Course Details

Course Code(s):
PDINSTTPAD
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. Áine Kearns
Address: School of Allied Health Email: Aine.Kearns@ul.ie
Name: Dr. Alan Cusack
Address: School of Law Email: alan.Cusack@ul.ie Telephone: +353 61 233659
Express Interest

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

Brief Description

The Professional Diploma in Intermediary Studies is an inter-faculty programme delivered across the School of Allied Health and the School of Law. The programme is completed part-time over one year as a route to qualification for practice as a Registered Intermediary. The programme is a collaborative offering between UL and the Department of Justice and on successful completion of this programme graduates will be eligible to be placed on a panel from which the courts can draw intermediaries from to work within the Irish justice system.

(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.

The Professional Diploma in Intermediary Studies is a postgraduate training programme which will qualify CORU-registered health and social care practitioners to work as Registered Intermediaries in the Irish Justice System. The programme includes four modules delivered across the School of Law and the School of Allied Health. The curriculum has been developed using best practice guidelines from other jurisdictions, featuring case-based inquiry methods and real-life scenarios. The programme has a practical skills-based component which ensures those who qualify have the competencies to provide intermediary interventions as part of all aspects of the legal process for both vulnerable witnesses and defendants in the context of Irish legislation.

In following the best practice blended learning approach which has been adopted internationally, the programme modules include a combination of online and face-to-face tutorials using the state-of-the-art clinical facilities located on the University of Limerick's campus. This blended approach combines educational methods that encourage self-directed learning, reflection on personal experience, critical thinking and access to online resources. Students will be presented with practice dilemmas to develop their skills in relation to professional conduct & ethical issues which may arise within their role as intermediaries. Importantly, this training will be designed and delivered in contemplation of the experience and insights of a range of key criminal justice stakeholders at both a national and international level.

Individuals who complete the programme are fully recognised by the Department of Justice as eligible to be placed on a panel from which the courts can draw from to work as a Registered Intermediary in the Republic of Ireland.

Autumn Spring
  • SL5042 - Role of the Intermediary: Context and Communication (Blended) (ECTS 6)
  • LA6161 - Advanced Crime and Criminal Justice (Online) (ECTS 9)
  • SL5052 - Role of the Intermediary: Methods and Techniques (Blended) (ECTS 9)

(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.

Minimum of a second class honours primary degree (2.2) (Level 8 National Qualifications Authority of Ireland).

Three full years practice experience as a CORU registered Speech and Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist or Social Worker in the Republic of Ireland, or equivalent. 

Note: Previous legal experience and/or training is not an entry requirement.

WHAT TO INCLUDE WITH YOUR APPLICATION:

  • Qualification transcripts and certificates
  • A copy of your birth certificate or passport
  • A copy of your CV
  • A completed communication skills and experience form
  • A personal statement
  • A copy of Coru Certificate of Registration
  • 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 - €4,950 per annum

Non- EU - €8,700 per annum

Funding -  fees funded by the Department of Justice for student commencing in September 2024.

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.

The Professional Diploma in Intermediary Studies will attract relevant professionals interested in gaining state-of-the-art training on assessment and communication strategies with a view to gaining the professional skills necessary for a challenging and rewarding career as a Registered Intermediary in Ireland. The programme will be particularly suited to individuals who have a strong commitment to progressing the UN Sustainability Development Goal 16; ‘equal access to justice for all.’ Applicants will have excellent communication skills which they will develop further as part of the programme, specific to the role of Registered Intermediary.