Faculty of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering

Certificate in Quality Assurance with Project

NFQ Level 6
Points Required N/A
Course Code N/A
Award Certificate
Duration 1 year Online [Part-

Course Summary

This course is delivered online over two semesters with 30 credits being completed through a work-based project over the two semesters. The remaining 30credits is gained through the successful completion of 5 modules - in semester 1 the student will complete 2 modules and in semester 2 there are 3 modules. Each module is delivered online via weekly live lectures which are recorded to provide maximum flexibility as attendance at live lectures is voluntary but strongly recommended.

In support of the work-based project, students are assigned a dedicated academic supervisor who is available to meet 1:1 on a regular basis throughout the project duration. Students must identify an appropriate work-based mentor to support and guide their project internally in their work environment. Accommodations can be made for those applicants who are currently unemployed and could undertake an in-depth research project.

Other resources will also be made available to students via moodle. Assessment will be a combination of online quizzes, essays and mini projects and all modules will have an end of semester exam with the exception of the project which is 100% continuous assessment. Students can sit the end of semester exam in one of the designated examination hubs.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for CAO courses at ATU Sligo are available for download below:

To qualify for entry to this Certificate Award a standard applicant must achieve a pass in the leaving certificate (or equivalent examinations) with five grade (O6) D's which must include Mathematics and English. Non-national applicants may be required to demonstrate proficiency in written and spoken English. In addition, an applicant must successfully complete an entrance exam in Mathematics.

Applicants who may not meet the above minimum entry requirements can have their experiential, work-based learning assessed through the ATU- Sligo RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) process.

Ideally students are currently working and have the possibility of undertaking a related work-based improvement project during the academic year which is supported by a work-based mentor [at supervisory level] which the student nominates. Students will also be supported by an assigned academic supervisor from ATU.

Career Opportunities

Successful graduates from this course will have gained, within one academic year, the formal and academic recognition of their abilities which is sought by their current or future employer in order to progress within the organisation and undertake roles specifically in Quality and Quality Management at a technician or team-lead role with the prospect of moving further into engineering and supervisory roles in the future.

Further Study

There will be progression pathways for those students who successfully complete this Certificate in Quality Assurance with Project as they will have gained 60 credits. Those who wish to continue on their academic studies are eligible for consideration on a Level 7 degree in Quality, Manufacturing Management, or various Life Sciences at ATU. These 60 credits in conjunction with approved Recognition for Prior Learning may enable students to move directly onto a related Level 7 degree. However, students will be assessed on an individual basis and are required to meet the eligibility criteria for the specific Level 7 programme.

Programme Fees

Academic Year 2024/25 Fees

Total Programme Fee: €3,600

To help make the payment of fees more manageable for students who are self-funding their studies, tuition fees can be paid through payment instalment plans at ATU Sligo. For further information on instalment plans, please visit our Fees and Funding webpage.

If you apply and are approved for an online course at ATU Sligo, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of €250 to secure your place. Your deposit will then be credited against the course fees once you are registered as a student. Students at ATU Sligo are also eligible to claim tax relief at the standard rate for tuition fees.

For further information and guidance about Fees and Funding for online and part-time courses at ATU Sligo, click here.

If you are seeking to take your exams online, and you meet the eligibility criteria (overseas students and those with extenuating circumstances), an additional examinations fee will apply. For further information, please visit our Examinations webpage.