Education Studies

Note: If you are interested in becoming a Post-Primary teacher, please see our Professional Master of Education . The programme outlined on this page is for qualified teachers.



The Postgraduate Certificate in Education Studies is a modular programme that can be completed through a flexible credit accumulation process over 1-2 years. It is 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.



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.



Important Note on Progression:

Students may receive an academic award only once for a given set of credits. Credits used toward one award (e.g. a Postgraduate Certificate) cannot be reused for another award (e.g. a Postgraduate Diploma or MEd). Therefore, students who wish to progress to a higher award must do so without formally accepting the award of their current programme of study. For example, students who intend to progress from the Certificate to the Diploma must not graduate with the Certificate award.



Students can choose either to:



Exit the programme with an award at a specific level (Certificate, Diploma, or MEd), or



Continue their studies and accumulate credits toward the next award level, provided they notify the programme team of their intention to progress before a specified deadline. This ensures that no formal award is conferred prematurely, which would prevent further progression using the same credits.



Award Pathway Details

Postgraduate Certificate in Educational Studies (PCES, 30 credits)

Students may enter the programme at this stage. To achieve the award, students must complete two elective modules (15 credits each).



The PCES/PDES/MEd programmes offer a broad range of taught modules that address key contemporary issues in education, including areas such as early childhood education, educational leadership, inclusion and special educational needs, modern foreign languages, curriculum and assessment, digital learning, and physical and health education. All modules are research-informed and assessed through practice-oriented project work, encouraging students to critically engage with contemporary educational research in relation to their own professional contexts. Students have the flexibility to design a personalised programme by selecting modules that reflect their professional specialisation, research focus, and personal interests. The selection of modules available varies from year to year, with offerings rotated on an annual basis. Areas of focus include:



Leadership in Education

Children’s Literature and Pedagogy

Wellbeing in Educational Contexts

Assessment and Learning

Second/Foreign Language Teaching

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Early Childhood Studies

Digital Learning and Educational Technology

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Mentoring and Professional Development

Additional Teaching Mode Information



The programme can be studied in a flexible timescale within 1-2 years.



(This is a part-time Modular Programme and is open to Irish/EU Students only).

Applicants must have one of the following:



A Second Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) and a Professional Master of Education (formerly the Postgraduate/Higher Diploma in Education)

or a Second Class Honours BEd degree (NFQ, Level 8)

or a Second Class Honours BSc (Education in Physical Sciences) (NFQ, Level 8)

or a Second Class Honours Grade 1 BA (Hons) Degree in Early Years & Childhood Studies (NFQ, Level 8)



Note: Under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) relevant professional teaching experience, equivalent to five full years (excluding initial teacher education), will be considered as an honours equivalent.



Furthermore, applicants must also possess:



A minimum of one year’s professional teaching experience, post completion of initial teacher education

or a certified equivalent (e.g. research in schools, voluntary work with schools, working with school teams). Must be certified by employer.



For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland

Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.



International/Non-EU Applicants

For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.



In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.

Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.



English Language Requirements

Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Visit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.

1 to 2 years, part-time.

Start Date 1 September 2026

Skills and Careers Information

Our Postgraduate Certificate programme offers continuing professional development for educators at all levels. A broad knowledge of educational studies and an introduction to key research in this area. Critical reflection on educational theory and classroom practice.



Graduates of our Master of Education have gone on to other posts in the education sector, e.g. school Principals, the inspectorate, college lectureships, research positions and the professional development service for teachers.