¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ

During this programme, you will:  

• Gain an understanding of the theory and practical application of quality management tools and techniques with particular emphasis on Lean and Six Sigma 

• Acquire specific quality management skills in the Lean and Six Sigma domains and in strategic and transferable business skills. 

• Produce a business standard, Enterprise Improvement Project based on an understanding of the processes involved in Six Sigma Systems. 

• Complete a substantial piece of work that realises a significant benefit for your organisation’s strategic and operational direction. 

Key information: 

• Complete full-time in two years 

• Delivered online 

• Intakes in both Autumn and Spring Semesters 

• Modules taught during autumn and spring semesters or spring and autumn 

• Submit in-company project at the end of the final semester 

• Option to undertake this as an Executive Apprenticeship with up to 80% funding 

You will learn through a blend of:  

• Lectures, workshops, and hands-on activities  

• 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  

• Timetable provided after registration 

Year 1 

Semester 1  

• explains the concepts behind Lean tools and examines the elements involved in using them to support an organisation's Lean transformation. 

• engages students in three key areas of academic study: Leadership, Change Management and Teams. 

Semester 2 

• expands the principles, tools and techniques of Lean Thinking/Lean Tools I. 

• / requires students to apply their the acquired knowledge to a business standard, industry focused Black Belt project. 

Year 2 

Semester 1  

• Quality Science Introduction (M) (MS6041) introduces students to Quality Science methodologies. 

• Problem Solving Tools and Techniques (M) (AU5051) provides an understanding of Six Sigma principles and how they can deliver strategic objectives in the manufacturing and service sectors. 

Semester 2 

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

• enables students to produce a business standard, industry focused project based on an understanding of the processes involved in Six Sigma Systems. 

Summer Semester 

• builds on the Lean and Six Sigma project modules to produce a substantial piece of work that realises a significant benefit for your organisation’s strategic and operational direction. 

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 1) in any discipline and at least three years of relevant work experience.  

• If you have completed the Professional Diploma in Lean Systems and/or Six Sigma, you can be enrolled directly to Year 2 of the programme and complete the Enterprise Improvement Project in one year. 

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. 

International students:   

For details on country-specific qualifications visit postgraduate entry requirements for international students. 

Other Entry Considerations: 

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. 

Full fees for the MSc programme are €14,000. Fees for direct entry to year two are €8,750, and fees for entry to year two (thesis/EIP only) are €3,500

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 

Apprenticeship  
This Master’s programme is also available through an apprenticeship route, with up to 80% of fees covered by SOLAS and the HEA. To check your eligibility for apprenticeship funding, click here. 

Find further information on funding and scholarships.. 

This course can lead to the following sectors and careers:  

• Quality Manager
• Continuous Improvement Specialist
• Lean Six Sigma Consultant 

Hazel McGuinness, ABTRAN   

Driven by a passion for continuous improvement and a desire to learn, I found the perfect fit in this program. The comprehensive curriculum, centered around Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, aligned seamlessly with my professional aspirations and personal drive for excellence. 

The most valuable aspect of the course was its immediate applicability to my job. Not only did I acquire valuable knowledge, but I also implemented these learnings to drive significant improvements within my company. Witnessing the real-time impact of my efforts was incredibly rewarding. The unwavering support from the lecturers, who were always available to guide and inspire, further enhanced my learning experience.  

The course has been a catalyst for my career advancement. It equipped me with the facilitation tools to conduct my own Green and Yellow Belt courses and provided the expertise to lead large Black Belt projects. Additionally, it significantly enhanced my leadership and behaviour skills, empowering me to effectively lead teams and drive continuous improvement initiatives. This comprehensive training has allowed me to spearhead strategic initiatives and foster a culture of excellence within my organisation. 

This program is ideal for professionals passionate about continuous improvement and seeking to enhance their strategic management capabilities. It is particularly beneficial for those aspiring to leadership roles and aiming to lead transformative change through Lean and Six Sigma methodologies. 

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. 

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.