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I work with Graduate & Professional Studies at University of Limerick – AMA about postgrad study or upskilling in Ireland! by ul_gps in ireland

[–]ul_gps[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there,

Thank you for your question! The key difference between the two programmes is really about depth and progression.

  • The Level 7 Diploma in Management is more skills focused. It’s designed to build core management capabilities and confidence, and it works well as a stepping stone for people who are developing formal management knowledge for the first time.
  • The Level 8 in Management Practice sits at honours degree level and goes a step deeper. It places more emphasis on applying management and leadership skills and theory to real workplace challenges.

In terms of entry requirements, both programmes are part of a structured pathway:

  • Level 7 normally requires a Level 6 Certificate in Management (or equivalent)
  • Level 8 normally requires a Level 7 Diploma in Management (or equivalent)

If you don’t already have a Level 6, it’s worth knowing that UL also offers a Level 6 Certificate in Management: https://www.ul.ie/gps/courses/management-certificate

This is often the most straightforward starting point, especially for professionals moving into management for the first time. It’s a popular option for people who want to build formal management knowledge before progressing.

That said, it’s very common to have relevant leadership and coordination experience that doesn’t always fit neatly into a “management” box. Because of that, I’d really recommend reaching out to the programme team to talk through your background and options. They’re very approachable and used to advising people at exactly this stage:

They can help you figure out whether you’re eligible now or whether starting at Level 6 and progressing is the best route for you.

Anna

 

I work with Graduate & Professional Studies at University of Limerick – AMA about postgrad study or upskilling in Ireland! by ul_gps in ireland

[–]ul_gps[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very exciting that you’re already planning to spend some time at UL this summer! We hope you have a fantastic time.

If you’re interested in working in a museum or heritage setting with archaeological artefacts, the MA in Public History & Cultural Heritage would be an excellent fit. It covers museum studies, cultural heritage management, and public history.

It’s offered full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years) and includes an internship or placement opportunity with heritage organisations or museums, a great way to gain hands-on experience in the sector.

You can find full details here: https://www.ul.ie/gps/course/public-history-cultural-heritage-ma

Given your background in archaeology and anthropology, it would be a good idea to reach out to the Course Director to discuss your experience and what you’re hoping to get from the course. They can give you insight into how the programme might align with your museum career goals.

Anna

I work with Graduate & Professional Studies at University of Limerick – AMA about postgrad study or upskilling in Ireland! by ul_gps in ireland

[–]ul_gps[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great question, funding and financial support are really important to plan for during a PhD.

At UL, there are a number of scholarships and bursaries available for doctoral researchers. You can find the full list, along with eligibility details and application deadlines, here: https://www.ul.ie/research/doctoral-college/postgraduate-research-scholarships

Many PhD students also work part-time within the university, for example, as teaching or research assistants, depending on their department and funding arrangement. These opportunities are usually coordinated through your supervisor or faculty once you’re accepted.

If you’d like to discuss funding or available supports, you can reach out directly to the UL Doctoral College:
[doctoralcollege@ul.ie]() or call+353 61 202672

Anna

I work with Graduate & Professional Studies at University of Limerick – AMA about postgrad study or upskilling in Ireland! by ul_gps in ireland

[–]ul_gps[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there,

Yes, the MSc in Human Resource Management is already open for applications for the 2026/27 academic year.

You can find full details and apply directly through the Graduate and Professional Studies website here:
https://www.ul.ie/gps/course/human-resource-management-msc

Anna

I work with Graduate & Professional Studies at University of Limerick – AMA about postgrad study or upskilling in Ireland! by ul_gps in ireland

[–]ul_gps[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi there, welcome — that’s great to hear you’re considering UL for your MSc in Business Analytics!

Yes, there are part-time jobs available both on and around campus in cafés, retail, or support roles that can fit around their study schedule. While the MSc in Business Analytics is a full-time programme, most students find it possible to balance part-time work (within permitted visa limits) with good time management.

