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Course Details
Course Code(s):
BM4071
Available:
Part-Time
Intake:
Course Start Date:
8th September 2025
Duration:
6 Weeks
Award:
University Certificate of Study
Qualification:
NFQ Level 8 Minor Award
Faculty:
Education and Health Sciences
Course Type:
Professional/Flexible
Fees:
For Information on Fees, see section below.
Contact(s):
for more information or to be notified when applications are open.
Brief Description
Effective communication is essential for safe and inclusive healthcare. This 6-week, Level 8 micro-credential is designed for those who interpret, mediate, or advocate for refugees and migrants, as well as healthcare staff involved in planning or delivering care.
You will explore the role of the interpreter in clinical settings, the structure of the Irish healthcare system, and how language, culture and unconscious bias affect healthcare access and communication.
You will also examine interpreter wellbeing, ethics, and the importance of clear boundaries in multilingual consultations.
Whether you are an interpreter, healthcare worker or support professional, this module will help you build confidence in managing cross-cultural communication in healthcare.
This module can be taken as a standalone University Certificate of Study (UCOS) module or as part of a pathway to a larger award, for example, a Professional Certificate in Healthcare Interpreting.
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During this module, you will:
Understand how different groups of refugees and migrants can access healthcare in Ireland
Examine the role of interpreters in clinical contexts and how it differs from advocacy or support roles
Identify how racism, unconscious bias and cultural misunderstandings can affect communication
Build awareness of interpreter wellbeing, professional boundaries and self-care practices
Key Information
This micro-credential will be delivered in a blended format over 6 weeks.
You will be assessed using continuous assessment, including attendance, weekly contributions to reflective exercises and group discussions on Brightspace, a group presentation on a selected case study and a written case reflection drawing on key resources from the course.
Part-time considerations:  
Designed for working professionals    
One in-person workshop on a Saturday
Evening lectures    
Additional prep and group work time  â¶Ä¯
Timetable provided after registration 
To help you to be successful on this course:
Open to all applicants interested in upskilling in the ethics and practice of healthcare interpreting, either as an interpreter or as a healthcare professional, manager or support worker.
Guidelines for your applications:
When applying, be sure to include the Module Code BM4071. We can’t process your application without it. You can apply for more than one module using the same application.
By applying, you confirm that you meet the entry requirements and can take part in the course and its assessments.
This course will go ahead if it meets minimum enrolment number.
Completing this module doesn’t guarantee you a place in a full programme. If you want to apply for a full programme, you must meet the specific entry requirements for that programme.
EU - €619
Non EU - €1,292
Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie).
Other funding
Find further information on funding and scholarships.
This micro-credential can lead to the following sectors and careers:
Interpreting and translation roles in healthcare and community services
Advocacy and support roles for refugees and migrants in clinical or social care settings
Healthcare professionals and planners seeking to improve cross-cultural communication
Progression to further study through stackable micro-credentials leading to a Professional Certificate in Healthcare Interpreting
Graduate and Professional Studies
+353 (0)61 234377
¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ, Limerick, Ireland