Image
Course Details
Course Code(s):
NM8001
Available:
Part-Time
Intake:
Course Start Date:
Autumn 2026
Duration:
6 Weeks
Award:
University Certificate of Study
Qualification:
NFQ Level 9 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
This 12-week, Level 9 micro-credential is designed for healthcare professionals who want to use inquiry to improve care quality, safety and outcomes.
Addressing a clinical problem through practice-based inquiry involves asking the right questions in the right way, finding the best available evidence, and assessing what further research might be needed to guide future clinical decisions.
In this module, you’ll learn how to reflect on practice, identify relevant research questions, and apply structured frameworks to guide your inquiry.
You’ll also explore research ethics and governance, develop your ability to search for and appraise evidence, and prepare a practice-based research protocol suitable for submission to an ethics committee.
This module is associated with Healthcare Practice - Professional Doctorate. It can be taken as a standalone University Certificate of Study (UCOS) module or as part of a pathway to a larger award.
Image
During this module, you will:
Explore frameworks for practice-based inquiry and how they support real-world clinical problem solving
Reflect on your own practice to identify meaningful, researchable questions
Search for, appraise and synthesise evidence to guide clinical or service improvement
Prepare a practice-based research protocol suitable for submission to an ethics committee
Key Information
This micro-credential will be delivered online over 12 weeks with 3 workshop days.
You will be assessed using continuous online assessment 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:
You must hold a recognised health-related professional qualification.
You must be a registered with a relevant professional statutory body, e.g., NIMBI, CORU, PHECC.
Guidelines for your applications:
When applying, be sure to include the Module Code NM8001. 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 - €1,344
Non EU - €2,482
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:
Clinical or academic roles that require skills in practice-based research or service evaluation
Quality improvement, patient safety or evidence-informed leadership roles
Research development positions in healthcare or professional education
Progression to further study in healthcare and practice-based enquiry
Graduate and Professional Studies
+353 (0)61 234377
¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ, Limerick, Ireland