Program Overview

Professional Academy Diploma in Office Administration

The Professional Academy Diploma in Office Administration is a course designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in an office administration role. The course covers a broad range of topics, including supervisory management, facilities management, health and safety, scheduling, collaboration, database functions, query handling, privacy and data protection, and procurement.

Course Overview

The course is delivered over 12 weeks, with one 3-hour lecture per week. The lectures are delivered live online by an industry expert, and students have the opportunity to interact with the lecturer and other students through Zoom. The course is also available on campus, and students can choose to attend lectures in person.

Course Modules

The course consists of 12 modules, each covering a different aspect of office administration. The modules are:

• Supervisory Management: This module covers the skills and knowledge needed to supervise a business unit, including leave, TOIL, travel, expense and overtime claims, attendance, and appraisals.
• Facilities Management: This module covers the maintenance of an efficient and functioning working environment, including IT, physical infrastructure, sanitation, equipment, and security.
• Health and Safety: This module covers the importance of health and safety in the workplace, including laws and regulations, and procedures for mitigating risk and ensuring employee welfare.
• Scheduling: This module covers the effective management of calendars, schedules, events, and meetings, including time management tools and techniques.
• Collaboration: This module covers the use of IT and cloud-based platforms to share information and enable collaborative editing, including managing different levels of access to shared drives and backing up data.
• Database Functions: This module covers the use of spreadsheet functionality to collate information, including sorting, grouping, and illustrating data for reports to management.
• Query Handling: This module covers the techniques for ensuring prompt turnaround on queries from frontline customer service and internal staff members, including tracking and follow-up of complaints and feedback.
• Privacy and Data Protection: This module covers the importance of complying with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including protocols for gathering, handling, and deleting personal data, and mitigating the risk of data breaches.
• Procurement: This module covers the complex elements of procurement, including searching for value, agreeing on requirements, and administering purchase orders, invoices, budgets, and in-house purchasing processes.
• Organisation: This module covers the importance of good organisation, including structuring shared drives for maximum efficiency, and the storage of hard-copy documentation and digitalisation of administrative processes.
• Business Communication Skills: This module covers the effective communication of ideas in professional contexts, including email, telephone, and in-person communication, managing relationships, influencing others, and working in teams.
• Supporting Colleagues and Managers: This module covers the development of soft management skills, including getting buy-in, enhancing collaboration, keeping teams informed and engaged, and recognising input.

Career Benefits

The Professional Academy Diploma in Office Administration is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in an office administration role. The course is suitable for those looking to apply for a role as an office manager or office administrator, as well as those already in a role that includes some administrative tasks. The course is also suitable for managers, supervisors, business owners, and entrepreneurs.

Assessment

The course is assessed through a weekly learner log, which is submitted at the end of the course.

Student Experience

The student experience is supported by the UCD Professional Academy's Student Services team, who are available to respond to queries, help with technical issues, and facilitate the learning experience. Students also have access to the UCD Professional Academy's Student Portal, where they can access study materials, manage their account, and connect with other students.

Payment Options

Students can secure their spot on the course with a low 30% deposit, with the remaining balance paid in two equal instalments. For full-time Bootcamp courses, students can secure their spot with a 50% deposit, with the remaining balance due prior to the start of the course.

Related Courses

Related courses include the Professional Academy Diploma in Bookkeeping and Payroll Management, the Skill Sprint in Boosting Productivity with AI, and the Professional Academy Certificate in GDPR for Business.