Program Overview

Program Overview

The Postgraduate Diploma in Further, Adult and Community Education is a professional qualification for teaching in the Further and Adult and Community Education Sector. This 18-month part-time program is designed for practicing teachers and those wishing to enter the sector, providing them with the knowledge, skills, and professional attitudes required to teach in a variety of settings.

Course Outline

The program is custom-built for teachers in the Further Education sector, enabling them to meet the needs of their students. It covers topics such as:

• Teaching in Further, Adult and Community Education
• Educational tools and strategies for adult learners
• Adaptation to the range of educational tools that best suit adult learners
• Professional qualification for teaching in the Further and Adult and Community Education Sector

Course Practicalities

• Duration: 18 months
• Teaching Mode: Part-Time
• Qualifications: PG Dip
• NFQ Level: Level 9
• Fees: Year 1 - 5,000 Euro, Year 2 - 2,500 Euro
• Closing Date: TBC
• Next Intake: 2026
• Venue: Blended learning a mix of whole class face-to-face and online teaching

Why Choose This Course

This program provides a professional qualification for teaching in the Further and Adult and Community Education Sector, in accordance with Section 38 of the Teaching Council Act, 2001, and Regulation Five of the Teaching Council (Registration) Regulations 2009. It is an opportunity to become fully engaged with an innovative professional educational community committed to the advancement of younger and older adults' continuous educational journey.

Requirements

• Applicants must have a Second-Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honors degree (NFQ, Level 8) in a subject area currently taught in Further and/or Adult Community Education in Ireland.
• No prior experience of teaching/tutoring is required.
• Candidates with a Level 7 NFQ which has a ECTS credit weighting of at least 180 credits degree and a minimum of three years senior professional experience in a related field may be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Fees and Costs

The total fee for this 18-month part-time program is 7,500 euros, broken down into:

• Year 1: 5,000 euros
• Year 2: 2,500 euros Funding to cover partial costs of fees is available from Leading Healthcare Providers Skillnet for educators working in the Healthcare Industry.

How to Apply

Applications will not be assessed until all supporting documentation has been fully received. Applicants need to be aware of the IT student checklist before applying, including:

• Access to a laptop or desktop computer running a modern supported operating system
• Reliable broadband connection with at least 2Mbps or more
• Office suite of software (Microsoft Office or equivalent) and a PDF reader

To apply, follow the steps:

1. Log into the Application Portal
2. Click "Apply Online"
3. Select "Start a new Adult & Continuing Education Application"
4. Upload required documents, including:

• Motivation Statement
• Birth Cert or Passport
• Passport Photograph
• Work experience confirmation and details
• Curriculum Vitae
• English Language Test Report (if applicable)
• Transcripts (if applicable)

50% of the tuition fees must be paid at the time of application for the application to be processed.