Program Overview

Ageing, Inequalities and Rights Micro-credential

Overview

The Ageing, Inequalities and Rights micro-credential is a research-informed program that provides an overview of ageing and inequalities in later life through the lens of a rights-based approach. The program addresses three core pillars: ageing, equality, and rights.

Duration and Next Start Date

• Duration: 6 weeks
• Next start date: March 2026

NFQ and ECTS

• NFQ: Level 9
• ECTS: 5 Credits

Mode of Study and Fee

• Mode of Study: Online
• Fee: 750
• Subsidised Fee: 550 (available to those working in non-profit or community-based organisations)

Entry Requirements

Applicants must be 21 years of age. Normally, a H2.1 undergraduate degree is required in a related social science discipline or a cognate field of study. An IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent is required if applicable. Applications from people with commensurate experience in ageing-related policy and practice will also be considered.

What You Will Learn

The program addresses three core pillars:

1. Ageing: The significance of demographic ageing for contemporary societies, assessing key ageing-related frameworks and policy constructs.
2. Equality: The theory and evidence related to the construction and implications of multifaceted inequalities amongst older populations.
3. Rights: The emergence of ageing as a human rights area, critically assessing the potential for a UN treaty on the rights of older people.

Who Should Apply

• Those working in ageing-related policy, practice, and advocacy with an interest in human rights.
• Those working in human rights with an interest in ageing.
• Those committed to developing a professional and personal interest in ageing and equality.

Course Outcomes

On successful completion of this micro-credential, you will receive credits as per the European Credit and Transfer System. These credits are recognised by the awarding institution as credits aligned to learning completed at postgraduate level 9.

Learning Outcomes

1. Examine the impact of ageing inequalities on the fairness of ageing societies and the effectiveness of policy systems.
2. Assess the relevance of theoretical frameworks and current policy constructs in addressing inequalities.
3. Understand human rights in the context of ageing and the implications of applying a rights-based approach to public policies.
4. Critically engage with human rights scholarship and international human rights law to assess its influence and application on ageing strategies.
5. Understand potential applications and gaps in the existing international human rights law framework with respect to ageing and later life experiences.

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (100%)