Course Details

Course Code(s):
PDDICDTPAD
/
PDDICDTPBD
Available:
Part-Time
Intake:
Autumn/Fall
Course Start Date:
September
Duration:
1 Year, Part-Time
Award:
Professional Diploma
Qualification:
NFQ Level 9 Minor Award
Faculty: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Course Type: Taught, Professional/Flexible
Fees: For Information on Fees, see section below.

Contact(s):

Name: Dr. Elaine Walsh
Email: elaine.walsh@ul.ie
Express Interest

Register your interest here for more information or to be notified when applications are open.

Brief Description

This course qualifies for 50% funding under the HCI Fees Subsidy. Check fees section for details and eligibility. 

In today's digital age, industry's need for digital content development has increased exponentially. Technical writing, content developers, digital content specialists, e-learning specialists and other professionals specialising in creating digital content are in high demand. Companies now rely on digital content to reach their customers, employees, and stakeholders. Digital content is critical for businesses to promote their products and services, educate their employees and customers, and communicate their values and vision. Therefore, the need for skilled professionals who can develop high-quality digital content that is engaging, informative, and user-friendly is essential for companies to succeed in today's competitive marketplace. As a result, the demand for digital content developers is expected to grow in the coming years.

This NEW Professional Diploma in Digital Content Development is a great choice if you create content as part of your job and want to improve your skills or get a qualification to move into a similar role. This part-time online programme is for people who want to begin or advance their careers as technical writers, content developers, information developers, e-learning developers, UX writers, instructional designers, and training specialists.

UL@Work programmes are co-designed with industry to ensure skills transfers are industry-responsive for current and future needs. Our programmes are developed for working professionals and are designed to be flexible and accessible. You can take it online and from anywhere worldwide.

(M) Microcreds available:
Modules listed within the Programme Content with an (M) beside them are MicroCreds and can be taken independently.

On this NFQ Level 9 programme, you will learn how to create high-quality digital content that engages and educates your audience. You'll develop your professional writing skills, specifically focusing on digital content delivery and new writing paradigms. You'll develop skills in writing clear and concise copy, with emphasis on inclusive writing strategies such as the Plain English initiative. You'll learn to structure your content for maximum impact and design visually appealing multimedia presentations. You'll also learn about the latest trends and best practices in digital content creation, including how to optimise your content for search engines and how to create engaging online experiences through well-considered content. Strong communication skills are positively associated with career advancement and organisational reputation.

Each week, you will review pre-recorded lectures and take part in online activities/e-activities. Our online classes will teach you about theories, best practices, and how to apply them. Practical assignments designed to mirror the communication challenges you will encounter in the real world will strengthen your learning experience on this programme.

On completion of this programme, you'll have the skills and knowledge you need to pursue a successful career in digital content creation. You'll be able to create compelling digital content that engages and educates your audience, and you'll be able to work in a variety of roles, such as technical writer, content developer, information developer, e-learning developer, UX writer, instructional designer, or training specialist.

Download the programme flyer HERE.

Here are some of the key topics that you'll cover in this course:

Professional Writing: You will learn how to elevate your professional writing skills, focusing on writing for digital content delivery and new writing frameworks, such as topic-based writing, UX writing, and microcontent. You'll discover how to write audience-focused digital media content, placing importance on how to use inclusive writing strategies like plain language. As part of this module, you'll have a masterclass on writing on a specific topic.

Workplace Communication Skills: You'll learn how to put communication theories to use and develop communication and collaboration skills that are essential for success. We will focus on interpersonal, intercultural, and nonverbal communication theories and their practical applications in professional settings, including delivering presentations, conducting interviewing, and working in virtual teams. Communication across platforms, media, genres, and formats, in groups (both virtual and in-person) and with internal and external stakeholders, is a critical skill for all digital content professionals in the industry 4.0 era. You will enjoy a masterclass on developing effective presentations, an essential skill for digital content professionals.

Information Design: You'll master the fundamentals of information design, including typography, colour, graphics, illustrations, screen layout, information design theories, and design with the end user in mind. Brochures, websites, and online courses are just a few examples of how information design principles can be applied to other types of content creation.

Learning design: This module will introduce you to the principles of learning design and how they may be used to create training materials and online courses.

Autumn SemesterSpring Semester

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  1. When does this programme start? 
     The programme starts in September. 
     
  2. How many hours per week? And what is the split between lecture + study time and tutorial time?
    10 hours per week, which typically drills down to:
  • 2 hour lecture time
  • 1 hour tutorial/activities
  • 1 hour lab
  • The remaining time will involve self-directed study (approx 6 hours per week).
  1. What skills will you and your employer benefit from on completion of this programme?
    On successful completion you will have:
  • Elevated skills and knowledge to use digital media for content development projects in the workplace.
  • Strategic insight into applying writing and design theories to digital content development projects.
  • Strengthened ability to communicate complex information efficiently and effectively.
  • Skills in working effectively and efficiently on complex digital content development projects in face-to-face or virtual teams.
  1. What day of the week are the classes delivered?

    To be confirmed
  2. Does a student need to attend live/ or is everything recorded?

    Live attendance is not required and as it is online you can log in from anywhere in the world.
  3. What software programmes will be used?

    Microsoft Office 365 (provided by the University of Limerick) and our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) which is called Brightspace.
  4. How are learners assessed on this programme?

    There are no terminal exams on this programme. Assessment will be by continuous assessment and through a series of engaging and industry-relevant e-tivities.
     
  5. Who is this programme for? 

    This part-time online programme is for people who want to begin or advance their careers as technical writers, content developers, information developers, e-learning developers, UX writers, instructional designers, and training specialists.
     
  6. Who is the Course Director?

    Dr Elaine Walsh is the Course Director and is a Technical Communication and Instructional Design lecturer at the University of Limerick. She has extensive expertise in e-learning, technical communication, instructional design, and online programme delivery. Her research focuses on online pedagogy, communication, and assessment design.

This programme is particularly suited to professionals whose roles involve creating technical, e-learning, or specialised content for online delivery. Applicants are normally expected to hold a primary honours degree in any discipline (minimum H2.2), and must have at least two years of relevant work experience.

Alternative Entry Route:

In accordance with the University's policy on the Recognition of Prior Learning, candidates who do not meet the minimum entry criteria may be considered.

WHAT TO INCLUDE WITH YOUR APPLICATION:

  • Qualification transcripts and certificates
  • A copy of your birth certificate or passport
  • A copy of your CV
  • If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice. 
  •  If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided:
  • English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts AND
  • English language competency certificate
  • Please click here for Further Information on English Language Requirements
  •  

EU - €3500 per annum - Non EU - €4750 per annum

HCI Fees Subsidy - Candidates who satisfy the eligibility criteria can qualify for 50% funding subject to the availability of places. To clarify eligibility please go to Eligibility Criteria 

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie.)

Please click here for information on funding and scholarships.