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Boost your career fast: UL’s short courses are up to 80% funded

Looking to upskill, pivot careers, or earn a promotion? UL’s flexible micro-credentials are up to 80% funded, but only until October 2025

Helen Brown, head of business development in Graduate Professional Studies at University of Limerick with colleagues. Photograph: Brian Arthur
Helen Brown, head of business development in Graduate Professional Studies at University of Limerick with colleagues. Photograph: Brian Arthur
Tue May 20 2025 - 05:00

In every industry, the pace of change is accelerating driven by digitalisation, AI, and sustainability. To stay ahead, you need to continuously adapt and grow. That’s where micro-credentials come in: short, focused courses designed to help you learn new skills quickly and apply them immediately.

UL has been at the forefront of this movement, working with industry leaders as part of the national MicroCreds project, led by the Irish Universities Association. The result? A suite of micro-credential courses that are relevant, flexible, and practical.

Thanks to the Human Capital Initiative, the Irish Government now provides funding of 50 per cent to 80 per cent for eligible learners. This means you can take a high-quality university course in an affordable way. Many courses are delivered online, so you can fit learning into your schedule, no matter how busy life gets.

“Micro-credentials are a game changer, they’re an excellent tool for getting back into learning and building skills that matter,” says Helen Brown, head of business development at UL Graduate & Professional Studies.

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Each micro-credential earns academic credit, which means your effort can go further. You can build towards Professional Diplomas or flexible Master’s degrees over time. For example, a micro-credential in digitalisation might be your first step towards a full postgraduate professional diploma in Digitalisation of Business Process, all at your own pace.

Aurna O’Grady-Corcoran, a consultant in data and digital operations at Northern Trust, shares her experience: “I was hesitant to take on a course while working full-time, but the flexibility made it possible. One assignment I worked on during the micro-credential was a digitalisation roadmap and it became a useful presentation I used to our senior leaders. The course gave me a clear picture of where I want to go in my career.”

Aurna O’Grady-Corcoran, a consultant in data and digital operations at Northern Trust. Photograph: Brian Arthur
Aurna O’Grady-Corcoran, a consultant in data and digital operations at Northern Trust. Photograph: Brian Arthur

UL’s micro-credentials are developed and delivered in close collaboration with industry. That means you learn from experts who apply these skills every day. Bill Hennessy, IT director at Johnson & Johnson, teaches on UL’s Digitalisation of Process course and brings real-world challenges into the classroom: “It’s not just about learning new technologies, it’s about understanding how to apply them. That’s what makes these courses valuable for learners in any sector.”

Whether you’re returning to education, advancing your qualifications, or looking to stand out in your field, micro-credentials offer a practical and respected pathway. UL’s flexible approach supports working professionals, career changers, and lifelong learners alike.

Bill Hennessy, IT director at Johnson & Johnson. Photograph: Brian Arthur
Bill Hennessy, IT director at Johnson & Johnson. Photograph: Brian Arthur

“UL is committed to creating agile learning pathways,” says Michael Hennessey, UL’s professional education manager. “Employees and employers choose the method that suits their needs and UL ensures it meets the highest academic and industry standards.”

With Government funding of up to 80 per cent available until October 2025, there’s never been a better time to upskill. Many micro-credentials can be completed in just six to 12 weeks.

Explore more than 100 subsidised courses and start building your future at ul.ie