Our website uses cookies to offer you a better browsing experience, analyse site traffic, personalise content, and serve targeted advertisements. Please visit our Cookie Policy page for more information about cookies and how we use them

Professional Diploma in Education (Further Education)

Applications for the September 2023 intake are now closed.

Please contact admissions@mie.ie 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)?

This programme is intended to equip students with a range of knowledge and skills related to the profession of teaching in Further Education and Training settings. It combines blended learning and educational placements. The face-to-face classes take place on the campus at Marino Institute of Education on Friday evenings and Saturdays. The Professional Diploma in Education (Further Education) course meets the professional requirements for registration with the Teaching Council as established under Teaching Council Regulations 2011. The Professional Diploma is accredited by Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin and the award is placed at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications.  This course can be completed over one-year flexible learning or two years part-time and carries 60 credits.

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 to devise and implement programme-appropriate assessment for national certification
  • To provide supervised and supportive practical teaching experience in authentic Further Education settings

How is the programme assessed?

A variety of assessment modes such as reflective journals, presentations, research projects and portfolios, written examinations and assignments is used on the programme.

What are my career opportunities?

The Professional Diploma in Education (Further Education) meets the professional requirements of regulation five (further education) to the Teaching Council Regulations. 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
  • Communication and Technology in Education
  • 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 flexible delivery 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 degree (level 8) OR an ordinary degree (level 7) plus an appropriate additional qualification or a certified accreditation of prior learning based on a minimum of 3 years' experience in a setting which is relevant to the candidate’s qualifications. The selection process will include attending an interview.

Course Brochure

Please see the course brochure below for further details

Graduation 2017

PDEFE Graduation 2017

Please contact admissions@mie.ie to express your interest in this course or if you have any general queries.

AndreaLynch_Resized

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

Lecturer in Lifelong Learning

Marino Institute of Education