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During this programme, you will:  

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the theory and practical application of quality management tools and techniques. 

• Explore how to apply Lean and Six Sigma methods in your organisation to enhance delivery and increase efficiency. 

• Interact and engage in peer-to-peer learning activities through the Community of Practice (CoP). 

• Apply the concepts you have learned to your own organisation through directed project work. 

• Complete both lean and Six Sigma projects to black belt level. 

• Deliver an Enterprise Improvement Project at master black belt level. 

Key information: 

• Complete part-time over two years  

• Blended delivery – monthly online lectures 

• Benchmarking visits to companies and masterclasses to enhance your Lean Six Sigma knowledge and build your network.  

• Modules taught during autumn and spring semesters 

• Deliver two black belts and a master black belt project for your organisation.  

• Dedicated thesis supervisor and in-company apprenticeship mentor 

• Participate in a ‘Community of Practice’. Interact and engage in peer-to-peer learning activities around the academic content. 

You will learn through a blend of:  

• Lectures, workshops, and benchmarking visits 

• Reflective practice and guided research  

• Regular feedback from faculty and peers  

Part-time considerations:  

• Designed for working professionals  

• Evening or recorded lectures  

• Additional prep and group work time  

Year 1  

Autumn Semester 

• explores models of change and outlines steps and processes in the successful management of a change effort. 

• explains the concepts behind the Lean tools, and examine the various elements involved in using them effectively. 

Spring Semester 

• provides students with an insight into how to build Lean systems around production activities and deploy Lean into other business processes. 

• facilitates students to produce a lean black belt project. 

Community of practice module including benchmarking visits. 

Year 2 

Autumn Semester 

• outlines the principles of 6 Sigma and how they can be implemented to deliver strategic objectives. 

• introduces students to Quality Science methodologies. 

Spring Semester 

• provides a detailed understanding of the key features of experimental design from theory, through construction, to application. 

•   students compete a six sigma black belt project. 

Summer Semester 

Community of practice module including benchmarking visits). 

• students complete a master black belt project that adds demonstrable value to their organisation. 

Books and journal articles needed for the course will be available online through the UL Glucksman Library. 

For more information on each module, you can search the faculty, school and module code on UL’s  

• Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree ( Level 8) with at least a 2.2 (second class honours, grade 2) in a relevant or appropriate subject. 

• You should also have an Irish contract of employment that meets or exceeds the duration of the apprenticeship.  

• Applicants who have completed a level 8 apprenticeship in a related field are also eligible to apply. 

• Applicants with a lower qualification may also be considered provided they have considerable industrial experience. 

Sponsoring Company: 

• Company must complete an approval process with UL and SOLAS and commit to supporting the apprentice throughout the programme. 

• Must appoint an industry mentor within the company throughout the apprenticeship. 

Other Entry Considerations: 

We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet the standard entry requirements, as long as you can show that you have the knowledge, skills, and experience needed for the programme. 

At UL, we value all kinds of learning and support different ways to qualify through our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy. 

NOTE: All students use JMP statistical analysis software in their SixSigma modules. You must be able to install JMP on a computer/laptop and have access to company data sets in order to successfully complete these modules. Please check with your IT department/company that you have the necessary permissions before embarking on this programme.

Checklist of documents:    

• *Academic transcripts and certificates
  • UL graduates only need to provide their student ID.
• Copy of your birth certificate or passport 
• English translation of your qualifications and transcripts
• Copy of your CV 

English Language: 

• English Language Competency certificate
• For details on accepted language qualifications visit English Language Requirements 

Guidelines on Completing your Application   

• To make sure we can review your application quickly, please:
  • Upload all documents. Your application can’t be reviewed until we have all the documents on the checklist. 
  • Title the documents you are uploading. For example, "Personal Statement", "Undergraduate Transcript", "Postgraduate Transcript", "English Language Certificate" etc. 
• *If you are waiting to graduate, submit your application with the documents you have to date, you don’t need to have finished final exams before applying. 

Company Registration Process:  No Charge

Online Student Application Fee: €50

Annual Student Fee: €900 

* Fees are subject to change depending on programme of study and external funder’s requirements. 

Please note that international study visas are only available to students studying full-time in Ireland. This programme does not qualify for a study visa. 

Annual fees are billed by semester. Once registered, students may be eligible to apply for a monthly payment plan.   

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).  

 
Funding 

This programme is funded through Solas and the HEA. Candidates and Companies who satisfy the eligibility criteria under Generation Apprenticeship can qualify for up to 90% funding of fees, subject to eligibility and availability.  The €900pa fee is the student contribution to the programme. 

For further information, please email ²¹±è±è°ù±ð²Ô³Ù¾±³¦±ð²õ³ó¾±±è²õ°ª³Ü±ô.¾±±ð  

Companies can also apply for the   of €2000 per annum if they meet the eligibility requirements.  

Find further information on funding and scholarships. 

This course can lead to the following sectors and careers:  

• Operational Excellence Manager
• Lean Sigma Manager
• Business Improvement Manager  

Cian Moloney, Tirlan 

"I chose the course because my role involves a lot of problem-solving and introducing new ways of working, and I believed that our team would benefit from a more structured approach. I had some previous exposure to Lean Six Sigma and thought that this course would strengthen my skills in some really beneficial areas. The aspect of the course that I found most valuable wasn’t any one technical skill or tool – it was gaining a greater appreciation of the importance of mindset. The course taught me that Lean Six Sigma is more than a collection of tools and tests –  it is a way of thinking about how and why we do what we do, and about the people at the heart of every task. 

The course has allowed me to get involved in more projects, find new insights in our data and be more successful at getting buy-in for new initiatives. I think this programme would be suitable for anybody working in a technical role in industry. As someone in a research and development role I’m not in the manufacturing environment every day, but almost all of the lean tools are transferrable to other contexts and the six sigma aspect of the course would be valuable to anyone working with data of any description." 

Shannon Geoghegan 

"Completing my Master Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma has been a pivotal moment in my career. The program not only deepened my expertise but also gave me the confidence to step into a new managerial role. The skills and knowledge I gained have empowered me to drive meaningful change within my organisation, streamline processes, and lead with a more strategic approach. This achievement has truly elevated my career, and I’m excited to continue applying what I've learned to make a lasting impact." 

Still Curious?  

The team regularly host and take part in webinars to support future students. If you would like to learn more or ask questions at an online information session, click below.     

Online Information Sessions