Mindfulness Based Practice and Research Postgraduate Cert

Program Overview

This Postgraduate Certificate in Mindfulness Based Practice and Research offers a transformative online experience that deepens understanding of mindfulness principles and practice. It equips professionals with skills to enhance stress management, improve interpersonal relationships, and foster self-awareness through academic inquiry and reflective assignments. The program serves as an ideal stepping stone to advance mindfulness-based interventions in various domains, including healthcare, education, and workplaces.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This Postgraduate Certificate in Mindfulness Based Practice and Research is a seven-month, fully online program designed to help students develop a committed mindfulness practice in their own lives. The program aims to equip students with the skills to manage stress more effectively, improve interpersonal skills, and enhance self-awareness. It includes an eight-week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course incorporating elements of Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy. The program is suitable for those who have already completed an eight-week mindfulness program and serves as an excellent follow-up. It examines both the eastern philosophy and the western psychology of mindfulness, supporting students by enhancing their reflective skills through practice and inquiry. The program explores the use of mindfulness in various settings, including healthcare, education, social care, the workplace, family, and relationships. This PG Cert acts as an ideal preparation for those who wish to progress to the MSc in Mindfulness Based Wellbeing and become a mindfulness teacher.

Outline:

The program is delivered fully online and requires a committed personal practice of formal and informal mindfulness outside of lecture times. It consists of three modules:

• AP6808: Enquiry into Mindfulness Practice (15 credits): This module delves deeper into the practice of mindfulness, encouraging students to engage in self-reflection and inquiry.
• AP6817: Mindfulness Practice (10 credits): This module provides students with the opportunity to further develop their mindfulness practice and explore its application in various contexts.
The program is delivered on Thursday evenings with occasional Friday and Saturday sessions.

Assessment:

The program utilizes a combination of academic and reflective assignments, allowing students to engage with both research and personal practice. Students are encouraged to draw on research to inform their practice. The assessment also includes an online presentation where students present their learning from the program.

Teaching:

The program is taught by staff from ACE and the School of Psychology at UCC. The program is delivered fully online, allowing students to learn at their own pace and from the comfort of their homes.

Careers:

The program provides students with the skills and knowledge to apply mindfulness in various settings, including healthcare, education, social care, the workplace, family, and relationships. It also prepares students for further study in mindfulness-based interventions, such as the MSc in Mindfulness Based Wellbeing, which can lead to a career as a mindfulness teacher.

Other:

The program is the first of its kind in Ireland to offer sustained support in learning and embedding mindfulness practice into daily life. Research in various settings demonstrates that training in mindfulness can lead to significant benefits, including:

• Reduced stress levels
• Increased emotional intelligence
• Enhanced interpersonal effectiveness
• Lower rates of health-related absenteeism
• Increased self-awareness
• Improved communication skills
• Increased concentration and attention span
• Lower levels of psychological distress and anxiety
• Higher levels of well-being, resilience, and overall life and work satisfaction.
The program critically examines the empirical research undertaken in these areas and evaluates its implications for contemporary society. It provides students with the opportunity to establish a committed mindfulness practice and deepen their understanding of Mindfulness Based Interventions.

€1,600