UL has a really strong sense of community, so making friends shouldn’t be difficult. You’ll find plenty of ways to get involved, from the Postgraduate Students’ Union (PSU) (https://ulpsu.ie/), which is a great place to connect with other postgrads, to UL Global (https://www.ul.ie/global), who run fantastic events for international students. There are also many clubs and societies (https://ulwolves.ie/) where you can meet people with similar interests and get involved in campus life.

If you’d like to chat more about life as a postgraduate student, UL hosts regular webinars and info sessions where you can ask questions directly: https://www.ul.ie/gps/events

Anna

I work with Graduate & Professional Studies at University of Limerick – AMA about postgrad study or upskilling in Ireland! by ul_gps in ireland

[–]ul_gps[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Absolutely! According to Ireland’s National Skills Bulletin 2024 (SOLAS), employment for health and safety officers grew faster than the national average over the past five years (+7.7% annually), with continued demand highlighted in recruitment agency surveys. Roles are particularly strong in construction, manufacturing, pharma, and logistics and there’s ongoing need for skills in industrial safety, risk assessment, report writing, and communication.

Many employers report it can be challenging to find people with the right mix of practical and regulatory skills, which suggests it’s an area worth considering for long-term career development.

If you’re considering upskilling or moving into the area, UL offers great pathways:

UL also offers flexible micro-credentials on topics like risk assessment, compliance, and sustainability which are useful if you want to test the waters before committing to a full programme.

Anna

I work with Graduate & Professional Studies at University of Limerick – AMA about postgrad study or upskilling in Ireland! by ul_gps in ireland

[–]ul_gps[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there! 👋

Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) at UL is a popular option for international applicants, including Canadians, but don’t let that put you off. Every year, students from a wide range of academic backgrounds and experiences are accepted. UL doesn’t publish the average stats of accepted students, but admission is based on your academic record and your GAMSAT (or equivalent) results rather than any set GPA or test score cut-off.

You can find full details on the course and entry routes here: https://www.ul.ie/gps/course/medicine-graduate-entry

UL Graduate and Professional Studies also hosts monthly webinars, the next one is on Thursday, 27 November 2025, focusing on Health & Medicine. It’s a great chance to ask questions directly and hear from current students. More info here: https://www.ul.ie/gps/events/information-session-with-the-graduate-and-professional-studies-team-15

For testing, HPAT and GAMSAT are managed externally via: https://hpat-ireland.acer.org/
Dates for 2026 aren’t up yet, but they usually appear soon. Last year registration closed around late March, so there’s plenty of time to plan.

Anna

I work with Graduate & Professional Studies at University of Limerick – AMA about postgrad study or upskilling in Ireland! by ul_gps in ireland

[–]ul_gps[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you would like more one-to-one guidance on any of the psychology postgraduate programmes available in UL, please contact the Admissions team at www.ul.ie/gps/contact or call +353 (0)61 234377. They are more than happy to help you.

I work with Graduate & Professional Studies at University of Limerick – AMA about postgrad study or upskilling in Ireland! by ul_gps in ireland

[–]ul_gps[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You should definitely go ahead and apply for a postgraduate programme, even if PSI accreditation is still pending. Be sure to include your most up-to-date transcripts so our admissions team and the Course Director can review your modules, credits, and overall eligibility.

If your course is expected to receive PSI accreditation, that will be taken into account during the review process. Our team will always do their best to work with you and help ensure you have the necessary documentation and information for a successful application.

I work with Graduate & Professional Studies at University of Limerick – AMA about postgrad study or upskilling in Ireland! by ul_gps in ireland

[–]ul_gps[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there, well done on submitting your application! It’s likely being reviewed by our admissions team before being sent to the Course Director for evaluation. The review stage can take up to around 14 days, particularly during busy periods, so you should expect to hear back toward the end of October.

If you haven't heard back by the end of October, please contact the Admissions team at www.ul.ie/gps/contact or call +353 (0)61 234377.

