Foundation Programme in Education and Training

Program Overview

Foundation Programme in Education and Training

Course Details

• CAO Code:
• Course Type: Undergraduate
• NFQ Level:
• Delivery Modes: Full-Time
• Minimum Points: N/A
• Duration: 1 year
• Phone: +353 (0) 1
• Email:

Overview

For anyone interested in becoming a professional trainer or educator, this course opens up a whole world of opportunities. There is a strong demand for educators and trainers across Ireland, and you can use the skills and knowledge gained on the course in a range of settings - from individual communities, through to large organisations.

Training for Success
Explore all aspects of education and training, learn the key theories behind education, community development, instructional and training design and organisational learning; and master the skills to confidently deliver quality education and training across a range of environments.

During term time, learners will spend one day a week in DCU and four days in Whitehall College of Further Education. The DCU modules will be delivered at first year degree level and are part of the suite of modules offered on the BSc in Education and Training (DC235).

Why DCU

• Education at DCU ranks among the top 150 education courses globally
• DCU Institute of Education has the highest graduate employment rate in DCU
• Institute of Education has the highest Undergraduate student completion rate in DCU
• There are almost 4,000 students in DCU Institute of Education

Entry Requirements

• General Entry Requirements: All suitable applicants will be invited to interview and asked to submit a written assignment during the application process.
• Leaving Cert: This course is offered jointly by DCU and Whitehall College of Further Education. See whitehallcollege.com
• FET Level 5: No Entry Path
• Advanced Entry: No Entry Path
• International Applications: International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.

Course Structure

This one-year course offers modules at QQI NFQ 5, including two modules (at NFQ 8) that form part of the undergraduate degree in Education and Training. Students who successfully complete the programme will have the opportunity to progress to Year 1 of the full-time BSc in Education & Training in DCU. In addition students may be eligible to apply to other third level colleges through the Higher Education Links Scheme.

• Year 1:
  • Communications
  • Concepts in Education and Training
  • Interpersonal and Group Behaviour
  • Personal and Professional Development
  • Approaches to Early Childhood Education
  • Social Studies
  • Legal Practice and Procedures
  • Word Processing
  • Concepts and Contexts in Education and Training (DCU Component)
  • Social and Personal Development and Communication Skills (DCU Component)

Fees and Funding

• Fees: Click here for all DCU Fees Information

How To Apply

• Applicants presenting EU school leaving examinations (EU, EFTA & UK): Apply for this course directly through Whitehall College of Further Education. See
• Applicants presenting examinations from outside the EU: Candidates should apply directly through Whitehall College of Further Education. See whitehallcollege.com
• Mature Applicants: This course is offered jointly by DCU and Whitehall College of Further Education. See whitehallcollege.com
• Advanced Entry: Apply directly to Whitehall College on

Life On Campus

• Life on Campus: At DCU, our students can expect a unique campus experience. We are known for our excellent teaching and learning facilities, our active clubs and societies, and our great social and sporting facilities.
• DCU has three academic campuses; Glasnevin, St. Patrick’s and All Hallows (both in Drumcondra), all close to Dublin City centre.
• They can be reached by public transport, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann, with our Drumcondra campuses a ten minute walk from Drumcondra Train Station. Glasnevin is a 20 minute walk from St Patrick’s and All Hallows. They are also linked by Dublin Bus.
• Each campus has a library (O’Reilly, Cregan and Woodlock Hall), study spaces, restaurants, and on-campus residencies. There are sports facilities on Glasnevin and St. Patrick’s, and there is a dedicated sports campus, St Claire’s, located near Glasnevin on the Ballymun Road.

FAQs

• What courses are offered by the DCU Institute of Education?
• Is there Garda vetting for students who study DCU Institute of Education courses?
• What are the potential teaching pathways for primary, post-primary and further education and training offered by DCU?

Program Outline

Foundation Programme in Education and Training

Degree Overview:

It explores diverse aspects of education and training, covering areas like education theories, community engagement, instructional design, organizational learning, effective delivery, and communication skills. Successful completion opens doors to progress to the full-time BSc in Education and Training at DCU (Year 1) or other third-level institutions through the Higher Education Links Scheme.

Key Objectives:

• Develop an understanding of core educational theories and principles.
• Enhance skills in training program design and instructional delivery.
• Foster expertise in communication and interpersonal skills for effective teaching.
• Explore the role of education and training within diverse communities and organizations.
• Equip learners to progress towards professional educator or trainer qualifications.

Program Benefits:

• Collaborative delivery by DCU and Whitehall College of Further Education.
• Balance of theoretical knowledge and practical skill development.
• Pathway to further studies in education and training at DCU or other institutions.
• Opportunities to apply learnings in various settings across individual communities and large organizations.

Note:

For a more detailed program overview, please consult the "Program Overview & Key Objectives" and "Why DCU" sections on the DCU course webpage.

Outline:

Modules:

DCU Campus:

• Concepts and Contexts in Education and Training
• Social and Personal Development and Communication Skills

Whitehall College:

• Communications
• Concepts in Education and Training
• Interpersonal and Group Behaviour
• Personal and Professional Development
• Approaches to Early Childhood Education
• Social Studies
• Legal Practice and Procedures
• Word Processing

Delivery Mode:

• One day per week at DCU
• Four days per week at Whitehall College of Further Education

Schedule:

The program runs during the academic term. Please refer to the Whitehall College of Further Education website for specific scheduling details. For a complete course structure, including individual module descriptions, access the "Program Schedule" section on Whitehall College's website or the "Course Structure" section on the DCU course webpage.

Assessment:

These may include, but are not limited to:

• Individual assignments
• Group projects
• Presentations
• Practical demonstrations
• Portfolio development
• Written exams

Grading:

DCU uses a grading scale from A to E and QQI adheres to its National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) criteria.

Teaching:

This includes:

• Interactive lectures
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Practical workshops
• Field visits
• Project-based learning

Additional Features:

• Individualized feedback
• Supportive learning environment
• Access to DCU library resources
• Use of innovative technology
For more details on the teaching methods and faculty, please check the "Teaching and Learning" section on the DCU course webpage. ### Careers:

This program provides foundational skills and knowledge for a range of careers in education and training, including:

• Trainer
• Educator
• Community Development Officer
• Human Resources Specialist
• Adult Education Facilitator
• Further Education Lecturer
• Corporate Trainer
• Teaching Assistant
• Continuing Education Program Coordinator
• Curriculum Developer

Further study pathways: DCU BSc in Education & Training (NFQ 8), Higher Education Links Schemes to other institutions

For specific information on career prospects, refer to the "Career Opportunities" section on the DCU course webpage.

Other:

• Strong emphasis on developing critical reflection and problem-solving skills.
• Encourages active engagement with diverse educational practices and theories.
• Equips graduates to contribute effectively to the field of education and contribute to the wider community.