Higher Certificate in Applied Management (Human Services) – Level 6
- Next course commencement: Contact the College
GENERAL INFORMATION
COURSE CODE
6M15633
LOCATION
Online
AWARD
Higher Certificate in Applied Management
APPLY BY
Contact the College
AUDIENCE
Persons in Charge (PICs), Managers, Supervisors & those interested in developing first line management capabilities
NEXT WORKSHOP DATE / TIME
Contact the College / 10.00am - 3.00pm approx.
CREDITS
60
ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSION
Date to be decided
WHY TAKE THIS COURSE
Explore leadership as a sector-specific management issue: the Higher Certificate in Applied Management (Human Services) is a one-year professional development programme created for people working in the human services, community and non-profit sector. It will:
- Examine how the organisational structures and operating principles characteristic of the sector determine how you manage
- Look at the role of human resource management in human services and non-profit organisations
- Investigate organisational finance as a management challenge
After completing the course, you should be better equipped to meet the challenges of managing in a human services and non-profit organisation and be able to work more effectively for the benefit of your team and service users.
Successful completion of this Award will lead to a Higher Certificate in Applied Management. This is a QQI Higher Education and Training (HET) Major Award (6M15633) at Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).

WHAT YOU WILL YOU LEARN
After successfully completing the course you should:
- Describe how leadership and the role of the leader is understood in contemporary management
- Appreciate the importance of leadership skills in managing change within an organisation
- Use a range of leadership and change management models and tools in your organisation
- Understand the role, function and importance of the human resources function in the human services and non profit sector
- Explored the legal context of Irish HRM operations
- Examined how the HRM function’s role in determining and delivering staff upskilling in a diverse organisation
- Explain what ‘critical thinking’, ’emotional intelligence’ and ‘action learning’ are and outline their uses in the sector
- Apply these principles, processes and practices to improve your management capabilities and benefit your organisation, team and service users
- Understand how organisational objectives and the wider organisational environment determine how you work as a supervisor or first line manager
- Appreciate the role organisational structure and culture play in:
- Normal day-to-day operations
- Defining relationships between co-workers
- Determining the quality of service
- Understand empowerment as an organisational concept, objective, challenge and resource
- Understand the financial management requirements, challenges and issues animating the operation of organisations in he human services and non-profit sector

COURSE CONTENT
Programme Modules
This course is made up of 5 modules.
1. Human Resource Management & Supervision (20 credits)
- Human Resource Management
- Increasing Productivity in Others
- Managing Volunteers
- Reporting to Others
2. Creative Problem Solving & Action Planning (10 credits)
- Thinking Effectively
- Working Effectively
- Action Planning
3. Financial Management (10 credits)
- Managing Your Budget
- Raising Funds
- Financial Accountability
4. Management of the Individualised Service (10 credits)
- Organisational Structure
- Organisational Culture
- Organisational Objectives
- The Empowering Service
5. Managing Change (10 credits)
- Leadership
- Change Management
- Skills for Effecting Change
- Implementing Change
Click on the link below to view the HCAM Online Calendar 2022-23:
Assessments
The course is assessed through a combination of assignments, online activities, written examinations and in-class assessment.
It is an applied course so you must be working at least 10 hours per week in an appropriate work environment.
Promoting best practice in services is integral to the College’s mission. As part of this, we place particular importance on encouraging students to apply what they are learning – as they are learning – in their professional environment. Therefore, our learning materials, workshops and assessments are practical in nature. A significant proportion of assessment marks, for example, are allocated to applying what you learn in real-world settings.
HOW THE COURSE WILL IMPACT YOUR CAREER
Successful completion of this course will allow you to progress onto the BA in Applied Management (Human Services).
The skills acquired have been used by graduates to support their promotion within their organisations and to seek management opportunities within and beyond where they work.

COURSE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants need to have successfully completed the Open Training College Certificate in Applied Management OR currently hold at least a Level 6 cognate* management qualification of 60 credits (NFQ) or more within the last 10 years.
The course is designed as an add-on programme for the holders of the Certificate in Applied Management (6H15631). However, all relevant applications will be considered (i.e. applicants who hold a recognised management qualification at Level 6 on the NFQ or a qualification with a significant management focus).
Applicants wishing to transfer from another course will need to meet certain criteria.
Applicants are expected to be currently working in the human services, community or not for profit sector and need to be able to apply their learning to an appropriate work setting.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications for this course are accepted through our Online Application Centre. To apply for the degree, you will need to:
- Satisfy the entry requirements for the programme
- Provide a range of documents to support your application
- Submit a personal statement explaining why you want to apply
Supporting Documents and Forms to Download
You will need to provide us with a range of documents as part of your application. These are:
- Proof of identity. Common examples included scanned copies of a driving license or passport (for international applicants).
- Educational Transcripts: These are copies of previous educational achievements that confirm you satisfy the course entry requirements. They could, for example, include a copy of your leaving certificate or a scan of a level 5 certificate. It is particularly important that applicants wishing to transfer from another course, or be considered for Advanced Entry, provide transcripts confirming they have completed a Level 6/7 course worth at least 60 credits (NFQ) or more in Social Care or Social Studies within the last 10 years.

- Employment Validation: Formal confirmation that you are working for more than 10 hours a week in a qualifying service is required. Please use the employer validation form we have provided for download below.
- Personal Statement: This document essentially explains why you want to take the course and how you see it helping you achieve your professional and personal goals. You can learn more about What is a Personal Statement and Why is it Important and download a simple document that will help you write it.
- Volunteer Form: You will need to complete a Volunteer Form if you are currently working as a volunteer.
- International Applicants: International applicants are required to provide documentary evidence of proficiency in English and eligibility to study in Ireland before beginning an accredited course. A document explaining why it is necessary and what documents are required for a successful application can be found below.
We generally recommend you gather together all the documents you will require to support your application before you begin but our online application system will allow you add documents as and when you have them once you've begun submitting your application. You can learn more by visiting the Online Application Centre.
A Special Note About Protecting Enrolled Users
The Open Training College (OTC) has approval to offer students learner protection insurance in respect of Protection of Enrolled Learners (PEL) for this course.
Start Making your Application
All applications are processed through out application centre where you can:
- Submit your application
- Learn about what happens after you've made your application
- Monitor the progress of your application
To visit the Online Application Centre, click on the link below.
HOW CAN WE HELP?
Contact us if you want to know more about the course.
Call: (+353) 086 0756580 (Business hours 9am-5pm)
Mail: Please use the contact form below.