Government Funded Modules from the Open Training College
Please note: The following offer is no longer available. Please check in on this page again at regular intervals in case further HEA funding arises.
The Open Training College (OTC) - in partnership with the Government of Ireland and the HEA - is offering modules to progress upskilling during the public health emergency.
Programmes are free of charge if you are unemployed, a homemaker returning to work or are in receipt of the Covid-19 unemployment payment at the time the programme begins.
If you are in employment, were previously self-employed or are a recent graduate, you may be eligible provided you meet the nationality/visa requirement and residence requirement. Project Management applicants will have to pay 10% of the fees (110 euro) if employed (free of charge to the unemployed). The standard tuition fee for this course is €1,092. All other modules at Level 6 are free.
People in receipt of the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) or Jobseekers can apply for this course under the HEA initiative. Fees will be waived for these applicants.
Modules Available
From BA Applied Management (Human Services)
Level 7 module (Applicants must have a previous Level 6 relevant qualification) - 15 credits
9 weeks duration
The aim of this module is to equip participants with the knowledge, skills and competencies needed to research and plan for a change project within their organisations that tangibly improves the quality of service delivered.
On completion of this module participants will be able to:
- Identify an area for development within their domains through research and consultation.
- Develop a plan of implementation and represent the plan through a Gantt Chart.
- Identify and manage key stakeholders.
- Plan a budget for a project.
- Utilise key measurement tools to determine the effectiveness and impact of the project.
- Reflect on the skills required by an effective project manager and identify key areas for development.
The overall objective of this module is to facilitate participants in planning for and engaging in the process of project management within any setting. Project management is not a process that is confined to the workplace but can be utilised in a wide variety of settings that will further enhance the future employment opportunities for participants in a variety of sectors.
- Application deadline: 09/09/2021
- Start Date: 16/09/2021
- Online Workshop (Zoom): 30/09/2021
- Assignment Submission: 11/11/2021
Course Delivery Model
Each course is equivalent to either a Level 6 or 7 value of 5, 10, or 15 ECTS credits (see individual course info above), and will be delivered completely online. Please see the course schedule displayed within each course description above.
Online start date
This is the date from when you can access the module materials anytime day or night on our online Learning Centre. You will receive a notification about how to access your course on this date.
Workshop date
This is the date of the online activities (by Zoom meeting) for which you are requested (though not mandatory and no penalties will apply) to attend as much of the zoom event as possible. The actual timing will be determined by your tutor and shared with you beforehand - usually at least two hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon.
You will continue to work in your own time accessing our elearning platform each day for support. You will also have regular contact with your tutor as you prepare for your submission.
Submission date
This is the date for when you will submit your assignment online. Usually a 2000-2,500 word essay. More information about the assessment will be explained to you at the workshop.
Important Terms and Conditions below:
Knowing these will help to streamline your online application:
- Candidates may apply for one or two courses. The maximum amount is two per person.
- Students who are studying an accredited qualification at the OTC or elsewhere during the current academic year, are not eligible to apply for places on these HEA modular courses.
- A valid PPS number is required. The College requires you to submit a copy of either your Social Services card (both sides), your payslip or a copy of your Dept of Social Protection allowance form showing your PPSN and not necessarily showing any sensitive financial information which can be blocked out.
- A valid form of identification is required (copy of drivers licence or passport photo page)
- For Level 6 courses: applicants must be 23 years at time of application OR have successfully completed the Leaving Certificate/QQI/FET Level 5 Certificate. Documentary evidence is required.
- For the level 7 course, Project Management, applicants must be 23 years at time of application OR have successfully completed at least a Level 6 QQI/FET Certificate. Documentary evidence is required.
- A completed Employer Verification Form, or payslip, or employer ID card or employer letter, is required to be uploaded for those applicants who are Employed.
- International applicants must provide appropriate documentary evidence of proficiency in English (i.e. IELTS 6.0).
- All applicants must complete the Declaration Form and submit it as a supporting document.
- You are not required to complete the Personal Statement for these courses.
- Please exit the application process when arriving at the payment page. Your application details will be automatically saved at that point. Any applicable 10% payment, by those who are 'employed', for the Project Management course, can be made with the college administration team after review of their Project Management application details.
- Personal data may be shared with the Higher Education Authority, for example to determine eligibility for funding or for statistical purposes. This will at all times be done in compliance with GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Further information can be found here- https://hea.ie/about-us/data_protection/.