LEVEL 7

Diploma in Learning & Development Practice

The role of the Learning & Development professional is constantly evolving and your organisation and trainees have different and higher expectations of what you will provide for them. There has been an accelerated pace of change both in terms of subject matter expertise and pedagogical application in this area resulting in a heightened need to engage in continuous professional development. This programme will enable you to build on your existing knowledge of Training & Development to ensure that your training strategies and interventions continue to be innovative and challenging.

Founded in theory and focused on practice and application, the Diploma in Learning & Development Practice is a unique offering that covers the entire process of delivering training, including assessment, preparation, creating a positive learning environment, facilitating learning, and evaluating learning. It will also provide a comprehensive understanding of Establishing and Running an Effective Organisational Coaching System, and IT/Social Media in Training.

Who Should Undertake the Programme?

The Diploma in Learning & Development Practice is aimed at:

• Individuals who have an interest in training and development and may wish to pursue it as a career. 
• Individuals who hold training and development responsibilities in organisations.
• Individuals and teams involved in the design and delivery of training programmes.
• Consultants who wish to gain formal qualifications in training and development.  
• Managers and team leaders who wish to gain an insight into the systematic training process.

Structure and Content of Programme

The programme consists of eight modules and is delivered in a highly participative and practical manner through a combination of work based hours and classroom based hours. A range of learning methods and approaches will be used to promote the practical application of theoretical concepts covered. 

Programme Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this programme, students will be able to:

• Outline the remit and span of the role of the Learning and Development specialist within a national and international organisation context
• Engage an strategic approach to learning and development activities 
• Design, Select and deliver learning and development interventions to optimise participant learning and organisation impact 
• Evaluate tangible and intangible impacts of learning and development activity 
• Establish and run an effective coaching and mentoring  systems in an organisation context
• Optimise the use of IT and social media in the delivery of the learning and development role
• Identify the emerging trends and challenges in the profession
• Devise a personal Continuous Development Plan based on a comprehensive self-assessment against professional standards and recognised skill sets in pursuit of lifelong development as a specialist. 

Programme Assessment Process

The programme is assessed through a combination of practical individual and team assignments, essays, presentations, online discussion with peers, and work-based applications


Entry Requirements 

Candidates must:

Normally, applicants for entry to the Diploma in Learning & Development Practice will be at least 21 years of age by 1 January of the year of application; 
AND hold a Leaving Certificate/FETAC level 5 qualification or equivalent. (It is assumed that participants will have an underlying foundational working knowledge/experience within L&D and/or have at minimum a level 6 qualification in Learning & Development/Training or related area).
All applicants whose first language is not English must have attained IELTS Level 6 or the equivalent TOEFL score 
 
Course Modules

Module 1 - Learning & Development in Organisations (5 Credits) 1.5 lecture days + 12 work based hours
Module 2 - Positioning Learning & Development in Organisations (10 Credits) 6 Lecture Days
Module 3 - Designing Learning & Development Activities (10 Credits) 3 lecture days + 24 work based hours
Module 4 - Measuring the Effectiveness Learning & Development (5 Credits) 1 lecture day + 24 WBH

Exit Route – By completing the first 4 modules participants could exit with a Certificate at NFQ Level 7 (30 Credits)

Module 5 - Coaching & Mentoring in Organisations (10 Credits) 3 lecture days + 24 work based hours
Module 6 - IT and Social Media in Learning & Development (10 Credits) 3 lecture days + 24 work based hours
Module 7 - Contemporary Developments in Learning & Development (5 Credits) 2 lecture days + 12 WBH
Module 8 - Becoming a Learning & Development Specialist (5 Credits) 2 lecture days + 12 work based hours
 
Course Costs:

Full Diploma: Certificate: 

€2450 (TLS Member Grant Funded Rate) €1650 (TLS Member Grant Funded Rate)

€2850 (Non TLS Members) €1850 (Non TLS Members)

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The programme will provide a progression route to either the H.Dip in HRD (level 8) or to the Masters in Organisational Development & Learning (Coming Soon)  (level 9).