This programme is funded under the Programme for Access to Higher Education Strand 4
The Certificate in Applied Skills Development is a one-year Level 6, 10 Credit, part-time on campus course within Carlow. This programme aims to offer Adults with Intellectual Disability an opportunity to experience University life and the student experience at higher education, in the same way their siblings and typical adult peers do. This programme is designed specifically within the subject areas and pitched at the pace of learning to enable the student to build a skillset that will equip them to live an enhanced life through experiencing learning in a variety of exciting and interesting modules.
Unique Features
Assessment of the Applied Skills Development award is 100% continuous assessment. This assessment style has been adopted as it better meets the learning needs of the adult learners of this course.
Delivery
The programme will be delivered two days a week on site at SETU Carlow.
Applied Skills Development Year 1 – 10 Credits each module is 5 Credits
All modules are largely beneficial for personal growth and development. They propose to build the requisite life skills required for individuals with an intellectual disability to live a good life.
Semester 1: Communication Skills
- Personal and Professional Development: Focuses on building self-awareness, confidence, and essential workplace skills.
- Foundations of Academic Skills: Covers time management, study techniques, and digital literacy to support academic success.
- Inclusive Communication: Develop effective interpersonal communication skills, including the use of assistive technologies.
Semester 2: Physical Health and Wellbeing
- Physical Health and Wellbeing: Students have opportunities to engage in physical fitness activities. It emphasises mental health strategies and resilience techniques.
- Placement Preparation: Prepares students for internships, work placements, and long-term career planning through practical and experiential learning.
How we choose people for the programme. They must:
- Be a person with an intellectual disability.
- Be over 18 years of age.
- Be committed to attending the SETU Carlow campus two days per week throughout the academic year from September 2026.
- Be willing to develop your personal life skills and complete the work required for the programme including additional work at home.
- Fully commit to attending college two days a week (five hours a day) for the 2026/2027 academic year. Please note: attendance is part of your overall grade.
- Be able to travel independently to SETU Carlow Campus or be supported if appropriate by your service provider or family member.
Please note: attendance is part of your overall grade.
While this is a standalone, special purpose award, the applicability of learning for the student enhances possibilities for employment and increased health and lifestyle outcomes as a result of undertaking study on this programme.
- Submit the completed application via email by Friday, 15th May 2026 to the Programme Leader, Niamh Spratt; [email protected].
- The application form is here.
- The interviews will take place on Tuesday, the 26th of May 2026 in SETU Carlow. You will be invited to attend for interview by email and will be supplied with the interview questions in advance.
- After the interview, interviewees and relevant service providers will be notified by email regarding the outcome.
- Successful applications will commence on the programme in September 2026.
I am really enjoying my college experience at SETU Carlow. One of my favourite parts has been meeting and spending time with all the new friends I’ve made since starting. I feel that my confidence has grown a lot. I am now able to stand in front of my classmates and speak without feeling afraid of being judged, which is something I’m proud of.
Emily Kehoe,
Student on the Certificates in Applied Skills Development Programme.
I attend college at SETU Carlow every Wednesday and Friday, and I really enjoy it. Being a student here has helped me develop new skills, especially in computers and communication. I feel that I’ve grown a lot in confidence, and overall, it has been a wonderful and positive experience so far.
Callum McEvoy,
Student on the Certificates in Applied Skills Development Programme.
Stories
Course Leader
Ms Niamh Spratt-O’Shea
Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science and Strength and Conditioning -
Email: [email protected]
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