Disability Studies
Disability Studies is a vibrant area of study, developed over the past 40 years with academics presenting with a disability. It is both interdisciplinary and multi-disciplinary, informed by scholarship from history, sociology, literature, political science, law, policy studies, economics, cultural studies, anthropology, geography, philosophy, theology, gender studies, media studies and the arts.
| Award Name | Special Purpose Diploma (Level 7 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Special Purpose |
| Awarding Body | National University of Ireland |
| NFQ Level | Level 7 NFQ |
| Award Name | Special Purpose Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) |
| NFQ Classification | Special Purpose |
| Awarding Body | National University of Ireland |
| NFQ Level | Level 6 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Purpose Diploma (Level 7 NFQ) | Special Purpose | National University of Ireland | Level 7 NFQ |
| Special Purpose Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) | Special Purpose | National University of Ireland | Level 6 NFQ |
Duration
2 years part-time
Blended - Online Lectures and Face to face workshops at locations to be decided.
Online lectures will be on Wednesdays evenings via Microsoft teams with In Person Workshops held one Saturday every month.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must be at least 21 years of age by 1 January of the year of application, and will have shown an interest in or be employed in the area of disability. While there are no formal educational requirements, it is expected that proposed candidates will have attained Leaving Certificate/FETAC Level 5 or an equivalent qualification. Prior experience will be taken into account and short-listed candidates may be required to attend for an interview.
Diploma programmes are offered subject to a minimum number of eligible applicants registering for the programme. Following completion of year 1 of this programme, should a sufficient number of eligible students not wish to progress form year 1 to year 2 of this programme as to make the year 2 viable, students will graduate with a certificate at that point. Programme viability is determined by reference to fee income and applicable costs in running the programme.
Further information
START DATE September 2023
€1,500 per academic year.
CLOSING DATE 8 September 2023
Disability Studies challenges the way in which disability is understood in our society by developing new research and educational models. These help to remove the physical, legal, political and attitudinal barriers that exclude people from society. Understanding what Disability Studies is may also be informed by what it is not. It is not: medicine, rehabilitation, special education, physical or occupational therapy or any of the professions oriented toward the cure, prevention or treatment of disabilities.
The Certificate/Diploma in Disability Studies will help you to develop your critical awareness of the factors operating in the world of disability, to become aware of the ways in which different issues overlap and to explore ways of working around these. You will be encouraged to look at both your own attitudes, and the attitudes of others towards people with disabilities.
Year 1 takes a mainly theoretical approach to disability, providing you with a foundation in disability awareness, particularly the social model of disability. You will be introduced to the concept of the ‘sociological imagination’ and thinking sociologically. The extent to which Irish law currently caters for the rights of persons with disabilities is also examined. Educational approaches such as segregated education, integration and inclusive education for students with disabilities will help you understand how the relationship between education, the economy and the demands of the labour force can exclude disabled people from participating in the workplace.
Year 2 examines the more practical issues in the lives of people with disabilities, through lectures, mini presentations, group discussions and guest speakers. It explores the concept of disability and social exclusion from an interdisciplinary perspective. You will also be introduced to the discipline of psychology. The final part of the course focuses on the concept of negotiated learning through the development of research and group work skills.
Benefits to Learners and Their Communities
This course enables the learner, their employer or business, organisation, voluntary group or charity, family, friends and colleagues to better support the inclusion of those often marginalised by disability in society.
Employment: The programme equips employers and employees, placement facilitators and providers, with specific knowledge on how to design and offer placements, work-based roles and flexible positions to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
Advocacy and Facilitation: Students are encouraged in their development of facilitation and advocacy skills, as well as honing both their own knowledge and confidence, and that of those with whom they work, facilitating their journey to autonomy and independence.
Theory: This diploma prepares learners to critically engage with current theories, practices, research and studies, interventions and approaches, as well as fostering the skills to access the most up to date information.
Personal Development: In addition to the practical and academic skills acquired on a course such as this, learners also develop a range of life skills including self-confidence and awareness, problem solving, independent self-management and team work, as well as professional presentation of self and reports, assignments and tasks, time and boundary management.
The modules for year one and year two of the course are as follows:
Year 1 Modules:
AAD1800: Models of Disability and Support (10 credits)
This module begins with a review of approaches to the definitions and explanations of disability whilst understanding the contemporary concept of supporting person centredness and individualisation. Students will explore traditional and contemporary modules of disability i.e. medical, social and bio psychosocial, and examine how they have influenced approaches to support. Students will also be introduced to key sociological concepts that underpin disability issues.
AD1801: Perceptions and Portrayals of Disability (5 credits)
This module analyses a range of media which presents people with disability (in books/literature, film, photographs, social media news, marketing strategies, advertisements, etc.). A sociological perspective will be used to examine portrayals depicted in the media and to review the perceptions, attitudes and factors for bias which may be generated from these portrayals.
AD1802: Disability and Inclusive Environments (10 credits)
This module will explore the historic development of 'special' segregated education and the challenges of this approach, highlighted by subsequent educational theory and disability policy, will be reviewed. The challenge around access and progression to full participation in education and employment will be discussed. With the contribution of professionals working in relevant services, the module will explore the basic day to day skills and supports needed for meaningful engagement within educational and workplace settings.
AD1838: Supporting Equality: Policy and Legislation (5 credits)
This module examines all relevant pieces of Irish and international policy and legislation which strives to support the rights of people with disabilities. In integral areas which are not yet governed by legislation, decisions of the Irish courts and public services, as well as those of other countries, will be discussed. The effect of policy/legislation implementation and stakeholder perspectives will be explored.
Year 2 Modules
AD2831: Group Research Project (10 credits)
The content of the group work project will be limited to topics covered on the Diploma.
AD2844: Disability and Social Inclusion (5 credits)
This module examines the historical context of disability, environmental aspects which may impact on engagement, and ethics involved in supporting inclusion. It reviews human rights principles driving equality for all people. Reflection will be underpinned by key policy/legislation supporting inclusion and human rights for people with disabilities.
AD2861: Disability and Daily Living (10 credits)
Concept of daily living, stakeholder perspectives, nature of power, the role of services, policy/legislative trends, and interventions/supports available towards supporting quality of life and daily living.
AD2873: Introduction to Psychology, Disability and Human Rights (5 credits)
To explore holistic supports which can impact the quality of life for people with disabilities. Psychological perspectives of disability will be explored to facilitate increased understanding of challenges faced by people with disabilities and the multitude of factors which may contribute to these challenges. Trends in the development of the Irish disability services across the lifespan will be examined with a particular emphasis on early intervention, behaviour supports, relationships and sexuality, and human rights.
There are no written examinations in this course. All work is continuously assessed. The course is evaluated through a combination of essays, a journal, a legal project, oral presentation, poster presentation, agency profile and a group research project. In order to encourage critical thinking, you will be required to complete a reflective statement of learning at the end of each module.
For Academic Queries and Course Content Queries please contact the Programme Coordinator Helena O Connor at h.oconnor@ucc.ie.
If you require further assistance with your online application please contact the Programme Administrator Siobhan Hosford at siobhanhosford@ucc.ie.