Course Summary
This programme aims to introduce students to the core concepts within health project management. Students gain insights into using leadership skills for the effective management of change. Students will also become proficient in a range of research methods and tools in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research approaches.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
Applicants with a 2.2 Level 8 Honours award in a relevant discipline may apply.
Applicants with other qualifications and with relevant work experience may also be considered through ATU Sligo’s Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) process. RPL is a process that may allow you to gain admission to a programme or to receive exemptions/credit from some parts of a programme based on demonstrated learning that you may have achieved through another programme of study or through your work and career. Further information is available through www.atu.ie/recognition-of-prior-learning which our dedicated RPL portal or by contacting our admissions team at [email protected]
Applicants are welcome from all areas of the health and social care sector who have responsibility for, or an interest in leading/managing or working on health projects and service improvement programmes. Not limited to but including digital health, medicine, public health, nursing and midwifery, health and wellbeing, acute care, health education, health promotion, primary care, disability services, services for older persons, mental health services, emergency management, quality improvement services, patient safety, and human resources, in the statutory, voluntary and community sector.
Application Details
Flexible learning courses are popular, and they fill on a first come, first served basis. There are two major intake periods throughout the academic year, September and January.
For January start courses, applications typically open in October, and for September start courses, applications typically open in February. Closing dates for applications are listed on the individual course webpage.
Start Date: September 2025.
Fees
Total Fees: €2500
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Career Progression
The Certificate in Health Project Management course, has been designed in consultation with Portfolio Managers, Programme Leads, Project Managers and Service Managers in health and social care sector in recognition of, and in response to the demand for a workforce equipped with project management, research, and leadership skills, required to effectively lead, and manage projects and service/quality improvement programmes in contemporary health and social care.
This programme will equip graduates with the skills and knowledge to work in a variety of project and service improvement roles in the statutory, community and voluntary health and social care sector. Graduates may pursue work opportunities as Project Managers, Project Team Leads, Project Officers, Programme Managers, Portfolio Leads, Programme Support Officers, Researchers, Quality Improvement Leads, and related service improvement roles within the health and social care sector.
Progression
Students who wish to continue their studies following completion of this programme can enrol on the Postgraduate Certificate in Health Promotion and Wellness Practice. Both awards combined with a completed thesis module leads to a Master of Science in Health Promotion and Project Management. If you would like to apply for the thesis module, please apply here and select Health Promotion and Project Management Thesis – Restricted Entry in the drop-down box for the course you are applying for. Students can also enrol directly onto the Masters of Science in Health Promotion Practice.
Duration
Recommended Study Hours per week
Students can expect to attend online lectures two evenings per week and each lecture will last for approximately 1-2 hours. This programme will involve a mixture of live classes, directed learning, self-directed learning, reflective learning, group, and individual module assignments. Approximately 18-20 hours per week study commitment is required.
On-Campus Attendance Requirement: No attendance required.