The IFPA and Dublin City University (DCU) have partnered to develop Ireland's first university programme on sexuality and sexual health education. Level 9 Graduate Certificate in Sexuality and Sexual Health Education was launched in June 2016 and commenced in September 2017.
The year-long programme is in response to the National Sexual Health Strategy 2015-2020, which recommends the development and provision of sexual health training for education and healthcare professionals. As a leading sexual health provider and expert, the IFPA formed a strategic partnership with DCU to develop and deliver the programme.
Read our joint press release from the launch below and detailed information on the programme here.
Queries on the programme can be sent to Programme Chair, Dr Mel Duffy, at mel.duffy@dcu.ie.
Read more about the IFPA's training programmes here.
Launch of First University Programme on Sexuality and Sexual Health Education
30th June 2016
The first Irish university programme on sexuality and sexual health education was launched today and will commence in September 2017 at Dublin City University (DCU). Level 9 Graduate Certificate in Sexuality and Sexual Health Education was devised in collaboration with DCU and the Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA).
The year-long programme is in response to the Health Service Executive’s National Sexual Health Strategy 2015-2020, which states: “High quality training for relevant professionals is a crucial element of promoting sexual health and well-being and reducing negative sexual health outcomes.” The Strategy recommends the development and provision of sexual health training to education and healthcare professionals.
Dublin City University and the IFPA, a leading sexual health provider and expert, have formed a strategic partnership to develop and deliver the programme.
DCU Programme Chair, Dr Mel Duffy, said: "The overall aim of this programme is to provide participants with the knowledge and skills to help people make informed decisions about their sexual health and relationships. The focus of the course is not only sexual health but also intimacy, relationships and wellbeing. The programme will provide participants with appropriate, evidence-based and up-to-date knowledge. It is our aim to develop competent sexuality and sexual health educators, who will enable those they work with to make healthy decisions.”
IFPA Training and Development Manager, Anita Ghafoor-Butt, said: “This programme is the first of its kind in Ireland and provides an integrated and best practice approach to sexual health within a quality assured framework at a third level institution. The IFPA has developed innovative sexual health training for over ten years and has been actively involved in the development of this programme. The IFPA will also facilitate delivery programme modules, in partnership with DCU, and will provide practical and evidence-based learning on sexual health and wellbeing.”
The programme content will focus on developing knowledge regarding the diversity of sexualities and culture, sexual health education and sexual health promotion, in addition to teaching and learning about sexual health.
The programme will be of significant interest to professionals in education, public health, service provision and NGO sectors.