Professional Diploma in Education (Further Education)
Applications for the September 2025 intake are currently closed.
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. 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.
When are modules held?
Modules take place weekday evenings online, and on the Marino Institute of Education campus on Saturdays. Incoming students are emailed a timetable over the summer so they can plan their schedules accordingly.
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.
International Students
For information about eligibility for this programme please contact [email protected]. All applicants for our programmes must have a minimum English level. You will find more information about the English Language Requirements in the Study With Us section of the website under ‘How to Apply’.
You can find information about international institute fees and charges in the policies section of our website.
You can also find information on accommodation and student support services in the Student Life section of our website.
All MIE programmes follow the academic year, with all programmes starting in late August/ early September.
Our Graduates
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.
Dr. Andrea Uí Chianáin
Course Leader for the Professional Diploma in Education (Further Education)
Lecturer in Lifelong Learning
Marino Institute of Education