Overview
Course outline
Entry
Career path
How to apply

Course Overview

Across industries, organisations are adopting digital systems, automation, data-driven tools and AI-enabled solutions to improve performance, support decision-making and respond more effectively to change.

This programme helps learners understand these developments and how they can be applied in a practical business and operational context.

The programme explores key themes including digitalisation, AI in practice, data use, process improvement, innovation and organisational change.

Learners will gain insight into how digital and AI tools can be used to enhance efficiency, improve communication, support analysis and contribute to better ways of working.

ACCREDITATION: QQI Level 8 Certificate in Digitalisation and AI (Subject to validation)

FUNDING: This course is funded by the Micro-credential Learner Fee Subsidy 2026 programme and fees are subsidised at 80% for all eligible learner categories.

DURATION AND HOURS: This part-time programme runs over 3 months (1 semester). Lectures are delivered online 2 evenings per week. Also 1 -2 Saturdays per month (blend of online & in class).

WHO IS THE PROGRAMME FOR:

The programme is intended to support both upskilling and reskilling opportunities for: 

Learners in manufacturing operational roles seeking to formalise AI and digitalisation competencies
Professionals in technical, engineering, or process science roles involved in digitisation projects
Jobseekers reskilling to enter the growing AI and digitalisation space within manufacturing.

Entry requires a minimum NFQ Level 7 in a cognate discipline – computing and digital technologies, engineering and automation, or applied process sciences – with Recognition of Prior Learning pathways available.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

This programme is designed for learners who want to understand how digitalisation and AI can be applied to improve work, processes and decision-making in modern organisations. It is suitable for those working in business, operations, administration, quality, customer service, project support, technology or related roles.

It is also relevant for professionals who want to build confidence in using digital and AI-enabled tools, support innovation and change, and develop skills that are increasingly important across a wide range of sectors.

On successful completion, learners will have the knowledge and practical understanding to contribute to digital and AI-enabled improvement initiatives within their organisation. They may use the programme to strengthen their current role, support progression into positions linked to digital change, process improvement, data use or technology-enabled operations, or prepare for further study.

MODULES:

Advanced Manufacturing for Process Digitalisation 5 ECTS
Quality Assurance and Validation 10 ECTS
AI Driven Process Automation 5 ECTS

OBJECTIVES:

The objectives of the programme are to:

Critically evaluate the strategic role of digitalisation, artificial intelligence and advanced automation within contemporary manufacturing and process industry environments.
Analyse complex manufacturing and operational challenges through the application of digitally enabled, data-driven and systems-based approaches to process optimisation.
Critically assess advanced manufacturing technologies, industrial automation systems and AI-driven solutions within regulated and high-compliance industrial settings.
Evaluate the principles, methodologies and regulatory requirements underpinning quality assurance, validation and compliance in modern manufacturing environments.
Examine the integration and interoperability of digital technologies, industrial data systems and intelligent automation architectures across manufacturing operations.
Critically evaluate the ethical, organisational, sustainability and human-centred implications associated with Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0 transformation initiatives.
Apply advanced analytical, technical and problem-solving skills to the design, evaluation and implementation of digital and automated manufacturing solutions.
Integrate specialised knowledge and technical competence to support innovation, operational excellence and continuous improvement within digitally transformed manufacturing industries.
Integrate regulatory, technical and operational considerations to support informed decision-making within digitally enabled and highly regulated manufacturing environments.

Entry Requirements

The following roles would be suitable for a graduate of this programme:

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Digital Operations Coordinator
AI Enablement Associate
Process Improvement Coordinator
Business Systems Coordinator
Data & Insights Associate
Digital Transformation Coordinator
Automation Associate
Innovation Associate
Digital Project Coordinator
Digital Operations Associate

The programme also provides a foundation for progression to further education in areas such as digital transformation, business improvement, AI applications, operations, data analytics or related disciplines. It supports ongoing professional development in organisations seeking digitally capable and future-focused staff.

PROGRESSION

Graduates will also be able to continue seamlessly to the following programmes:

Certificate in Digital Business excellence (20 ECTS),
Certificate in Sustainability Practices for Digital Transformation (20 ECTS)
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Process Digitalisation (60 ECTS).

Apply Now

Our admissions team are on hand to assist you with your application and answer any questions you may have on the course.

Students who wish to apply to this course should follow the following application process.

Step 1: Enquire through the form at the top right of this page

Step 2: A member of our team will be in contact through phone or email

Step 3: If you are deemed to be eligible for the course, you will be sent an application form by email. You MUST fill in this application form and attach all necessary *documents (CV, ID, Transcripts, etc.)

Step 4: On submission of the completed application form and all documentation, your application will be sent to the associated department for final approval. You will receive an e-mail confirming your place on the programme. (Note: This process can take up to one week particularly during busy admission periods.)

*We accept scanned documents in a pdf format. Pictures of documents are not accepted.

**For those who are applying for Springboard funding, you will be directed to fill out an additional application form on the Springboard website, this is to confirm your eligibility to receive funding

Please note at any time if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us by email on admissions@innopharmalabs.com or call us (01) 485 334