Program Overview

Advocacy - Continuing Professional Development Certificate - Cert

Course Fact File

• Code: CCPDAD
• Duration: 12 weeks
• Teaching Mode: Part-Time
• Qualifications: Cert
• NFQ Level: Level 6
• NFQ Award Title: Special Purpose Award
• Fees: €550 (50% fee subsidy available)
• Closing Date: 29 August 2025
• Next Intake: September 2025
• Course Delivery Method: Online
• Venue: Online
• Start Date: September 2025

Course Outline

This programme provides an interdisciplinary introduction to advocacy. The programme will provide students with a holistic and people-centred understanding of what is to be an advocate for themselves, as part of a community and for others. The first part of the programme offers a general introduction to the concept of advocacy, the contexts where it is important, different perspectives and the aims of advocacy. The students will learn about the elements of advocacy, the theories and the models of advocacy, its history and what the legislative framework is in an Irish context. The second half of the course will equip the students with advocacy skills that will help them personally. This will be done through lectures and two ‘advocacy in action’ workshops. These workshops will allow for the students to show what they have learned. By the end of the programme, learners will have developed a broad knowledge of different advocacy methods and types. How to identify relevant supports and provide impartial information and advice. Learners may also develop a range of life skills including self-confidence, self-awareness, problem solving, time, good effective communication and boundary management. Learners will identify the key strengths needed to bring to the role of advocacy provision.

Course Practicalities

This course comprises two 5 credit modules delivered over a 12-week period. The course is ideal if you are an adult learner who has just completed a course or workshop with ACE and are looking to enhance your skills and learn more about advocacy, or if you are an individual who wishes to improve their communication, problem-solving, research, public speaking, and organisational skills.

Classes are structured to provide a safe learning space through a series of blended learning experiences from: online lectures, self-directed learning, experiential learning, guest speakers and enhanced by Canvas.

This module comprises of 250 hours of student workload whereby students will be provided with self-study programme material online including a number of virtual activities, and will be required to attend:

• 48 live online hours total of lectures (synchronous);
• 9 x 1 hour tutorials/guest lectures (synchronous);
• Self-directed learning to take place daily throughout programme through the use of readings, short videos, discussion boards;
• Participation in two, one-day workshops

The remainder of the programme is completed through self-directed learning, readings and participation in online discussion boards.

Why Choose This Course

This course is important for those people who work or volunteer in various health care and community settings like day services, youth clubs, mental health services; or who are carers, parents or anyone who needs to speak up for themselves or others. It is designed specifically to not only provide the essential skills including self-confidence, self-awareness, problem solving, good effective communication, time and boundary management, but to also provide the students with more options. On completion of the course students will gained a recognised academic qualification, this is significant because there has been a rise in demand for qualified advocates. There are also opportunities for employment or work advancement after this course in places such as government bodies, local charities, the HSE, within workplaces such as in unions, or for promotion.

Requirements

• Candidates must be at least 21 years of age by 1 January of the year of application
• Hold a Leaving Certificate/FETAC Level 5 qualification (or equivalent)
• Candidates may be required to attend for interview (which can be arranged online). Shortlisting may apply
• English Language Requirement: All applicants whose first language is not English must have attained IELTS Level6 or the equivalent TOEFL score or the equivalent Duolingo score.
• Recognition of Prior Learning In exceptional cases applicants not meeting the above criteria will be considered for entry based on an interview and successfully demonstrating that they hold an equivalent professional qualification in a health and social care setting or practice experience relevant to the course aims and objectives.

Fees and Costs

€550

For further information on fees and financial supports please click here.

This programme is HCI funded. Eligible applicants may apply for this funding which will cover 50% of the course fees. You can see eligibility criteria here.

Please note funding for this programme is limited and early application is advised.