Safeguarding Adults at Risk of Abuse and Neglect - HEA1062

NFQ level: 9

ECTS: 10

Commencing: September 2026  (opening to application June 8th 2026)

Closing date: July 31st 2026

Cost: The fee for this module is €1,350. Applicants must have the support of their manager and obtain funding approval (if required) before applying for the module. The University does not refund application or registration fees for professional development courses; however, students can defer their registration to the next available sitting, except in the case of micro-credential courses, where there is no availability for a deferred entry.

Module aim

This module provides students with insights into the complexities of and approach to adult safeguarding. Students will be supported to apply knowledge to their experience and practice to support adults at risk as human rights bearers and promote prevention, protection and good governance, applying the principles of empowerment, accountability, partnership and person-centredness. Students will study adult safeguarding within a socioecological lens. This incorporates international and national advances in understanding the scope of adult safeguarding. The student will examine areas related to theories, legislation and policy, practice development, case management, human rights and intersectional collaborative approaches.

Who should apply?

The module is suitable for anyone who works with adults at risk. It is topic-focused rather than discipline-focused. Students must be working with adults at risk within a professional or voluntary capacity during the module. Students are advised to seek support from their manager/organisation to complete the programme.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this micro-credential, learners will be able to:

• Examine and understand the complexity of the theoretical and practice foundations of adult safeguarding and abuse types.
• Critically debate prevention and intervention in adult safeguarding through a joint learning and socio-ecological approach.
• Consider international advances in adult safeguarding and current practice, challenges and dilemmas in case management using key enquiries and case reviews.
• Review emerging Irish policy and proposed legislation related to adult safeguarding. 
• Critically navigate issues related to intersectionality, capacity, empowerment, and advocacy within a person-centred, trauma-informed approach.
• Critically explore human rights-based frameworks within adult safeguarding practice and how these support good practice.

Delivery

The module will be delivered part-time over twelve weeks from September 2026 in a blended learning format with scheduled contact hours (2 days in DCU and six x 2-hour Zoom classes). Please note 100% attendance is required on the contact days. If applicants cannot commit to all the face-to-face sessions, then please do not apply.  

Entry requirements

Applicants will typically hold a Level 8 Honours Degree (NFQ) with a H2.2 or equivalent. Students without a level 8 degree with relevant work/life experience may apply through Recognised Prior Learning: https://www.dcu.ie/recognition-prior-learning
All non-Irish qualifications are subject to review by the International Office. 
Please Note: Applicants may not apply to take more than 30 credits of micro-credentials.
 

How to apply

For information on how to apply for this micro-credential, please visit our Application Guide.

Click on this link to apply via the DCU Application Portal.

Further information about this module can be obtained from, Prof Amanda Phelan: amanda.phelan@dcu.ie, phone: 01-7008025