosed Intellectual Disability which can be represented by a letter or report from a GP or recognised allied clinician.
3. Applicants should provide any relevant supporting documentation which would assist with the identification of the applicant’s learning style, strengths and challenges and guidance on learning supports /accommodations required.
4. Shortlisted applicants must attend an in-person interview with 2 members of the programme team.
Data Protection Information
TUS wants to make sure that you are happy with the way we take care of the information you give us. When you fill out your application form and send it to us, it is delivered in to an email account that is only used for this programme.
The only people who can see the information you give us are:
- The person whose job it is to make sure applications are checked and assessed.
- The experts who decide who will be called for an interview
- The people who interview potential students
- The experts who are lecturers teaching on the programme
TUS keep your information safe by taking it out of the email as soon as it is received and putting it in to a safe folder on our protected computer systems.
The information belonging to people who apply for the programme but do not get in will be deleted and not kept on our systems anymore. This is how we make sure that the information is safe.
The information belonging to people who do get into the programme will be kept until the programme has been completed and will then be deleted.
Some information from the application will be put on our student record system and kept. This will be your name, address, date of birth, contact phone number, and PPs number.
We have a lot more information about how we use students’ personal data in our Privacy Notice here.
Submitting the Application – Please complete the online application form for the campus you wish to study at:
Applications close on May 18th at 5.00pm.
Course Modules
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Skills for Higher Education (Mandatory)
Credits: 15
This module aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to be successful in their academic studies, working on academic skills, digital literacy and personal learning and development.
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Wellbeing and Advocacy in Higher Education and Society (Mandatory)
Credits: 15
This module aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to promote their wellbeing and to advocate for themselves and others in higher education and society. The module will focus on personal wellbeing and development, understanding rights and advocacy, and building a supportive community.
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Placement Preparation (Mandatory)
Credits: 5
This Work Placement Preparation module is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge needed to excel in their work placements in their chosen professions. The module covers a comprehensive range of topics, including career planning, CV and cover letter writing, job search strategies, and interview preparation. Students will develop key workplace skills such as professionalism, effective communication, and teamwork. The module emphasises health and safety, legal and ethical considerations, and reflective practice to ensure students can navigate their work environments confidently and ethically. Students will be prepared for their work experience opportunities through theoretical learning, practical exercises, technology, and workshops, enhancing their employability
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Placement (Mandatory)
Credits: 10
This module provides students with the opportunity to engage in a meaningful work placement within a sector relevant to their field of interest/study. The placement aims to enhance practical skills, professional development, and understanding of workplace practices while enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting. The student will be supported by the project coordinator, learning support worker, class tutor, and placement supervisor. Students must adhere to the TUS Code of Conduct and TUS Fitness to Study Policies. To participate on practice placement, students must have completed Gardai Vetting.
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Professional Reflection for Placement (Mandatory)
Credits: 5
This module enables learners to explore the meaning of professionalism in the context of their work. Learners will engage with the theory and practice of professionalism, identify professional values and competencies, and develop reflective practice skills. Students will engage in group sessions discussing positive experiences and challenges they encounter in their work placement.
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In the first semester of Year 2 of the programme, students will choose an Elective Module, where they will experience co-learning in mainstream classes alongside other college students. Examples of elective modules could be Creative Studies, Early Years Education, or Culinary Arts. Various options will be shared with students towards the end of their first year of the programme.
What can I do after this programme?
Upon successful completion of the course, students may continue to further study or apply for employment. Options for this will be presented towards the end of the second year of the programme.