Higher Certificate in Operations, Quality & Lean Management (Certificate, Year 1, L6, 60 ECTS) (SUSI Funding)

Stage 1

Semester 1

Business and Operations Management

To provide students with an understanding of management practice and human behaviour in organisational settings and to illustrate how knowledge of management practice and human behaviour can contribute to the success of an organisation. The efficient production of goods and services requires the effective application of the concepts, tools and techniques of operations management. This module presents a broad introduction to the
field of operations, the role of operations in an organisation and the associated concepts, tools and techniques of operations management. This module facilitates students to apply theory and knowledge to real life situations

Fundamentals of Quality Assurance

Students will be introduced to the area of Quality Assurance and Control and will have the ability to apply and maintain quality assurance/quality control systems in an industrial environment to support delivery of a quality product or service.
The module will emphasise everyday practical aspects concerning the use of basic quality techniques in industry with particular emphasis on quality management system standards including ISO 9001:2015, as well as supporting Auditing, Visual Inspection techniques, process improvement and current trends.

Introduction to Mathematics and Statistics

This module will introduce the student to the basic mathematical procedures in arithmetic, trigonometry used in third level study. This module will also introduce the student to an introduction to statistics and data analysis.

Semester 2

Quality Management

To give students an understanding of how quality is managed in a manufacturing or services organisation and to give them an introduction to current tools and philosophies in the area of quality management.

Applied Practice 1 – Personal and Professional Context

This module is designed to assist students with preparation for professional and personal work-based development and well-being. There will be a particular emphasis on career, personal development and well-being in the modern workplace

Semester 3

Fundamentals in Regulatory Affairs

The module will explore a range of regulatory standards such as ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485:2016, ISO 16949:2016, ISO 14001:2015 along with EudraLex ,the CE Markings and the Machineries directive. This module will identify the role of the regulatory bodies FDA (US Food and Drug Administration), the EMA (the European Medicines Agency) and European Food Safety Authority. The module will introduce the student to an understanding of the importance of auditing in successfully managing a quality management system.

Minimum Entry Requirements

This programme will be delivered in a blended Format. Lectures will take place predominantly online with selected Saturday’s per semester taking place at TUS Athlone Campus. Attendance at these days is mandatory.

Each 10-credit module normally equates to approximately 200 total learning hours. Total learning hours include the time spent in class, such as lectures, tutorials, and practical elements, as well as time spent working independently outside of college.

The balance between these varies by discipline and level of study, and learners should be aware that workload will increase at particular times, especially when assignments are due.

The programme is assessed through a combination of continuous assessments, project work and examinations.

Applications will close on 28th August 2026 at 5pm.

Places are allocated on a first come first served basis.

Programme run subject to viable numbers.

Certificate in Science in Operations, Quality and Lean Management, Level 6, 60 ECTS.