Certificate in
Therapeutic Use of Play and Expressive Arts in Education
Unlock new ways to connect with children — beyond words.
Discover practical, creative approaches to support communication, wellbeing and inclusion in education.
Designed for educators and professionals working with children and adolescents, this fully online micro-credential explores how play, creativity and expressive arts can support meaningful engagement and emotional connection in educational settings.
12 weeks
100% online
ECTS: 10 credits
QQI: Level 9
Request information about this programme:
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NEXT START DATE:
16 NOVEMBER
CLOSING: 28 OCTOBER
Duration: 12 weeks
ECTS: 10 credits
Accreditation: QQI Level 9
(QQI pending validation)
Why Study the Certificate in Therapeutic Use of Play and Expressive Arts in Education?
In today’s educational landscape, supporting children and young people requires more than traditional communication approaches. The Certificate in Therapeutic Use of Play and Expressive Arts in Education equips educators and allied professionals with creative, evidence-informed strategies to support wellbeing, engagement and emotional development within educational settings.
Designed for Educators & Allied Professionals
This programme is created for teachers, special needs assistants (SNAs), youth workers, early childhood practitioners and professionals supporting children and adolescents.
Flexible, Fully Online Learning
Study through a blend of synchronous webinars, guided activities and on-demand resources designed for working professionals.
Evidence-Informed Practice
Explore the therapeutic use of play, creativity and expressive arts grounded in developmental theory and contemporary research.
Practical & Reflective Learning
Apply creative approaches within professional settings through experiential exercises, case study work and reflective practice.
Support Wellbeing & Inclusion
Develop strategies that support communication, engagement, emotional wellbeing and inclusive educational practice.
Dr Melanie Ní Dhuinn
Dean of Education
‘This programme empowers professionals to support children and young people through creative, reflective and evidence-informed practice.’
What Will You Learn?
What Is a Micro-Credential?
A micro-credential is a short, accredited qualification designed to help professionals upskill or specialise in a focused area of practice without committing to a full degree programme. Micro-credentials are flexible, career-focused learning opportunities that recognise achievement in a clearly defined set of skills and knowledge.
The Certificate in Therapeutic Use of Play and Expressive Arts in Education is a Level 9 micro-credential worth 10 ECTS credits on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). It has been designed specifically for busy professionals who want to deepen their expertise in a practical and manageable way while continuing to work.
Why Choose a Micro-Credential?
Micro-credentials offer a flexible and accessible way to gain specialist knowledge and recognised qualifications without committing to a full degree programme. They are designed to meet the evolving needs of professionals who want focused, practical learning that can be applied immediately in the workplace.
This micro-credential has been specifically developed for busy professionals seeking postgraduate-level study in a manageable format while continuing to work.
Benefits of a micro-credential include:
- Flexible online learning that fits around professional and personal commitments
- Focused, industry-relevant content designed to address current educational and wellbeing needs
- The opportunity to obtain an accredited Level 9 qualification with recognised academic value
- Opportunities to upskill or reskill in a specialist area
- Practical learning that can be applied directly in professional settings
- Smaller, manageable learning segments that support continuous professional development (CPD)
- Potential progression opportunities through ECTS credits and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Micro-credentials also support lifelong learning by allowing professionals to build expertise progressively over time through accredited, stackable qualifications.
Understanding ECTS Credits
European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) credits are internationally recognised credits used across higher education in Ireland and Europe. They reflect the amount of learning completed and can support future academic progression.
This programme provides 10 ECTS credits, which may contribute towards future study opportunities (subject to RPL and institutional entry requirements).
Stackable Professional Learning
Micro-credentials allow learners to build qualifications progressively over time. Rather than committing immediately to a longer programme, learners can complete shorter accredited courses that support CPD and lifelong learning.
Expert-Led, Practical Learning
At Hibernia College, micro-credentials are developed and delivered by experienced academic and professional experts. Learning is delivered in focused, manageable segments through an engaging online format that combines theory, reflection and practical application.
Learners benefit from:
- Interactive online learning
- Expert faculty support
- Professionally relevant content
- Practical strategies that can be applied immediately in educational settings
- A flexible study experience designed for working professionals
Three certificates. One flexible pathway.
Start with one certificate now and progress to two further 10 ECT credits certificates launching Spring 2027.
Start with one certificate now and progress to two
further 10 ECTS credits certificates launching Spring 2027.
Expert-led learning
Flexible study
Advance your impact
NOW ENROLLING
Therapeutic Use of Play and Expressive Arts in Education
10 ECTS credits
Trauma-Informed Therapy for Children and Adolescents in Education
Launching Spring 2027
10 ECTS credits
Building Resilience and Promoting Human Flourishing in Children and Adolescents
Launching Spring 2027
10 ECTS credits
Certificate in the Therapeutic
Use of Play and Expressive Arts in Education
- Alumni Discount: €895.50
- QQI Fee: €50
Tuition Fee
€995
Entry Requirements
Applicants should have a Pass award in an undergraduate honours bachelor’s degree (NFQ Level 8),
or equivalent, in a cognate discipline, including but not limited to:
- Initial teacher education
- Social care
- Early childhood education
- Guidance counselling/coaching
- Mental health or paediatric nursing
There are no specific mathematical requirements.
Supporting Documents
During the admissions process, applicants will need to submit:
- Evidence of their previous awards/degrees
- A personal statement detailing their suitability for the micro-credential and their prior
experience of online or blended learning
These will be reviewed and assessed before an application outcome is issued to applicants.
Applicants whose first language/primary mode of expression is not English will need to produce
evidence of English competence. The required proficiency level is B2 or higher in the Common
European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Technical Requirements
Applicants will need:
- Access to their own laptop with a minimum specification of:
– RAM: Minimum 8 GB (Windows or Mac) (recommended: 8 GB)
– Storage: Minimum 7,200 RPM SATA with 20 GB of available space (recommended: SSD
with 40 GB of available space)
– Processor: Minimum Intel Core i3 (2.5 GHz) (recommended: Intel Core i5) - Access to a stable internet connection with a minimum speed of 12–15 Mbps
(recommended: 25 Mbps)
Recognition of Prior Learning
Hibernia College’s policy and procedure for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) are described in the Recognition of Prior Learning Policy and Recognition of Prior Learning Procedure. All claims for formal recognition of knowledge or experience that have been gained from work, life or previous study will be assessed on a case-by-case basis using QQI’s generic awards standards and the relevant learning outcomes.
