Education - Adult & Further Education

Key Features

The The Graduate Diploma in Adult and Further Education programme is designed to enable students to develop their professional values, knowledge and action in the following ways:



- Enable students, independently and with others, to critically engage with the theory and practice of adult/further education



- Develop students’ knowledge and skills in curriculum planning, teaching and assessment in accordance with given programme and learner needs



- Promote a capacity and a commitment among students to reflective practice, enquiry and research in their teaching taking account of the interdependence of student learning and teacher learning



- Empowers students to create and sustain learning relationships with learners, taking account of the diverse and holistic needs of the adult learner



- Foster a commitment to the values which underpin the professionalism in teaching, including professional care and service to others, responsiveness to change, commitment to their own development as lifelong and collegial learners



Schedule & Placement

The programme is available (1) on a full-time basis over two semesters or (2) part-time over three semesters and commences in September of each year. The programme is taught using a blend of learning situations (onsite, online and teaching placement). The online component comprises synchronous meetings of about 2 hours in duration during week evenings, allowing students time to conduct their placement during the day time. The rest of the online work will be asynchronous which may completed over a number of days. Students will also work together synchronously at other times. A small number of meetings onsite in the Limerick campus is also planned on Friday evening and/or Saturday. Students undertake their own independent study and preparation in addition to this class contact time. A variety of assessment modes are used including course work, presentations, a portfolio and an action research project.



In line with Teaching Council requirements, the programme comprises a 100-hour teaching component teaching QQI- accredited programmes or equivalent. The placement takes places over two practice modules AN 5781 and AN 5772, which aim to improve the quality of students’ teaching, and promote good practice and to affirm and acknowledge good practice where it occurs.



Applicants are expected to provide details of their intended placement at the time of application. This may involve onsite or online teaching or some combination of both in at least two settings. The placement also involves a 30-hour observation component which may be arranged at a later stage.

Programme Content

The programme begins on September of each year. Students may undertake the programme over two semesters (full-time) or over three (part-time). In the full-time option, students may structure their placement so that at least 30 hours are undertaken in each semester. In the part-time option, students may spread their placement over three semesters, in which case at least 30 hours should be undertaken in each of semesters 1 and 2/3.



Full-time option over two semesters (autumn and spring):



Semester 1 (Year 1)

AN5751: Reflective and Professional Practice

AN5761: Teaching and Curriculum Studies 1

AN5771: Learning and Technology

AN5781: Practicum 1



Semester 2 (Year 1)

AN5742: Psychology and Sociology of Adult Education

AN5752: Teaching and Curriculum Studies 2

AN5762: History and Philosophy of Adult Education

AN5772: Practicum 2



Part-time option over three semesters (autumn/spring/autumn):



Semester 1 (Year 1)

AN5751: Reflective and Professional Practice

AN5761: Teaching and Curriculum Studies 1

AN5771: Learning and Technology

AN5781: Practicum 1



Semester 2 (Year 1)

AN5742: Psychology and Sociology of Adult Education

AN5762: History and Philosophy of Adult Education

AN5772: May do some of Practicum 2



Semester 3 (Year 2)

AN5752: Teaching and Curriculum Studies 2

AN5772: Practicum 2

Applicants will normally have a primary degree or equivalent at Level 8 on the NFQ. A Level 7 qualification may also be acceptable together with recognition of prior learning (RPL).



They are required to show in their application and subsequently at interview stage how their prior knowledge and experience prepares them for teaching in Further Education.



In line with Teaching Council requirements, they need to have arranged a 100 hour placement, teaching QQI (or equivalent) accredited programmes in at least two settings. Note: There is a form in the 'How to Apply' section for this purpose to be submitted with the application.



English Language Requirements:

Go to https://www.mic.ul.ie/international/study-in-ireland/essential-information/english-language-requirements for further information.

Applications for the September 2025 intake are now open and will close on the 25th April 2025 at 5.00PM

A variety of assessment modes are utilised on the programme including course work, presentations, a portfolio and an action research project. The Graduate Diploma is taught using a blend of learning situations (onsite, online and teaching practice).

1 year full-time, 1.5 years part-time. Delivery Mode: Blended.

Career Opportunities

The Graduate Diploma in Adult and Further Education is intended for graduates planning to teach in the adult and further education (FE) sector and for teachers already working in this area who wish to further develop their professional practice. It is recognised by the Teaching Council as a professional teaching qualification for the Further Education sector. This programme is also suitable for individuals interested in pursuing a career in adult education, lifelong learning, or community work.



This programme offers a progression option to a Master’s degree in Year 2, subject to certain achievement criteria.