Postgraduate Certificate in Blockchain for Leaders

• Each module is fully online and runs for 1 semester (13 weeks)
• Live online lectures will be scheduled for one evening a week (for a 2 hour period)
• There will also be a separate 1 hour asynchronous session each week

Each module is taught over one semester and delivered completely online through both synchronous and asynchronous directed activities using state-of-the-art technologies and teaching techniques to support the virtual classroom. Asynchronous directed activities consist of short videos, recommended reading and tutorial exercises. Students are expected to engage with this content each week before their live class to build an understanding and to prompt questions.

Modules are delivered by Dr Trevor Clohessy. Dr Clohessy is a highly accomplished academic, with extensive experience in teaching, research, and professional service in blockchain. He holds a Ph.D. in Digital Transformation from the University of Galway, as well as an M.A. in Teaching and Learning and a Higher Education Diploma in Lego Serious Play from INHRFACE in Denmark. He is also an excellent communicator, demonstrated through the publication of blockchain research articles in top-tier journals, presentations at international conferences, and invited guest speaking sessions. Dr Clohessy’s teaching experience in blockchain is extensive, having taught at Atlantic Technological University Galway, Charted Accountants Ireland, City Colleges Dublin, Blockdaemon and the University of Galway. He is skilled in developing new undergraduate and postgraduate programs, designing course materials, and delivering engaging lectures. In addition to his teaching and research work, Dr Clohessy has held numerous knowledge exchange and advisory positions. He is the Chair of the Blockchain Ireland Education, Skills, and Innovation Working Group and a Scientific Committee Member of the British Blockchain Association. He founded the Blockchain Expert Insights Podcast and the Novoverse Undergraduate Research Journal.

Applicants who do not meet our funding criteria may in some cases be able to apply privately/directly to the college and pay the full fee of €1,200 per module if there are available places. Contact us for more information.

Academic Eligibility

This postgraduate certificate is designed to provide in-depth knowledge and understanding of blockchain technology, with a focus on its applications in various industries. The course welcomes applicants with a minimum of an H2.2 level 8 honours degree in Engineering, Science, Business, Finance, Computing, Law or related discipline on the NFQ (National Framework of Qualifications)

For candidates who do not meet this minimum entry requirement, the college operates a Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) scheme whereby applicants may be considered based on relevant work or other experiences.

For applicants whose first language is not English, please note the English language entry requirements.

Fees

Full fee per module: €1,200
Skillnet grant per module: €240
Student fee per module: €960*
*Part-funded fees are only available to eligible applicants.

Click “Apply now” and attach your CV to be assessed for funding eligibility.

Alternatively, email info@ictskillnet.ie with the below information:

– Subject line “Postgraduate Certificate in Blockchain for Leaders”

– Current Employer

– Current Highest NFQ

– Attach your CV

Once approved for funding, applicants will be directed to ATU to complete an official college application, where academic eligibility will be assessed.

ATU is the final arbiter on who is accepted onto the course.

Module 1: Fundamentals of Blockchain Technology (10 ECTS Credits) 13 weeks, September 23.

Indicative Syllabus

1. An introduction to blockchain
2. Blockchain and decentralisation evolutionary factors
3. Smart contracts and blockchain protocols
4. Blockchain development platform strategies
5. Tokenisation, digital assets and non-fungible tokens
6. Blockchain legal and regulatory compliance
7. Fusing blockchain with other technologies
8. Exploring the future of blockchain

Module 2: Blockchain Digital Transformation (10 ECTS Credits) start date TBC

Indicative Syllabus

1. An introduction to the business model concept
2. Centralised versus decentralised business models
3. Digital transformation and blockchain digital disruption
4. Blockchain strategy and business model alignment
5. Blockchain supply chains and the Internet of Things
6. Blockchain as a service business models
7. Token economy business models
8. Blockchain professional services business models

Module 3: Blockchain for Decentralized Finance (10 ECTS Credits) start date TBC 

Indicative Syllabus

1. An introduction to decentralised finance
2. Traditional finance vs decentralised finance
3. Decentralised finance characteristics
4. Decentralised finance stack framework
5. Decentralised finance ecosystem
6. Liquidity, overcollateralisation and undercollateralisation
7. Decentralised finance risks and vulnerabilities
8. Decentralised finance regulatory and legal implications

The assessment modes used in this module include: assignments, contribution to collaborative forums, Moodle quizzes, group work, problem and scenario-based exercises, presentations, individual projects.

Assessments such as individual projects and small group assignments are used to assist with the development of communication, time management, leadership and conflict resolution skills.