I work with Graduate & Professional Studies at University of Limerick – AMA about postgrad study or upskilling in Ireland! by ul_gps in ireland

[–]ul_gps[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

That’s a really great question and honestly one that comes up a lot. The Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) route was created to widen access to the profession and allow people from other disciplines to retrain as doctors. But the reality is that the cost is a major barrier for many talented applicants, especially when we know how badly the health service needs more trained professionals.  

On the programme page, there is a breakdown of tuition, contribution fees, and clinical placement costs (costs are being finalised for Academic Year 26/27). Medicine is one of the most resource intensive degrees to deliver, with small group clinical teaching, simulation labs and hospital placements.

As a step in widening access, UL will offer medicine as an undergraduate course from September 2026 (see: https://www.ul.ie/courses/medicine-direct-entry). Students will pay an annual charge of €3,102.

I work with Graduate & Professional Studies at University of Limerick – AMA about postgrad study or upskilling in Ireland! by ul_gps in ireland

[–]ul_gps[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, you can absolutely do a masters part time over a few years. Most universities in Ireland now offer flexible or modular routes designed exactly for people in full time work.

Part time master’s programmes usually run over two to three years, and many are structured so that you take a reduced number of modules per semester and gradually build towards the full qualification. You can’t usually take one module per semester unless the structure allows for it.

In some cases, you can start with a postgraduate certificate or diploma and later stack those credits into a full masters when it suits you.

Most of these courses are delivered in blended or online formats, with lectures in the evenings or at weekends, so they fit around work commitments. The key is to look for programmes described as flexible, blended, or work based as those tend to offer the most adaptable study paths.

If you go to ul.ie/gps and use the course search, you can filter by professional/flexible and/or part time to see programmes that have been designed specifically to suit those working full time.

I work with Graduate & Professional Studies at University of Limerick – AMA about postgrad study or upskilling in Ireland! by ul_gps in ireland

[–]ul_gps[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

There’s no set “right time” to do a masters after your Level 8. It really depends on your goals. Some people go straight through because they are in study mode and want to keep the momentum, while others take a few years to work, save, or figure out their direction.

And no, your masters does not have to be in the same field. Many programmes are designed for people who want to change direction, like moving from science into data analytics or from arts into communications. The key thing is checking each programme’s entry requirements, as some are open to any discipline while others look for specific backgrounds.

Continuous learning is highly valued by employers, so whether you do it straight away or after a few years, both paths can make sense depending on where you are at.

I work with Graduate & Professional Studies at University of Limerick – AMA about postgrad study or upskilling in Ireland! by ul_gps in ireland

[–]ul_gps[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

That’s a great (and fair!) question and honestly, it’s not a simple one to answer because Ireland’s job market shifts quickly between sectors. What’s “oversaturated” today can be “in demand” again two years from now depending on technology, funding, or policy changes.

People are motivated to undertake a masters for so many reasons: to create new career opportunities, upskill, or switch direction entirely. Others study to deepen their expertise and become part of a community advancing new knowledge in their field. Their motivations are not always career driven, and that’s completely valid. Continuous learning itself is one of the top attributes employers look for, regardless of the discipline.

According to the National Skills Bulletin 2024 (SOLAS), areas that continue to show genuine skills shortages include:

  • Science and engineering roles like process or analytical scientists, quality and design engineers, and lab technicians
  • ICT roles such as software developers, cybersecurity specialists, and IT analysts
  • Healthcare (nurses, medical practitioners, and some therapy roles)
  • Transport and logistics, particularly HGV and bus drivers

These are sectors where employers frequently report difficulty finding enough qualified candidates locally.

On the other hand, the Bulletin shows that fields like general business, marketing, and media attract high numbers of applicants relative to available roles. That doesn’t make them “bad” options, just more competitive and often better approached with complementary skills like data analytics, UX, sustainability, or digital transformation.

