Educational Practice in Teaching for Further Education

This course is specially designed and developed to meet the needs of learning professionals in the further education sector. In particular, the course addresses the needs of those educators requiring Teaching Council of Ireland accreditation for working in further education contexts. The Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Practice in Teaching for Further Education is an intensive evening programme with a requirement for extensive daytime placement practice, designed to provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and competencies to enhance your teaching in further education institutions. This course is focused on the development of your knowledge, skills and competence in educational theory, as well as your ability to apply this theory to pedagogic design and professional development. This course is delivered in the evenings to accommodate students’ placement work.



The course focuses on developing self-awareness as well as the competence to facilitate the development of individuals in a range of further education contexts by, for example, the application of new technologies to instruction, the use of strategies to support learning, and the creation of valuable and effective assessments.



The course will use a variety of participative teaching approaches. You will be encouraged to enquire, question and critique modern conceptions of how we learn and how we can bring about learning in others.



You will be expected to complete practical assignments and to build your skills as an educator, including undertaking a placement in host FE colleges or centres.



Who is the course for?

The Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in Educational Practice in Teaching for Further Education is specifically designed as an accredited further education teacher education qualification recognised by the Teaching Council of Ireland.



The course is suitable for those intending to pursue a career in teaching in the further education sector. Route 3 (Further Education) of the Teaching Council Regulations (2016) deals with teacher registration for the further education sector. This regulation includes a requirement, with effect from 01 April 2013, for applicants for registration to have attained, inter alia, a Council-approved further education teacher education qualification. Applicants should also consult the Teaching Council website for the complete set of requirements under Route 3.

• Theories of Learning and Teaching

• Contemporary and Enduring Questions in Education

• Strategies of Learning and Teaching

• Educational Practice for Diversity and Inclusion

• Practicum in Teaching for Further Education

• Technology Enhanced Learning

• Educational Assessment and Feedback

Applicants holding an Honours Degree 2.2 (Level 8) in any discipline ideally with professional involvement in the facilitation of learning or training will be considered for the course. The college operates a Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) scheme, which means that applicants who do not meet the normal academic requirements may be considered based on relevant work or other relevant experience. All applicants will be interviewed by the Programme Director or member of the programme team.



Garda Vetting

Incoming students for the Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Practice in Teaching for Further Education course must undergo Garda Vetting. Garda Vetting is part of the admissions process. Garda Vetting applications must be submitted to NCI prior to commencing the programme. Guidelines on this process is provided by the Admissions Office.



Note: Students will not be permitted to begin their placement until their vetting application is processed and approved in accordance with NCI’s Student Vetting policy.



Laptop Requirement

All students applying to NCI must have access to a laptop that will allow them to attend classes online and, where relevant, to participate in on-campus learning. Some students may be able to avail of the Student Laptop Loan Scheme, subject to eligibility.

Application: Apply online at www.ncirl.ie

1 year.



Delivery

Blended – Livestream (online) classes with some campus classes and some in-person exams, scheduled in advance.



Indicative Timetable

Tuesday and Thursday 18.30 - 21.30 livestream and some Saturdays 09.30 - 13.30 on campus.



An additional and separate class group of this programme may be offered via the following schedule: Wednesday 14.00-17.00 on campus, Friday 14.00- 17.00 livestream, and some Saturdays 09.30 - 13.30 on campus. This is subject to sufficient numbers.

Start Date: September 2024.

Award and Progression

The Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Practice in Teaching for Further Education is awarded by QQI at level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications. Students will also receive a teacher education qualification accredited by the Teaching Council of Ireland and entry to the Register of Teachers in the further education sector in Ireland. You may also choose to undertake further study involving an additional 30 ECTS credits with modules on research skills and completion of a dissertation. On completion of this, you will receive the award of Master of Arts in Educational Practice.