Course Details
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Brief Description
The diploma will provide education and practical application to a Black Belt level in Six Sigma. The course will enable participating companies gain competitive advantage through the application of Six Sigma principles to drive improvement with measurable results. A company-based project will form a key element of the programme, ensuring the integration of the various concepts in the participants’ workplace. This project will need to result in significant cost savings for the organisation.
This programme forms part of the MSc in Strategic Quality Management Lean Sigma Systems. Those who have completed this programme may continue on to the MSc.
(M) Microcreds available:
Modules listed within the Programme Content with an (M) beside them are MicroCreds and can be taken independently.
Build Your Master Plan: Stack Your Way to Success: If you are using this Professional Diploma as the final 30 ECTS Credits to stack into our Master of Professional Practice (MPP) you will need to apply via the MPP page HERE.
For Whom
Those who have responsibility for quality or continuous improvement within their organisation including managers, engineers, supervisors and technicians. The programme is suited to a variety of industry sectors both in manufacturing and services, including the public sector.
Delivery:
Students are required to take three taught modules over two semesters. In addition to the taught modules, an in-company project will ensure a strong focus on the integration of the concepts tools and techniques in the participant’s organisation during the course of the programme. This course is delivered online but students may be invited on campus for an orientation day (on a Saturday) during their first semester.
In Company Project
Completion of this programme requires a substantial industry-based project, to be reported in the form of a management report.
Six Sigma projects require the application of the concepts covered throughout the programme and carry an expectation of helping participant organisations realise a major benefit. This benefit should be quantifiable in terms of reduction or saving in; defects, over-production, waiting, non-utilised talent, transportation, inventory, motion, and/or extra-processing.
Black Belt
The University of Limerick and several leading Irish companies designed this course to meet the standards of a black belt. While there is no single authority that issues Black Belts in Lean or Six Sigma, the industry group and university carried out extensive research in designing this course to ensure that the course met the general standards that are expected of a Black Belt holder.
Successful participants will receive a letter from the University of Limerick stating that their capability is at black belt level.
| Semester 1 | Problem Solving Tools & Techniques This module aims to understand the principles, tools and techniques of Six Sigma and how they can be implemented in the manufacturing and service sectors to deliver strategic objectives. |
Quality Science Introduction Introduces the concept of Quality Science, and provides a broad foundation in the statistical methods and statistical thinking that form the basis of the Six Sigma process. The module will provide the statistical skills necessary to visualise and interpret data for better decision making. | |
| Semester 2 | Six Sigma Project Students will be required to integrate the different aspects of the taught modules and apply the acquired knowledge to a business standard, industry focused Black Belt project. |
Quality Science Advanced This module will provide a detailed understanding of the key features of experimental design from theory, through construction, to application and will develop student understanding of designed experiments to Six Sigma Black Belt level. |
Further Qualifications
This level 9 Professional Diploma counts as 30 credits toward a Masters in Engineering Practice OR Masters in Strategic Quality Management, Lean Sigma Systems.
MSc in Engineering Practice | Professional Diploma in Six Sigma + Other Level 9 Professional Diploma + Thesis |
MSc in Strategic Quality Management, Lean Sigma Systems | Professional Diploma in Six Sigma + Professional Diploma in Lean Systems + Enterprise Improvement Project |
(M) A MicroCred is a single module within a larger further award (eg. Certificate, Diploma, Masters). By taking a micro-credential you may be eligible to apply for a credit exemption should you progress to study for a further award.
Relevant primary degree (Level 8) or recognised professional qualification and 1-3 years relevant industrial experience.
In the situation where an applicant does not meet the minimum entry requirements above, an offer of a place on the course may be made in exceptional circumstances. The candidate will be required to provide a portfolio of evidence of prior qualifications in quality management together with the application of learning or competence (e.g green/black belt project reports, reflective papers or journals). Two references from appropriate signatories in the candidate’s organisation will be accepted as evidence. Candidates may be required to attend an interview prior to enrolling on the programme.
What to Include with your Application
Delays in receiving these documents will affect the progress of your application.
- Photo or Scanned original copy of your transcripts for all years of study. (Graduates of UL need only provide us with their Student ID number.)
- A copy of your birth cert or passport
- A copy of your most recent CV
- Applicants who do not have English as their first language may satisfy English Language requirements:
- 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 - €5,900
Non-EU - €5,900
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.)