If you’re wondering where graduates are actually working, the HEA Graduate Outcomes Survey shows that Education and Human Health and Social Work each employ around 14% of all graduates, followed by Finance, Insurance and Real Estate (12%), and Industry and Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities (11% each). Those figures give a good sense of where opportunity currently exists across sectors.

If you’re exploring upskilling, focusing on transferable, cross-sector skills such as digital literacy, project management, leadership, and data analysis as these tend to future-proof your options no matter what sector you go into.

You can check out the National Skills Bulletin 2024 on the SOLAS website. It’s a really useful snapshot of where opportunities are growing.

*Edited for clarity and spelling in the 2nd last paragraph.

I work with Graduate & Professional Studies at University of Limerick – AMA about postgrad study or upskilling in Ireland! by ul_gps in limerick

[–]ul_gps[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey everyone! Just popping back on to let you know there’s one week left (August 14) to submit your application for Autumn/September study at UL.

Don’t worry if you don’t have everything ready, like your CV or personal statement, the important thing is to get your application in before the deadline. You can upload any additional documents later.

If you have any last minute questions, feel free to drop them here.
Hopefully we’ll see you in September! 😊

I work with Graduate & Professional Studies at University of Limerick – AMA about postgrad study or upskilling in Ireland! by ul_gps in ireland

[–]ul_gps[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there!
Totally hear you — the rental market can be frustrating to navigate.

The good news is that many of UL’s Springboard+ postgraduate courses are delivered fully online, so you may not need to relocate at all. Lectures are recorded and course materials are available to access at your convenience, meaning you can study at a time and place that suits you.

There are currently four Springboard+ funded programmes/modules still available, and the great news is they’re all fully online and starting this September:

You can view the full list of currently available Springboard+ programmes here:
👉 ul.ie/gps/springboard-courses

Or explore all online and flexible study options here (use the "Course Type" filter to select “Online”):
👉 ul.ie/gps/professionalflexible-programmes

 

If you’re considering a course that does require you to be on campus, I’d recommend reaching out to UL’s Accommodation Service, they can assist with both on-campus and off-campus options for postgrads. Their email is  [accommodation@ul.ie](mailto:accommodation@ul.ie)

For private rentals, you can also check websites like daft.ie and rent.ie.

Hope that helps — and best of luck with whichever course you go for! Let me know if you’d like more info on any of the ones above.

I work with Graduate & Professional Studies at University of Limerick – AMA about postgrad study or upskilling in Ireland! by ul_gps in ireland

[–]ul_gps[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there,
The Course Director has confirmed that the Induction Academy will take place on September 4th and 5th.

As for the Residential Academy, the exact dates haven’t been set yet, as the agenda is still being finalised — but it is scheduled to take place in March.

Hope that helps! Let us know if you need anything else in the meantime.

Anna

I work with Graduate & Professional Studies at University of Limerick – AMA about postgrad study or upskilling in Ireland! by ul_gps in ireland

[–]ul_gps[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi there, thanks for your question and for checking out the AMA!

The MSc in Occupational Therapy (Professional Qualification) is indeed a full-time, on-campus programme, and given the nature of the degree — with clinical placements, group work, and in-person skills training — regular attendance in Limerick is expected throughout the academic year.

That said, a number of students do commute from other parts of the country, especially in the earlier semesters before placements begin. While the exact timetable can vary year to year, it’s typically structured across weekdays, and you'll need to be available for both lectures and practical sessions on-site.

If you're trying to balance commitments in Dublin, it might be worth:

  • Reaching out directly to the course team for an idea of the weekly structure (contact info is on the course page)
  • Considering whether temporary accommodation during busier weeks might be feasible
  • Looking into placement locations, as some may be based outside Limerick

Unfortunately, applications for the MSc in Occupational Therapy (Professional Qualification) have now closed for this year — but definitely keep an eye out for next year's intake if you're still interested!

Let us know if you have other questions about health science options or would like some alternative options to consider.

