Course Summary
This Professional Certificate course (Level 9) aims to provide students with a comprehensive theoretical background to facilitate understanding of and caring for psychological challenges which people living with chronic illness and their families are known to experience. A core focus of this course is the application of psychological theory into practice, as well as practical frameworks used for assessment and management.
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 should hold an honours NFQ Level 8 degree (or international equivalent).
In some cases, where an applicant does not meet the prerequisites for entry to a programme, an RPL application may be considered
Documents required:
• Transcript(s) including date and grading of degree award (non UCD Graduates only) and notarised English translations where relevant
• Copy of Birth Certificate or Personal Page of Passport
• Signed Professional Reference Form
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information at: https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/ Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.
Application Details
Online Application.
X828: Professional Certificate in Psychological Impact of Chronic Illness Part-Time
Commencing January 2026
Graduate Taught
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.
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.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.