Specialist Diploma - Six Sigma (Postgraduate)
(On-line / Distance Learning)
Course Overview
The diploma will provide education and practical application to a Black Belt level in Six Sigma. The course will enable participating companies gain competitive advantage through the application of Six Sigma principles to drive improvement with measurable results. A company-based project will form a key element of the programme, ensuring the integration of the various concepts in the participants’ workplace. This project will need to result in significant cost savings for the organisation.
This programme forms part of the MSc in Strategic Quality Management Lean Sigma Systems. Those who have completed this programme may continue on to the MSc.
Duration
This programme takes 10 months and is run over two semesters, each 15 weeks, with 10 weeks project write up upon completion of the taught element.
For Whom
Those who have responsibility for quality or continuous improvement within their organisation including managers, engineers, supervisors and technicians. The programme is suited to a variety of industry sectors both in manufacturing and services, including the public sector.
Entry Requirements
Relevant primary degree/recognised professional qualification and 1-3 years relevant industrial experience
Or
Portfolio of evidence of prior qualifications in quality management together with the application of learning or competence (e.g green/black belt project reports, reflective papers or journals). Two references from appropriate signatories in the candidate’s organisation will be accepted as evidence. Candidates may be required to attend an interview prior to enrolling on the programme.
Programme Structure:
The programme comprises four taught modules and a company based project.
- Quality Science I
- Problem Solving Tools & Techniques
- Quality Science II
- Quality Science III/Advanced Statistics
Brief descriptions of these modules are available here
In Company Project
Programme completion requires a substantial industry based project, reported in the form of management report. The expectation that the project would realise savings of at least €30,000 for the participant organisation. The project will require the application of the concepts covered in the course. The output of the project should involve a significant benefit to the company. The Student, Supervisor and Company will agree the success metric for the project as part of the topic selection process.
Examples of success metrics could include:
- the improvement of a specified performance indicator by an agreed amount.
- the quantifiable addition of value to process or service which was the focus of the project.
- a cost saving of the order of €30,000 which must be verified by the company, or in the case of a Small to Medium Enterprises, (SMEs, <250 employees), project savings must amount to 0.1% of annual turnover.
An example could be a kanban system that could result in cost savings through inventory reduction to the value of €50,000, or an increase in machine efficiency by 5%, or a reduction process cycle time by 10%.
Delivery
Delivery is a hybrid of traditional distance education and online learning together with a number of on-campus tutorials (approx. 3 Saturdays per semester). In addition, there are online discussions moderated by a subject matter expert on elements of each module to reinforce the learning and maximise the benefit of the programme for participants.
Programme Fees
Fees for the programme are €4,950 and include all course materials, text books and exams.
Application
Course commences in January and September. Applications open from May and November. Details and online application form are available on the website www.ul.ie/ulearning.
Information
Eithne Connolly at ulearning@ul.ie or 061-213360
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