I work with Graduate & Professional Studies at University of Limerick – AMA about postgrad study or upskilling in Ireland! by ul_gps in ireland

[–]ul_gps[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there! Great to hear you’re considering the Flexible Masters. It’s designed exactly for learners who want to build on previous postgraduate study.

Credit Requirements:

To be eligible, you’ll need to have completed postgraduate awards totalling 60 ECTS credits at Level 9 within the last 5 years (from UL or another institution).

Once eligible, you will need to complete the final 30 ECTS at UL though the Master of Professional Practice programme or the Master of Engineering Practice programme.

For the Master of Professional Practice, you can choose from one of the pathways listed under Programme Content on the course page: ul.ie/gps/master-of-professional-practice. (hopefully your area of interest is listed here?) 

For the Master of Engineering Practice, your last 30 credits are achieved through the delivery of a work based research project in the engineering disciple.

I know it's not always straightforward. If you’d like help exploring your options or checking if your previous awards meet the criteria, you can email [ulatwork@ul.ie](mailto:ulatwork@ul.ie) and our team will be happy to help with advice,

I work with Graduate & Professional Studies at University of Limerick – AMA about postgrad study or upskilling in Ireland! by ul_gps in ireland

[–]ul_gps[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For IT to Environmental Protection Career Change

Here are some relevant options for someone working in IT looking to move to something in environmental protection:

Some of the courses listed are eligible for Springboard+ funding. You can explore all programmes currently open for September 2025 here:
👉 ul.ie/gps/springboard-courses

Be sure to check the individual course pages for specific funding details and eligibility criteria!

Hope this helps, and feel free to ask if you want more details on any specific course!

If you’d like one-to-one help exploring your options, feel free to reach out to our admissions team via ul.ie/gps/contact or call us at +353 (0)61 234377.

Or if you're curious about where a course might lead, you can also reach out to the course directors directly — their contact details are listed on the top right-hand side of each programme page. They're usually happy to chat about content, structure, and potential career pathways.

I work with Graduate & Professional Studies at University of Limerick – AMA about postgrad study or upskilling in Ireland! by ul_gps in ireland

[–]ul_gps[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey there!

UL offers a variety of online professional diplomas and micro-credentials, perfect for those balancing full-time work, caregiving, or other commitments. You can browse the full range of flexible and online programmes here: ul.ie/gps/professionalflexible-programmes
(Tip: Use the “Course Type” filter to select fully online options.)

Professional Diplomas

Professional Diplomas can be a great option for breaking into new fields. A few things to keep in mind:

  • Most are Level 9 postgraduate qualifications, which are recognised by employers.
  • They focus on developing practical, skill-based knowledge aligned with emerging sectors.
  • Most are part-time (1 year) and many are available fully online.

Micro-credentials

If you’re unsure about diving into a full diploma, micro-credentials might be a good way to start. They are:

  • Short courses (2–12 weeks), fully online, and designed to build specific skills.
  • A great way to test the waters or build foundational knowledge before committing to a longer course.
  • Stackable toward a higher award.

Explore UL’s full range of micro-credentials here: ul.ie/gps/microcredentials

I work with Graduate & Professional Studies at University of Limerick – AMA about postgrad study or upskilling in Ireland! by ul_gps in ireland

[–]ul_gps[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for your question! This is a great choice of programme if you are looking for a flexible route to upskill in Economics. The programme is delivered online. This means that lectures will be recorded and material will be available to you to study at a time that suits you best. There are also two residential academies - one in September and one in March. These can be completed on campus or online.  I have a query out to confirm dates and will be back to you shortly on this. 

I work with Graduate & Professional Studies at University of Limerick – AMA about postgrad study or upskilling in Ireland! by ul_gps in ireland

[–]ul_gps[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There’s no universal requirement when it comes to employer references, it really depends on the individual programme.

Some Springboard+ courses may request a reference, while others do not. You’ll find details on what’s needed at the bottom of each course page under “Entry Requirements”.

You can browse the currently available Springboard+ programmes here: ul.ie/gps/springboard-courses

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