Program Overview

Community Wellness, Empowerment, Leadership and Life Skills (CWELL) Diploma

The Community Wellness, Empowerment, Leadership and Life Skills (CWELL) diploma is a unique academic programme that has been co-designed with local Limerick communities to address their community-identified needs. The CWELL diploma programme represents a long-term university commitment to supporting both individuals and communities in under-represented parts of Limerick.

Overview

CWELL is innovative in terms of its collaborative co-design, philosophy, and governance structures, as well as the community-oriented teaching approaches it deploys. The programme was originally developed in a partnership between St Mary's Parish and staff from UL Education and Health Sciences faculty. In 2018, the programme moved to the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (AHSS) and, with support from Limerick City and County Council, was expanded across the whole of Limerick city.

Programme Content

• Autumn semester year 1:
  • CW4001: Well-Being Across the Lifespan (15 CTS)
  • CW4011: Personal Development (15ECTS)
• Spring semester Year 1:
  • GM3001: Managing Health in the home and in the community (18ECTS)
  • CW4002: Empowerment and Lifeskills (12ECTS)
• Autumn semester year 2:
  • CW4003: Active Living (15 ECTS)
  • UP4101: Practicum I (15ECTS)
• Spring semester Year 2:
  • CW4004: Leading and Sustaining Change in the Community (15ECTS)
  • UP4102: Practicum II (15ECTS)

Entry Requirements

CWELL is open to anyone over the age of 18yrs. Applicants are expected to hold a Leaving Certificate. Applicants who do not hold a Leaving Certificate may apply if they hold the University of Limerick Mature Student Access Certificate (MSAC) or equivalent. In addition, students who have completed a relevant education course (e.g. Fetac Level 6) may apply. Applicants who have completed work experience may also submit a portfolio to be considered for recognition of prior learning (RPL) demonstrating their ability to succeed on a Diploma Programme (Level 7).

What to Include with Your Application

• Leaving Certificate results or equivalent (if applicable)
• Qualification transcripts and certificates
• Portfolio demonstrating your recognised prior learning/experience (RPL) (if applicable)
• A copy of your birth certificate or passport
• A copy of your CV

Fees

€400 per annum. Once registered, students can apply to pay their fees in instalments.

Graduate Profile

CWELL students are typically community workers and volunteers, carrying out a range of important community activities, but often not gaining the recognition (or formal payment) for their work. CWELL graduates are the same people, but with the added personal and professional validation provided by a University of Limerick Level 7 diploma. The CWELL programme is intended to equip its graduates with the necessary skills and confidence to reach their potential and claim their worth in the important community work that they do.