The Certificate in General Learning and Personal Development (CGLPD) at Mary Immaculate College is a two-year programme for people with intellectual disabilities delivered in an inclusive third level setting. This course is devoted to the academic learning, personal growth and career development prospects of the student. The full development of each student’s potential, dignity and self-worth is embraced.

The main objectives of the programme are:

1. Like other college students, the learners will learn more about: communication techniques, working as part of a team, personal and interpersonal skills, social skills, personal awareness, independence, the world of work, self-advocacy, and assertiveness skills.
2. The programme will offer the learner an opportunity to participate in the social and leisure activities of college life: socialising with other students, participating in the gym and some sports.
3. Through their participation in classes, learners will develop confidentiality skills, memory skills, imagination and an understanding of other people’s lives.
4. In the different tutorials that learners attend, they will develop: academic, artistic, reasoning and problem solving skills in PDP (Personal Development Plan) class, drama, maths, computer class, work skills, horticulture, creative studies and health promotion.
5. The overall objective of the programme—and the benchmark by which it will ultimately be measured—is that the learner, having completed the programme, will be better equipped to attain employment—and to maintain—employment

This course runs for 14 days including orientation and evaluation. There are 6 modules of 2 days each and the overall focus of the course is to identify an important issue central to the experience of the participants and to develop a campaign to progress change in this area.

Module Title: CRPD

This module is a detailed review of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the meaning of ratification and an extensive exploration of the meaning of the Optional Protocol. It looks at the Disability Act and the implementations necessary to ensure compliance with the CRPD. It will look at the obligations of the Irish Government and how its progress with implementation is monitored.

Module Title: Decision Making and Capacity

This module looks at how decisions are made, how they are supported and how participation in decision making is supported. It looks at the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act and what the meaning of capacity is in terms of students’ lives.

Module Title: Law and Policy

This module will look at the laws and policies that affect aspects of students’ lives. This will be driven by the issues students feel are the most important in their lives and how current laws discriminate against them. It will look at how laws and policy are changed and how to participate and influence change.

Module Title: Equality

This module explores the meaning of equality and discrimination. It looks at ways people with disabilities are discriminated against and what would need to change to ensure full inclusion. It specifically looks at the Equal Status Act 2000 and Equality Act 2004. Current research in this area will be reviewed.

Module Title: Government and National Organisation

This module looks at how local and national government works. It explores how individuals can become more effective and responsible citizens. It also looks at the important national organisations involved in influencing change in the areas of inclusion and equality. This module will assist learners to develop their knowledge of how democracy works and to encourage more effective participation as citizens. It looks at the Public Sector Duty and what organisations need to do to make sure that they are accessible and inclusive.

Module Title: Campaigning

This module explores what campaigns are and how an effective campaign works. It develops a process people can follow to establish, plan, lead and run a campaign through active participation. It will explore the use of various media and the involvement of influencers to affect a positive outcome.

The Certificate in Arts, Science and Inclusive Applied Practice is a two year programme for students with intellectual disabilities. This course has been accredited at Level 5 by the University Council of Trinity College Dublin. This means that students will receive a formal Level 5 award when they graduate.

The curriculum offers students a high academic standard of learning. The course objective is to realise the full potential of the students with intellectual disabilities. It will help to develop a broad range of skills across a comprehensive curriculum, including preparing graduates to work in diverse employment settings. This course is rooted in evidence-based research and aims to provide students with the independent living skills needed to become full participants in Irish society.

This programme aims to assist people with intellectual disability to take control of their lives by developing their knowledge and understanding of advocacy and leadership. It aims to develop participants’ ability to make choices based on their understanding of rights. The overarching aim of the programme is to enhance people’s independent living skills.

This course is designed to specifically develop and enhance the ability of students to recognise, analyse and solve business problems, often against a background of economic, social and technological change. The programme is designed to be academically coherent and intellectually demanding. 

This course is designed for students seeking a high level career in finance, accountancy or business management. Graduates are employed in a variety of managerial careers. The course focuses on giving practical and theoretical skills of real use to financial managers.

This is not a CAO entry course - course fees required - apply directly to the college.

The overall aim of the programme is to provide the learner with the opportunity to acquire the knowledge, skill and competence to work independently and under supervision in a supportive role within the Health Service.

The programme is offered to the learner on a full time basis and has been designed to be sufficiently flexible to enable the learner to take up a position on Health Service Skills in North Connaught College.

Health Service Skills provides students with an opportunity to study on a course that leads directly into employment or Healthcare level 6 in North Connaught College or Higher Education.

Do you see alternative holistic therapies as a way to enhance general health and wellbeing? Are you interested in the human body? Do you have a desire to connect with and help others? Want to get away from a routine desk job? Would you enjoy flexible working hours in a calm environment, either as part of a team or working alone? This course offers you the opportunity to get internationally recognised ITEC qualifications in a range of therapies to engage in professional practice. As a Holistic/Complementary Therapist you will use therapies to enhance the mind, body and soul of your clients to maximise vitality.

Do you see alternative holistic therapies as a way to enhance general health and wellbeing? Are you interested in the human body? Do you have a desire to connect with and help others? Want to get away from a routine desk job? Would you enjoy flexible working hours in a calm environment, either as part of a team or working alone?

This course offers you the opportunity to get internationally recognised ITEC qualifications in a range of therapies to engage in professional practice. As a Holistic/Complimentary Therapist you will use therapies to enhance the mind, body and soul of your clients to maximise vitality.

A vibrant, vigorous and creative course, designed to give students the opportunity to develop skills that can help them advance to further study and the professional world of performing arts. This hands-on performing arts course offers an opportunity to improve your performing, auditioning and technical production skills. Learn to work collaboratively with other creative individuals. Display your talents and discover your strengths. Students will work in various professional theatres and performance venues.

Film Production offers a thorough study of film through both practical and academic avenues. Students will study key practical areas such as scriptwriting, directing, producing, sound, lighting and editing all of which will culminate in the creation of their own films. These areas are complemented by the study of film history, film theory and film industries.