Professional Diploma in Education (Further Education)

Applications for the September 2024 intake are now open and will close on 1st April 2024.

To apply for this programme please click the button below.

Please contact [email protected] to express your interest in this course or if you have any general queries. You might also like to have a look at our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

What is the Professional Diploma in Education (Further Education)?

The Professional Diploma is accredited by Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, and is placed at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications. This programme is intended to equip students with the knowledge and skills related to the profession of teaching in Further Education and Training settings. This course carries 60 credits and combines blended learning and practical educational placements. Classes take place weekday evenings online, and on the Marino Institute of Education campus on Saturdays. This course can be completed over one-year full-time, or two years part-time, and meets the professional requirements for registration with the Teaching Council under Route 3: Further Education.

Who is the programme for?

This programme meets the academic and professional requirements of teachers working in Further Education and Training. It is designed to be attractive to those already working in the Further Education sector, or those wishing to enter the sector.

What will I study?

The curriculum includes Foundation Studies, Professional Studies and a Practical Teaching Programme. The practical teaching programme includes both observation and assessed teaching practice.

What are the programme aims?

To prepare students to develop their knowledge, skills, competences and understanding in order to teach in Further Education and Training
To provide a foundation in the theories and practices of lifelong learning, including andragogical approaches to teaching & learning
To develop teaching styles and methodologies appropriate to a wide range of learners and contexts
To develop the theoretical understanding and practical skills required to devise and implement programme-appropriate assessment for national certification
To provide supervised and supportive practical teaching experiences in authentic Further Education settings

How is the programme assessed?

A variety of assessment modes are used on this programme such as: reflective journals, presentations, research projects, portfolios, and written assignments.

What are my career opportunities?

The Professional Diploma in Education (Further Education) meets the professional requirements for registration with the Teaching Council under Route 3: Further Education. Graduates can apply for teaching jobs within the Post Leaving Cert (PLC) and Further Education (FE) sectors. Graduates will also be qualified to teach in SOLAS training centres, Youthreach centres, Adult Education Programmes & Community Education Programmes.

Module Listing

Historical and Philosophical Understandings of Education
How Adolescents and Adults Learn
Approaches to Teaching, Learning and Assessment
Technology Enhanced Learning
Educational Placement I
Group Management and Organisation for Learning
Contemporary Issues in Education
Module and Programme Design and Evaluation
Development of a Reflective Stance in Specialised Area
Educational Placement II

General information

Duration: 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time

Award level: NFQ 8

ECTS credits: 60

Awarding body: Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin.

The course fee for the 1 year full-time course is €5400.

The course fee for the 2 year part-time course is €2700 per annum.

Minimum entry requirements

An honours Level 8 degree OR an ordinary Level 7 degree plus 3 years of experience in a setting related to the qualification. The selection process will include attending an interview.

Course Brochure

Please see the course brochure below for further details

Our Graduates

PDFE-Graduation-2023_edit

Testimonials

I would highly recommend the Professional Diploma in Further Education at Marino Institute. As a student returning to Higher Education after a long absence, I was apprehensive about a return to academic writing and the demands of college life. The learning materials provided and the guidance from lecturers made the challenge of essay writing very manageable. Support provided during placement meant that I was able to apply learnings from lectures in a practical setting. The topics covered are both practical and academic so I feel I have completed the course having achieved a strong professional practice to bring to my career in Further Education. I am very glad I chose to study at Marino.

Kevin Callan, Student

"I found my time at the Marino Institute of Education extremely rewarding. The course structure provided a perfect balance of theoretical knowledge and practical application, allowing me to develop the skills necessary to excel as a teacher in Further Education. The campus grounds and buildings are so beautiful and historic that I will always cherish the memories of walking down the hallways to class. It’s a very fast year which can be intense at the beginning and the lecturers deserve a special mention for their support, guidance and genuine care for our success. I came out of Marino a confident teacher, excited to embark on the next chapter of my professional journey. From my placement I secured full time hours and at the beginning of the next academic year I was delighted to be appointed a course co-ordinator. My family were immensely proud to join me for my graduation in the stunning setting of Trinity College Dublin where I graduated with Distinction. With the help and support from Marino I achieved my academic and professional goals."

Helen O' Brien, Class of 2024

I chose Marino Institute of Education to complete my Professional Diploma in Further Education as it offered me the chance to study on a part-time basis. As a wife, a busy mother of three, and working 20 hours a week, the part-time option was ideal. Coupled with a blended learning approach, classes online and in person worked perfectly. From the moment the course started I knew I had made the right choice. When classes were delivered by the lecturers, they were done in an inclusive, organised and respectful manner. I thoroughly enjoyed the lively discussions with my fellow students, and lecturers. Participating in pair and group work, and listening to those already employed in the Further Education and Training sector, confirmed to me that this was the career path for me. Marino Institute of Education has equipped me with the tools and knowledge to teach in Further Education and Training. I have since secured a job in the sector and have Andrea, the other lecturers and assessors to thank for that.

Fiona O’Reilly, Class of 2023

As a mature student the prospect of undertaking the Professional Diploma in Further Education at MIE over a one year period seemed daunting. This course is intensive and consists of multiple modules that focuses on approaches to learning, SEN and technology enhanced learning to name a few. Additionally, an educational placement is undertaken, this was the most enjoyable aspect of the course as it provides an opportunity to place theory learned into practice. Throughout the course students benefited from significant supports, understanding and feedback from the course leader and individual tutors. The blended learning approach also offers a more flexible learning opportunity, the benefit of online classes on Friday evenings definitely made the course more accessible for me. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at MIE, this course have enabled me to pursue a rewarding teaching career in Further Education.

Graduate, Class of 2023

Please contact [email protected] to express your interest in this course or if you have any general queries.

AndreaLynch_Resized

Dr. Andrea Uí Chianáin

Course Leader for the Professional Diploma in Education (Further Education)

Lecturer in Lifelong Learning

Marino Institute of Education