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Course Details
Course Code(s):
PD6001
Available:
Part-Time
Intake:
Duration:
12 Weeks
Award:
University Certificate of Study
Qualification:
NFQ Level 9 Minor Award
Faculty:
Science and Engineering
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
User-centred design starts with understanding people, how they live, what they need. This 12-week, Level 9 micro-credential introduces practical research approaches, especially qualitative methods, that help uncover meaningful insights to drive innovative design solutions.
You’ll take part in problem-based learning workshops and hands-on exercises that help you integrate research into the creative design process. Through immersive fieldwork and reflection, you’ll learn how to identify real-world challenges, analyse user needs, and translate observations into actionable design guides.
This module is associated with the Design for Health and Wellbeing - MSc. It can be taken as a standalone University Certificate of Study (UCOS) module or as part of a pathway to a larger award.
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During this module, you will:
Learn how to plan and conduct qualitative research within a design context, focusing on user immersion and need identification.
Develop practical skills through problem-based workshops, using case studies and real-world examples to explore creative research strategies.
Conduct immersive fieldwork, gathering observations and synthesising insights into structured need statements and design opportunities.
Translate research findings into clear, user-focused design guides that can inform innovative, human-centred solutions.
Key Information
This micro-credential will be delivered online over 12 weeks.
You will be assessed using continuous skill-based assignments provided by your lecturer and tutor with no final exam.
Part-time considerations:  
Designed for working professionals  
Evening or recorded lectures  
Additional prep and group work time  
Timetable provided after registration
To help you to be successful on this course:
Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree ( Level 8) with at least a second class honours, grade 2 (2:2)
If applicants have a lower result or an unrelated qualification, they may be considered on a case-by-case basis if they can provide evidence of XXXX or more years of relevant work experience (Recognised Prior Learning).
Guidelines for your applications:
When applying, be sure to include the Module Code PD6001. 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 - €1,939
Non-EU - €1,939
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:
Design research roles within creative industries
User experience (UX) and human-centred design positions
Innovation and product development teams
Progression to further study in design, research, or related fields
Graduate and Professional Studies
+353 (0)61 234377
¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ, Limerick, Ireland