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PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE IN WHISTLEBLOWING LAW, PRACTICE & POLICY
- Qualification
- Professional Certificate In Whistleblowing Law, Practice & Policy
- CAO/MU Apply code
- MMC07,MMC11,MMC12
- Award Type and NFQ level
- POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE (9)
- Study Mode
- Part time
- Closing Date
- 31 August 2026
Overview
This course is designed to facilitate participants to consider current concepts, policy, legislation, and good practice relating to whistleblowing law and practice in Ireland. Participants will be introduced to the concept of whistleblowing and protected disclosures from both a legal and practical perspective. The course focuses on the key legislative provisions and case law of the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 and the recently adopted Protected Disclosures (Amendment) Act 2022. The course will provide participants with the practical tools to develop and implement best practice procedures for dealing with whistleblowing/protected disclosures in the workplace.
Note: this is a 10-credit, one-semester certificate and is not a qualifying law degree. On successful completion, you will receive credits as per the European Credit and Transfer System. These credits are recognised by Maynooth University as credits aligned to learning completed at postgraduate level.
Level: Aligned to NFQ Level 9
ECTS: 10
Course structure
Duration: 1 semester
This is an 8-week, part-time course, delivered primarily online with 2 sessions taking place on campus. The next intake will run from 30 September to 25 November 2026 (8 weeks excluding reading week).
The first and last days are delivered on campus and the other days are online.
Course Duration: 1 semester
Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually.
Important: The information on this page is for prospective students, MU current students and staff should use Programme Directory.
Careers
The Professional Certificate in Whistleblowing Law, Practice and Policy provides an excellent enhancement to existing and new careers in both public and private sectors. The knowledge and skills acquired will assist workers tasked with dealing with protected disclosures, as well as barristers, solicitors, and trade union officials who advise and represent whistleblowers.
Entry Requirements
Applications for admission to the Programme are invited from practising barristers or solicitors, graduates holding an approved university law degree or law-based inter disciplinary university degree or equivalent.
Applications will also be considered from the holders of academic and/or professional qualifications and/or proof of such experience as satisfy the School of Law and Criminology that they are able to participate fully in the course.
Applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent honours degree).
For those who wish to apply but do not hold an NFQ Level 8 or equivalent, but may have relevant professional experience, an application can be made under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). RPL applications are also submitted via MU Apply.
To ensure all students can thrive academically, Maynooth University requires all applicants whose first language is not English to demonstrate their proficiency in English. The English Language certificate must have been issued within 2 years of the expected start date of their chosen Maynooth programme. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.
Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850.
How to apply
Applications must be made via the MU Apply portal. Please click here to start your application.
When making your application, please ensure you upload the below documentation to your application prior to submission to avoid delays in application assessment:
- Full academic transcripts for all semesters / years completed to date
- Graduation Certificate if you have graduated / conferred - A copy of your passport
- A personal statement (minimum 500 words on why you would like to study your chosen programme)
- A written academic reference (except current Maynooth University students)
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.