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NUI Galway

Adult Learning & Teaching

With increased demands for effective management of learning environments and an increased focus on online and eLearning, the field of teaching, training, education and learning constantly presents practitioner challenges. Professional effectiveness in the field demands a knowledge, skills and competence base that is underscored by an understanding of the practical implications and considerations of a complex learning environment and a skill set capable of responding to unpredictable demands.

The Master of Arts in Adult Learning and Teaching is designed to afford teachers who have successfully completed the Professional Diploma in Education (Further Education) to progress their studies. Through the RPL process, students will be awarded a 30 ECTS exemption for advanced entry to the MA on successful completion of the PDE(FE) or equivalent.

Course Outline

The Master of Arts in Adult Learning and Teaching is intended to give teachers the opportunity to:

Respond to management and leadership demands to effectively implement a learning environment strategy that considers relevant and up-to-date developments in an ever-evolving environment

Engage with the online learning environment by exploring the pedagogy and practice of developing, managing and monitoring online learning to become effective e-Learning professionals

Develop a research capacity that promotes systematic intellectual inquiry, critical analysis and problem solving skills in the uncovering of new knowledge and practice in the field of adult learning and teaching

Take responsibility for recognising and acting on the ongoing requirements to maintain professional standards within the teaching profession in the Further Education and Training sector.

Whos Suited to This Course

The Master of Arts in Adult Learning and Teaching is designed for qualified teachers working in the Further Education and Training sector.

Entry requirements

Entry Requirements

1.Academic (essential): You must have achieved a minimum of a H2.2 honours degree in the Professional Diploma in Education (Further Education) or equivalent teaching qualification award (NFQ Level 8/60 ECTS).

2.Technological: You must have computer proficiency and access to the internet.

3.Experiential: You are expected to have a minimum of three years experience in teaching in the FET sector or other relevant experience.

You may be required to attend for interview prior to being offered a place on the course. The number of places will be restricted.

Duration

Duration 1 year, part-time Mode of study Blended Learning

Number of credits

ECTS weighting 90

Further enquiries

Tara Prendeville
Phone: 091 494061/494055
Email: tara.prendeville@nuigalway.ie

Subjects taught

Course Modules

Social Science Research (10 ECTS)
Social Science Research explores the principles and skills relating to planning and designing research, developing a literature review and preparing survey strategies. It examines in detail the nature of inquiry, qualitative and quantitative methods of research based on philosophical assumptions and applied to different research questions.

Management and Leadership in Training and Education (10 ECTS)
Management and Leadership in Training and Education explores key concepts of management and leadership to provide a foundation for implementing strategic objectives in training and educational contexts. Management and leadership competencies, innovation management, programme management and leadership perspectives are studied to underpin development of a successful learning environment.

Online Learning Design (10 ECTS)
Online Learning Design focuses on pedagogical concepts and instructional design models that are fundamental to designing and developing an online learning environment. It examines pedagogical, technical and practical issues that affect the development of effective online learning environments and the issues relating to managing and monitoring online learning activities, assessment and evaluation.

Dissertation (30 ECTS)
Participants completing the Master of Arts in Adult Learning and Teaching must complete a research based dissertation.