NFQ Level 9 • 10 Credits • Part-Time Delivery
Programme Overview
Workplace wellbeing has never been more critical to Irish businesses. This specialised certificate programme equips you with the knowledge and practical skills to champion employee health and wellbeing in your organisation. Whether you're in HR, health and safety, management, or looking to transition into this growing field, gain the expertise to create healthier, more productive workplaces that comply with Irish legislation and reflect best practice.
Why This Programme Matters Now
Irish workplaces are prioritising employee wellbeing like never before. With mental health awareness growing and new legislative requirements under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, organisations need qualified professionals who understand how to protect and promote workforce wellbeing. This programme prepares you to meet that demand.
Why Choose This Programme?
Addresses Real Workplace Challenges
Tackle the issues Irish employers face today: work-related stress, mental health support, hybrid working challenges, and creating inclusive environments that support all employees.
Legislative Compliance
Understand your obligations under Irish legislation including the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997, ensuring your organisation meets its legal duties.
Career-Enhancing Qualification
Achieve an NFQ Level 9 credential that demonstrates postgraduate-level expertise in workplace wellbeing, positioning you as a strategic asset in HR and health and safety roles.
Flexible Learning for Working Professionals
Part-time delivery with just 3 contact hours per week, supported by comprehensive online resources through Blackboard VLE, allowing you to balance work, study, and personal commitments.
What You'll Learn
Employee Health and Wellbeing Fundamentals
Understand the pillars of wellbeing and apply integrated positive psychology principles. Explore concepts of languishing and flourishing, mindfulness in the workplace, and supporting workplace inclusion.
Irish Workplace Legislation
Master the legislative requirements for employers under Irish law, including the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, and develop strategies to promote positive mental health and avoid stress-related illness.
Creating Supportive Physical Environments
Learn how to design ergonomically sound workplaces that promote health and productivity. Understand the role of employers and employees in workplace safety and health, and create environments of openness and acceptance.
Communication and Training Excellence
Develop policies and strategies for effective workplace communication. Plan, prepare, and deliver impactful training programmes on staff health and wellbeing using proven models and evaluation methods.
Managing Workplace Stress
Identify the emotional, cognitive, behavioural, and physiological impacts of workplace stress. Use tools like Work Positive (HSA's online assessment tool) to identify stressors and implement individual and organisational interventions.
Technology and Modern Working
Navigate the advantages and challenges of technology in the workplace, from virtual working environments to technology burnout and changing office cultures.
Record Keeping and Framework Development
Develop absence management and staff retention policies. Build wellbeing frameworks, implement effective information systems, and benchmark your organisation's wellbeing performance.
Key Skills You'll Develop
- Strategic Thinking: Evaluate management practices and policies in relation to staff health and wellbeing, making recommendations for improvement.
- Systematic Problem-Solving: Investigate incidents, prepare reports, and make cost-effective proposals to eliminate and prevent wellbeing issues.
- Training Delivery: Design and deliver learner-centred training using models like Kolb's experiential learning theory and Kirkpatrick's evaluation framework.
- Mental Health Promotion: Develop systematic approaches to promoting positive mental health and minimising work-related stress.
- Evidence-Based Decision Making: Use auditing and analytical skills to make informed decisions that enhance employee wellbeing.
- Effective Communication: Master both oral and written communication methods for sharing information on employee wellbeing across your organisation.
Who Should Apply?
This programme is ideal for:
- HR Professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in employee wellbeing
- Health and Safety Officers expanding into wellbeing management
- Managers and Team Leaders responsible for staff welfare
- Anyone looking to transition into a wellbeing-focused career
- Professionals wanting to upskill in this growing and essential field
No prior experience required – just a commitment to creating better workplaces.
Programme Details at a Glance
- Duration: 1 Semester
- Credits: 10 ECTS
- Contact Hours: 3 hours per week
- NFQ Level: Level 9
- Mode: Part-Time
- Assessment: 60% Continuous Assessment (Project) + 40% Practical Skills Evaluation
- Location: Carlow (with online)
Real-World Learning Approach
You'll engage with:
- Problem-based learning that reflects real workplace scenarios
- Case studies from Irish organisations
- Best professional practice frameworks
- Independent and team-based projects
- Blended online and face-to-face delivery
All learning is grounded in the Irish workplace context, ensuring immediate practical application in your organisation.
Your Learning Journey
Throughout the programme, you'll have access to:
- Dedicated tutors committed to your success
- Comprehensive learning materials via Blackboard VLE
- Synchronous online sessions for real-time interaction
- Flexible asynchronous learning for busy schedules
- Mix of lectures, problem-based learning, and practical application
Making an Impact
By completing this programme, you'll be equipped to:
✓ Champion employee wellbeing initiatives in your organisation ✓ Ensure compliance with Irish workplace legislation ✓ Reduce absenteeism and improve staff retention ✓ Create inclusive, supportive work environments ✓ Address the mental health and stress challenges facing Irish workplaces ✓ Develop cost-effective wellbeing strategies that deliver real results
Ready to Transform Workplace Wellbeing?
Join a programme that combines academic excellence with practical application, preparing you to lead wellbeing initiatives that make a real difference to Irish workers and organisations.
Delivery
This programme will be delievered online
Entry Requirements
All applicants will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Lifelong Learning reserves the right to require applicants to attend for an interview to determine their suitability for the programme.
Students will have full access to a range of supports available online and through Blackboard, our virtual learning environment. These include our new online programme, PACE, which is designed to support students to access and effectively use library resources in order to complete assignments. Additional supports include an Academic Writing Centre and Maths Support Centre, freely available to all students.
Course Leader