Program Overview

Education Studies Postgraduate Diploma

The Postgraduate Diploma in Education Studies is a modular programme designed to support the continuing professional development of teachers and educators across all sectors of education. Students can tailor their programme by selecting from a wide range of modules, allowing them to align their studies with their professional specialisation, research interests, and personal goals.

Course Outline

• Duration: 1 to 4 years
• Teaching Mode: Part-Time, blended-learning format
• Qualifications: PG Dip
• NFQ Level: Level 9
• EU Fees: €1,500 per 15-credit module
• Closing Date: Open until all places have been filled or no later than 02 June 2026
• Start Date: 1 September 2026

Stackable Award Pathways and Progression

This programme is part of three stackable award pathways - Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, and Master of Education - enabling students to build their qualifications incrementally over time. Students may receive an academic award only once for a given set of credits. Credits used toward one award cannot be reused for another award.

Award Pathway Details

• Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Studies (PDES, 60 credits): Students may enter directly or progress from the Certificate stage. To achieve the award, students must complete four elective modules, including any credits earned at Certificate level.

Course Practicalities

• Delivery: Part-time, blended-learning format
• Duration: Flexible, typically completed over 1–4 years
• Location: Online and face-to-face sessions, delivered by the School of Education at University College Cork
• Start Date: September annually
• Class Schedule: Each 15-credit module is timetabled for two hours on one night per week

Why Choose This Course

• Flexibility: Study at your own pace and accumulate credits towards progressively higher awards
• Career Advancement: Ideal for educators, leaders, and education professionals seeking professional learning and academic qualifications
• Research-Led: Strong focus on applying research to professional contexts
• Stackable Awards: Exit or re-enter at various points – from Certificate to Diploma to MEd
• Tailored Learning: Wide choice of modules covering leadership, inclusion, curriculum, digital education, and more
• Accessible and Affordable: Blended delivery and modular design reduce financial and time barriers

Skills and Careers Information

The Postgraduate Diploma offers continuing professional development for educators at all levels, providing a broad knowledge of educational studies and an introduction to key research in this area. Graduates have gone on to various posts in the education sector, including school Principals, the inspectorate, college lectureships, research positions, and the professional development service for teachers.

Requirements

Applicants must have:

• A Second Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honours degree and a Professional Master of Education
• Or a Second Class Honours BEd degree
• Or a Second Class Honours Grade 1 BA (Hons) Degree in Early Years & Childhood Studies
• A minimum of one year's professional teaching experience, post completion of initial teacher education
• Certified equivalent experience (e.g., research in schools, voluntary work with schools, working with school teams)

Exemptions

In addition to the above entry requirements, applicants who have achieved at least a Second Class Honours in approved postgraduate certificates can apply for exemptions post-admission to reduce the number of credits required to achieve the award of Postgraduate Diploma.

Fees and Costs

• EU Fee: €1,500 per 15-credit module
• Payment: Fees for EU students are payable in two equal instalments

How to Apply

1. Check Dates: Opening and closing dates for the application process
2. Gather Documents: Scanned copies of supporting documents, including qualification documents and transcripts
3. Apply Online: Through the UCC online application portal, with a non-refundable €50 application fee

Additional Requirements

• Professional or Voluntary Positions: Details of relevant work experiences
• Motivation and Readiness: Description of motivation and readiness for the programme
• Selection: Based on teaching qualification, academic record, professional experience, and online additional/supplementary questions

Deferrals

Deferrals are not permitted on this programme.