Flexible
Online/Asynchronous
Hair Follicle Anatomy and Physiology Micro-credential
Overview
| Subject Area | Skin and Hair Follicle Science |
| Credits | 2.5 |
| NFQ | 9 |
| EFQ | 7 |
| Start Date | January 2026 |
| Duration | 7 weeks |
| Mode of Delivery | Online |
| Lead Academic | (opens in a new window)Dr. Desmond J Tobin Full Professor of Dermatological Science |
| Fee | €485 |
| Application Deadline | January 2026 |
Historically hair has always been an important part of our individualism, which today is reflected by a large hair care industry that can be easily observed in any cosmetic aisle, or by the presence of high-end beauty companies focused on hair health. There are so many factors which determine the health of our hair, and many diseases which progress with damaged hair or losing hair. Enhancing our understanding of the hair follicle can contribute to the clinic, research, and future innovation in industry. This micro-credential will introduce you to advanced hair anatomy and physiology.
Key Features
This flexible micro-credential is designed for anyone who has graduated from a biological, biomedical, life-science, or clinical (e.g., doctors or nurses) backgrounds. Professionals with those educational background that are working in pharmaceuticals or personal care, or academics in research environments are also more than welcome to apply.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this micro-credential, you will be able to:
- Identify key structures of hair follicle anatomy.
- Describe the role of hair follicle stem cells in the context of hair loss and renewal.
- Recognize the role immune system in protecting the hair follicle.
- Explain the beneficial role of the hair follicle microbiome in hair care.
- Examine differences in hair follicle pigmentation.
- The Human Scalp, Hair Follicle and Hair Fibre.
- Hair Follicle Stem Cells.
- Hair Follicle Immune System.
- Hair Follicle Microbiome.
- Hair Follicle Pigmentation.
This micro-credential has been developed by experts in the field of hair follicle physiology at the Charles Institute of Dermatology with up-to-date information in a fast-moving field. The graduates of this course will hold a micro-credential, demonstrating a postgraduate aptitude for Hair Follicle Anatomy and Physiology which may benefit their career progression. The increased understanding gained from this course may also contribute to improved performance or new innovations in your line of work.
This micro-credential is designed to be completed independently, in your own time. We hope this mode of learning can empower potential students who may be working already in industry or working in part-time jobs with moving hours to be able to fit this course into their schedule. The course is made up of a series of interactive online lectures, which are complemented by online resources such as papers, videos and transcripts of the lessons.
This course is 2.5 ECTS and takes approx. 6 weeks to complete the lectures followed by an examination at a set date.
This course is open to graduates with a BSc Honours degree (Level 8) in a Biology or Biomedical sciences subject.
Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proof of English proficiency as per UCD's minimum English language requirements.
- 20 Question MCQ exam of 45 minutes in length.
- Feedback individually to students, post-assessment.
A related micro-credential that might be of interest to you is
Skin Anatomy and Physiology.
We are pleased to offer UCD graduates a 20% discount on tuition fees for the Hair Follicle Anatomy and Physiology micro-credential. To avail of this discount you must use your UCD login details when submitting an online micro-credential application so that we can verify your UCD student details. If you cannot remember your UCD login details please contact the UCD Student Desk for assistance.
On successful completion of this micro-credential, you will receive credits as per the European Credit and Transfer System. These credits are recognised by the awarding institution as credits aligned to learning completed at postgraduate level.
If you have any questions about this micro-credential, or would like to speak to a UCD staff member, please contact (opens in a new window)microcredentials@ucd.ie.