Course Details

Course Code(s):
CT5041
Available:
Part-Time
Intake:
Autumn/Fall
Course Start Date:
Autumn 2025
Duration:
12 Weeks
Award:
University Certificate of Study
Faculty: Education and Health Sciences
Course Type: Professional/Flexible, Online
Fees: For Information on Fees, see section below.

Contact(s):

Name: Dr Roisin Cahalan
Email: roisin.cahalan@ul.ie Telephone: 00 353 (0)61 202959
Express Interest

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

Brief Description

Please ensure you enter the Module Code above when applying for this module. Applications without this cannot be processed. You may apply for more than one module under the same application.

Module Description

Module Code

NFQ Level

ECTS Credits

Start Date

Cost

 Optimisation of Health for Performance in Irish Dancing 1 

CT5041

9

15

Sept. 2025

€1,250 - 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 programme associated with this MicroCred is: 

This module will provide the student with an appreciation of the array of biopsychosocial risk factors for injury in Irish dancers. It will introduce the student to key aspects of anatomy that are important in Irish dancing and discuss injuries that commonly occur at these sites. Fundamental principles of strength and conditioning, balance, stability, and flexibility will be introduced. The student will understand appropriate load management, as well as guidelines for cross-training, warm-up, cool-down, and environmental preparation. The complexity of the dancing adolescent and preparing an injured dancer for a return to dance will also be discussed. Key learnings in emergency preparations for classes and competitive events will be presented. Finally, a dancer-led seminar will provide insights into health and wellbeing strategies for success and longevity in Irish dancing.

Learning Outcomes

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

  • Synthesise knowledge about injury risk factors and mitigation in Irish dancing to their own dance setting and students.
  • Evaluate the role of anatomy and anatomical variation in the context of Irish dancer injury for performance.
  • Construct appropriate load management calendars, including macro, meso and micro cycles, to support periodisation and peaking for Irish dancing performance.
  • Devise evidence-based strength and conditioning, flexibility, and balance programmes for Irish dancers.
  • Demonstrate an appreciation of the complex interaction of biological, psychological and social factors in the injury risk profile of Irish dancers.
  • Justify the role of various health promotion strategies in optimising health and wellbeing for performance in Irish dancers.

Assessment

Students will be assessed over the course of the semester with periodic assignments that are designed to be integrated into the dancing practice of the student. These may include peer discussions, reflective logs, and other exercises.

Weekly Time Committment

The time commitment will be approximately 25 hours per week. However much of this is built into your normal dance teacher/parent activity. There will approximately 3 hours of contact time, personal study of 7 hours, and the balance will include time where you integrate what you have learned into your dance practice.

Applicants must normally have a first- or second-class Level 8 honours degree (NFQ or other internationally recognised equivalent) or equivalent prior learning. Equivalent prior learning may include an Irish dancing teacher /adjudicator qualification awarded by any of the recognised Irish dancing governing bodies internationally, or significant expertise (over 5 years of engagement at elite level) of competitive or professional Irish dancing. Candidates applying via the prior learning policy will be evaluated by a review panel prior to acceptance. Applicants must also satisfy the English Language Requirements of the University. The University reserves the right to shortlist and interview applicants as deemed necessary.

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.

€1,250 EU Students

Please click here for information on funding and scholarships.