Program Overview

Prof Cert in Ethics Micro-credential

Overview

The Prof Cert in Ethics Micro-credential is a 10 ECTS micro-credential that explores ethical challenges in various situations, professional environments, and institutions. It introduces key notions and views in ethics, such as paternalism and knowledge disparity, and provides a basis for good decision-making practices, problem-solving, and ethical forms of reasoning.

Key Features

• Flexible: Hybrid delivery mode
• Industry-aligned: Key skills relevant to professionals
• Award: Professional Certificate in Ethics

Who Should Apply?

This micro-credential is aimed at professionals working in the public or private sector, at the national or international level, who wish to learn about ethical practices and decision-making from leading UCD academics and practicing professionals.

What Will I Learn?

On successful completion of the micro-credential, students will have a grasp of theoretical frameworks for ethical thinking, be able to construct their own lines of argument, critically assess contributions to debates in the philosophical literature, and understand how these frameworks are applied in practical contexts.

Syllabus

The micro-credential covers two main areas:

• Challenges concerning freedom of speech and freedom of action, including respect and toleration in public debates, the moral dimension of trust, paternalism, and freedom of action.
• The ethics of expertise, exploring what it means to be an expert in contemporary society, and discussing issues such as social responsibility, academic freedom, and the ethics of technology.

How Will I Benefit?

On completion of this micro-credential, students will be equipped with key knowledge and skills relevant to ethical decision-making, applicable at various levels in their professional practice.

How Will I Learn?

The micro-credential involves two-hour seminars with lecturer presentation, student presentation, and class participation. It requires approximately 200 hours of learner effort, including lectures, discussions, required readings, and autonomous learning.

Am I Eligible to Take This Micro-credential?

Applicants must have a good undergraduate degree (minimum GPA 2.7 or international equivalent) and demonstrate English proficiency as per UCD's minimum English language requirements.

How Will I Be Assessed?

Assessment consists of a 2000-word essay (50%) and a 2-hour end-of-trimester exam (50%). Written feedback will be provided for both assignments.

Related Micro-credentials and Awards

This micro-credential is also a module on the UCD Sutherland School of Law's Professional Diploma in Arbitration.

Course Outcomes

On successful completion, students will be awarded a minor award at level 9 on the Irish NFQ.