Course Details

Course Code(s):
PD6012
Available:
Part-Time
Intake:
Spring
Course Start Date:
Spring 2025
Duration:
6 Weeks
Award:
University Certificate of Study
Qualification:
NFQ Level 9 Minor Award
Faculty: Science and Engineering
Course Type: Professional/Flexible
Fees: For Information on Fees, see section below.

Contact(s):

Name: Dr Louise Kiernan
Email: louise.kiernan@ul.ie Telephone: 353 (61)233686
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Brief Description

Course commencement is subject to minimum numbers.

This course qualifies for 50% funding under the HCI Micro-Credential Course Learner Subsidy. Check fees section for details and eligibility. Please Note: Applicants may only apply for and receive, one subsidised course per semester.

Please ensure you enter the Module Code below when applying for this MicroCred. Applications without this cannot be processed.

You may apply for more than one MicroCred under the same application.

Module Description

Module Code

NFQ Level

ECTS Credits

Start Date

Cost

IDEATION AND REPRESENTATION

PD6012

9

9

TBC

€800 - EU

€1,500 - non-EU


This micro-credential represents a single module within a larger further award (eg. Certificate, Diploma, Masters). By taking this micro-credential you may be eligible to apply for a credit exemption should you progress to study for a further award.

The programmes associated with this MicroCred are: 

This Micro-Cred is focused on the design and innovation of products, service systems and human experiences to solve a variety of healthcare challenges. Through a practical, multidisciplinary approach you will learn by doing in the design studio. You will develop collaborative problem-solving skills and apply creative and human centred design processes to rapidly brainstorm, generate ideas, and build early prototypes to evaluate and communicate your solutions. You will be introduced to design and innovation methods and tools, sketching, drawing and prototyping for both physical and digital solutions. 

You will be provided with a design guide or brief from which you will conduct idea generation using creative methodologies. You will develop those ideas further through a combination of drawing and prototyping, both physical and digital. You will develop the skills to evaluate and test your ideas with users.

You will collaborate with fellow students and tutors in the development of solutions. 

Learning outcomes:

On the successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

  • Generate ideas from first principles from a design guide or brief.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of designing within constraints (design guide/brief).
  • Apply design methods and tools, particularly brainstorming, sketching and prototyping (both physical and digital).
  • Apply critical, creative and design thinking methods to evaluate and filter ideas.
  • Apply critical, creative and design thinking methods to evaluate and test ideas.
  • Propose both blue sky and incremental solutions in a broad approach with a deep and empathetic understanding of the 'user needs'
  • Engage in critical, constructive dialogues, through openly sharing insights and ideas to promote a shared studio learning environment.

Assessment

The module is project focused with continuous assessment. There is no final exam for this module. You will be assessed through 1-2 continuous skill-based projects, provided by your lecturer.

Entry requirements

The minimum entry requirement to the programme is: 

  • A Level 8 honours degree (NFQ or recognised equivalent), or
  • Equivalent prior learning. The programme is open to professionals with three to five years’ experience in a relevant field related to design or health.

Entry requirements are established to ensure the learner can engage with the course material and assessments, at a level suitable to their needs, and the academic requirements of the module. By applying to this micro-credential, you are confirming that you have reviewed and understand any such requirements, and that you meet the eligibility criteria for admission.

Successful completion of this module does not automatically qualify you for entry into a further award. All programme applicants must meet the entry requirements listed if applying for a further award.

€800 - EU

€1,500 - non-EU

HCI Micro-Credential Course Learner Subsidy - Candidates who satisfy the eligibility criteria can qualify for 50% funding subject to the availability of places. Subsidy is applied on application. To clarify eligibility please go to Eligibility Criteria.

Please click here for information on funding and scholarships.

Graduate Testimonial

From the short 6 weeks we've done, it's clear that you have created a wonderful safe space for people to be themselves and nurture their wonderful ideas. I love the blue sky ideas' element. I really feel this module should be merged into a nursing degree or any healthcare-related profession. Nurses in our daily workloads are improvising to improve patients care if we don't have the necessary equipment or product to hand. We adapt to our environment. What I find interesting is the number of people who say, 'I'm not creative', people just need to be armed with the skills to do so. This module has ignited my ever-curious mind.

- Bernie Higgins