Effective Leadership & Change Management

Strong leadership is critical in times of organisational complexity, reform and transformation. The Certificate in Effective Leadership and Change Management at South East Technological University (Carlow Campus) is a Level 8 Minor Award designed for professionals who want to critically evaluate and strengthen their leadership capability while learning how to successfully lead change.

In collaboration with the Government of Ireland through the Higher Education Authority (HEA), this course is available to 30 eligible learners with an 80% discount of the fees. The student contribution is €140 with €560 being contributed by the HEA. In order to qualify for a subsidised place you must meet the strict eligibility criteria detailed at: https://microcreds.ie/subsidy-eligibility.

Initial offers will be strictly conditional on you meeting the eligibility criteria, and you will be required to evidence your eligibility in the weeks prior to course commencement date. Failure to do so, or false declarations may result in your subsidised place being revoked which will make you liable for the full course fee. The Learner Fee Subsidy s a separate scheme to Springboard+, you must apply for micro-credentials approved for the learner fee subsidy here - HEA - Springboard+

It is important to note that if you are not eligible for a funded place, you can apply for a place on the course as a self financing student.

The programme will typically run over 12 weeks on one evening per week from 7pm to 10pm. It will be delivered online via our virtual learning environment, Blackboard. 

This programme is ideal for ambitious professionals seeking to progress into senior roles or enhance their strategic leadership impact.

Develop Advanced Leadership Capability

This Level 8 certificate goes beyond foundational leadership theory. You will critically explore:

• Key leadership theories including skills, situational and contingency approaches
• Modern leadership perspectives such as servant, authentic and collaborative leadership
• The relationship between leadership practice and corporate strategy
• The impact of organisational culture, politics and power on performance
• How leadership behaviour influences team effectiveness and change outcomes

You will also critically analyse your own leadership style and evaluate how it shapes your workplace behaviour and decision-making.

Lead Change with Strategic Insight

Organisations across sectors face constant internal and external pressures. This programme equips you to:

• Distinguish between planned and emergent change
• Analyse causes and categories of change
• Apply practical change tools such as SWOT and PESTLE analysis
• Evaluate workforce characteristics and cultural influences
• Identify and implement effective change strategies

You will gain a deep understanding of how culture, politics and power dynamics influence the success — or failure — of organisational change.

Designed for Working Professionals

• Award: Level 8 Minor Award (10 ECTS)
• Mode: Part-time
• Duration: 1 semester
• Contact Hours: 3 hours per week
• Assessment: 100% continuous assessment (no final exam)

The flexible structure allows you to balance study with professional commitments while applying your learning directly to your workplace.

Who Should Apply?

This programme is particularly suited to:

• Managers and team leaders
• Professionals working in social care, public service or corporate environments
• HR and organisational development practitioners
• Those preparing for senior leadership roles
• Graduates seeking to build advanced leadership competence