Education - Further Education

Overview

The Higher Diploma in Further Education is a post-graduate programme for anyone working in, or seeking to work in, an environment where Further Education (FE) awards (QQI or equivalent) are offered. These include, but are not limited to, FE colleges, community education, Youthreach centres, charities and private providers.



This course is particularly suited to those already working with adult learning groups, particularly where this is in a setting that delivers QQI awards. If this is you, it may help to stabilise and advance your career prospects. It also allows you to take some space to reflect on your practice and the ideas that underpin it.



The course has professional accreditation from the Teaching Council (Further Education Initial Teacher Education - Route 3)

For more details on the course structure go to https://apps.maynoothuniversity.ie/courses/?TARGET=QS&MODE=VIEW&TARGET_SOURCE=QUALIFICATION&QUALIFICATION_CODE=HDADFE

Applicants must hold a minimum of a bachelor honours degree (NFQ Level 8) (or equivalent) with a minimum of second-class honours, grade 2 (2:2) or an ordinary degree in a bachelors (NFQ Level 7) with relevant experience or another professional qualification (equivalent to 180 credits at level 7) with a minimum of three years relevant experience in vocational or instructional settings.



Applicants who do not hold a primary degree will be will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and will be subject to successful progression through a recognition of prior learning process (RPL) Please click here for further information.



Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. Please be advised criteria may differ for EU and Non-EU applicants.

Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850

Closing Date : 30 April 2026

MHA90 1 year full-time

This course prepares students to work with adults in a variety of learning contexts across community and further education. Graduates of the programme have progressed to work in Colleges of Further Education, adult learning centres, YouthReach, community education, prison education, National Learning Network, private providers and education positions in NGOs etc.



This course has professional accreditation of Further Education Initial Teacher Education from the Teaching Council of Ireland. (https://www.teachingcouncil.ie/en/Registration/)