BioPharmaChem Skillnet

Certificate in CPD: Neurodiversity in the Workplace

Programme Overview:

Certificate in CPD: Neurodiversity in the Workplace is developed in collaboration with Adult Continuing Education (ACE) at University College Cork (UCC), this programme is the first university-accredited course of its kind globally. It aims to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion within the BioPharmaChem sector by educating leaders, managers, and teams on the concept and importance of neurodiversity.  This course addresses the social construction of neurodiversity, evaluates different neurodivergent conditions, and debates perspectives on inclusion, equipping employers with the knowledge to create an inclusive culture conducive to neurodivergent employees. 

NFQ Level

Level 8

Start Date

02/09/2026

Duration

12 weeks

Price

Actual Price: €1250
Subsidised Price: €875

Teaching Mode

Part-Time, Online
Recordings of the Classes available 

Timings

1 Evening/Week,
2 online full-day workshops

INTRODUCTION TO NEURODIVERSITY IN THE WORKPLACE

Module Overview:

The module will examine the concept of Neurodiversity, its history and its main theorists. This examination will include identifying and
critically evaluating the different neurotypes/conditions that are considered neurodivergent. Students will also explore and analyse
how the social construction of Neurodiversity impacts the workplace and examines the main debates in the industry on inclusion and
the representation of neurodiversity.

  • Module Learning Outcomes:
    On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
    1 Explore and explain Neurodiversity as a socially constructive perspective.
    2 Identify and critically evaluate the different conditions of Neurodiversity.
    3 Debate perspectives of Inclusion.
    4 Analyse the role of employers/industry in creating a culture that is conducive to neurodivergent employees.

NEURODIVERSITY – POLICY AND PRACTICE IN THE WORKPLACE

Module Overview: This module will examine and critically analyse the legal obligations and the practicalities that govern best practices for companies
in the area of neurodivergence in the workplace. The students will also debate and explore the role of state bodies concerning policy
and practice while considering what constitutes reasonable adjustments and accommodations in the recruitment, integration and
retention of Neurodivergent trainees and employees.

  • Module Learning Outcomes:
    On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
    1 Demonstrate knowledge of the relevant legislation and policy pertinent to Neurodiversity.
    2 Critically evaluate current best practices and guidelines regarding Neurodiversity (employment, discrimination etc.).
    3 Debate the role of state bodies in relation to policy and practice.
    4 Outline practical and reasonable adjustments aimed at recruitment, support and integration of trainees/employees who are neurodivergent.
    5 Develop written and presentation skills commensurate with a level 8 qualification.

Requirements
Candidates should be at least 21 years of age by 1 January of the year of application and must:

  • Be working in the industry for ideally at least two years;
  • Hold a QQI level 7 or equivalent qualification.
  • Recognition of Prior Learning
  • Applicants who do not meet the above criteria will be considered for entry based on an interview and successfully demonstrating that they hold an equivalent. See more information here
Eligibility Criteria for booking this Course at a Subsidised rate through Skillnet Funding:
  • Skillnet Funding can only be applied where the employer pays the course fees on behalf of the student. 
  • Self-employed applicants can avail of the subsidy.
  • BioPharmaChem Skillnet will issue the invoice directly to you or your organisation. 
  • Public-sector and companies outside of the Republic of Ireland are not eligible for the Skillnet Subsidy. 
  • Not Eligible candidates can still apply directly to UCC here

What our Alumni Say

Brian Irwin,
Training Coordinator,
Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson

Orla Kennedy

SK Biotech

The 12-week Neurodiversity in the Workplace course was invaluable in enhancing my role as an HR Business Partner. It provided practical strategies to support neurodivergent Colleagues and integrate neuroinclusive principles into our Inclusion & Belonging roadmap. The interactive sessions deepened my understanding of workplace accommodations, recruitment best practices, and inclusive leadership training. This course has strengthened my ability to drive meaningful change and create a more inclusive workplace where all employees thrive. I highly recommend it to HR professionals our Senior Leaders committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Linda Mulholland

APC

Challenging but rewarding. The first module on the intro to Neurodiversity. I learned a lot about the needs of different neurodiversities while also challenging any unconscious biases I had.  I have taken elements of what I have learned and I am applying them in real time in my organisation.

Carmel Somers

CSCL

A great programme to get a much needed awareness of neurodiversity, the real value neurodiverse individuals bring to an organisation and the accommodations to help integrate neurodiverse employees into the workforce.

Nuala Heavin

Crestfield Physiotherapy Clinic

Excellent teaching and group interactions . I found interacting with other adult students and learning by discussion most valuable. Personally, I have gained much knowledge on the area of neurodiversity and hope to use it in my work.

Fiona Geraghty

Fiona Geraghty Coaching

This course was so informative, from information regarding neurodivergent conditions to best practices in the workplace and current legislation. I totally recommend it

Course Alumni

Industry Professional

Very interactive course with great discussions from a variety of people and their lived experiences with neurodivergence and/or people’s journey in understanding. The practise and policies section of the course was particularly good to get the facts and legislation references needed to drive change and improvements needed in the world of Neuro Inclusion in my workplace.

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