Intermediary Studies - Professional Diploma

Do you want to support vulnerable people in navigating the Irish justice system? 

UL’s Professional Diploma in Intermediary Studies is an innovative one-year, part-time, postgraduate programme designed to qualify you for inclusion on the Register of Court Intermediaries. Developed in collaboration with the Department of Justice, it equips you with the skills to facilitate communication for vulnerable witnesses and defendants in legal proceedings. 

You will benefit from a blended learning experience with online teaching and in-person practical training. Using real-world case studies and interactive learning, you will develop essential skills in courtroom communication, professional ethics, and intermediary interventions.  

The programme is ideal for CORU-registered health and social care professionals who want to expand their expertise and contribute to improving access to justice. It has a practical skills-based component which ensures those who qualify have the competencies to provide intermediary interventions as part of all aspects of the legal process as provided for under Irish law. On successful completion, you will be eligible for inclusion on the official panel of Registered Intermediaries, allowing you to work within the Irish courts system. 

This programme will earn 30 ECTS credits towards a Flexible Masters Pathway, allowing students to combine Postgraduate awards to achieve a Master's over time. 

During this programme, you will

• Learn from experts in law, health, and social care, with a curriculum developed in collaboration with the Department of Justice.
• Build expertise in courtroom communication, professional ethics, and intermediary interventions, ensuring you are fully prepared for practice in legal settings. 
• Gain hands-on experience through practical training in UL’s state-of-the-art clinical facilities, using real-world case scenarios.
• Develop the skills to help deliver the UN Sustainability Development Goal 16; ‘equal access to justice for all.’  
• On successful completion of this programme, graduates will be eligible for inclusion on the Register of Court Intermediaries. Courts use this register to select individuals to serve within the Irish justice system.