Education - Further Education Teaching

Professional Diploma in Education Further Education

Recognised by the Teaching Council, this course is intended to equip students with a range of knowledge and skills related to the profession of teaching in Further Education and Training settings.



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

The Professional Diploma in Education (Further Education) (PDE-FE) is an initial teacher education programme that equips students with the knowledge and skills required for an effective and meaningful teaching career in the Further Education and Training (FET) sector. This innovative and transformative level - 8 programme offers students a rich learning experience by combining blended learning and independent study with extensive practical teaching placements.



The programme is accredited by Trinity College Dublin and recognised by the Teaching Council for Route 3 (Further Education) registration. The PDEFE can be completed full-time in one year, or parttime over two years, thus offering adult learners the flexibility they require.



Who is the course for?

This course is tailored to meet the academic and professional requirements of aspiring teachers, while also enhancing and strengthening the aptitudes of educators already working in the sector. Given the blended and innovative delivery of this programme, applicants should be highly motivated and self-driven, and possess solid command of technologies commonly used for teaching and learning such as Microsoft Office and virtual learning platforms like Moodle.



What will I study?

Our comprehensive curriculum combines foundational and professional studies with an intensive educational placement situated in FET and community education providers in the Republic of Ireland. During this time, students apply their knowledge while developing their practical teaching skills in the classroom as they complete 30 observation and 100 teaching hours on QQI Level 3-6 courses.

1 Year Full-Time Delivery

› Historical and Philosophical Understandings of Education

› How Adolescents and Adults Learn

› Approaches to Teaching, Learning and Special Education

› 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 a Specialised Area

› Educational Placement II



2 Year Part-Time Delivery

Year 1

› How Adolescents and Adults Learn

› Technology Enhanced Learning

› Educational Placement I

› Group Management and Organisation for Learning

› Module and Programme Design and Evaluation

› Development of a Reflective Stance in a Specialised Area



Year 2

› Historical and Philosophical Understandings of Education

› Contemporary Issues in Education

› Educational Placement II

› Approaches to Teaching, Learning and Special Education

Minimum entry requirements

› An honours degree (level 8) OR an ordinary degree (level 7) plus a minimum of three years’ experience in a setting which is relevant to the candidate’s qualifications.

› On review of applications, suitable applicants will be invited to attend an interview.

› English Language Requirement: please check www.mie.ie/englishlanguage

Applications for the September 2025 intake will open in late January/early February 2025.

How is the course assessed?

A variety of assessment modes such as assignments, reflective journals, presentations, research projects and portfolios.

ECTS credits: 60

1 year full-time or 2 years part-time.



The academic year runs from late August until mid- May.

Delivery: Blended (online and face-to-face delivery).

Intake: September 2025

What are my career opportunities?

This programme enables graduates to embark on a rewarding teaching career within the diverse field of adult education and qualifies them for Route 3 (Further Education) registration with the Teaching Council. Our graduates teach and inspire adult learners in a wide variety of settings, including Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) programmes, Colleges of Further Education, SOLAS training centres, Youthreach, and in community education settings.