NCI Course Details

The course focuses on developing self-awareness as well as the competence to facilitate the development of individuals in a range of further education contexts by, for example, the application of new technologies to instruction, the use of strategies to support learning, and the creation of valuable and effective assessments.

The course will use a variety of participative teaching approaches. You will be encouraged to enquire, question and critique modern conceptions of how we learn and how we can bring about learning in others.

You will be expected to complete practical assignments and to build your skills as an educator, including undertaking a placement in host FE colleges or centres.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in Educational Practice in Teaching for Further Education is specifically designed as an accredited further education teacher education qualification recognised by the Teaching Council of Ireland.

The course is suitable for those intending to pursue a career in teaching in the further education sector. Route 3 (Further Education) of the Teaching Council Regulations (2016) deals with teacher registration for the further education sector. This regulation includes a requirement, with effect from 01 April 2013, for applicants for registration to have attained, inter alia, a Council-approved further education teacher education qualification. Applicants should also consult the Teaching Council website for the complete set of requirements under Route 3.

• Theories of Learning and Teaching
• Contemporary and Enduring Questions in Education
• Strategies of Learning and Teaching
• Educational Practice for Diversity and Inclusion
• Practicum in Teaching for Further Education
• Technology Enhanced Learning
• Educational Assessment and Feedback

For information on the modules taught on this course view our module descriptors.

Please view the Placement Booklet for further information on workplace placement for this course.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in Educational Practice in Teaching for Further Education is awarded by QQI at level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications. Students will also receive a teacher education qualification accredited by the Teaching Council of Ireland and entry to the Register of Teachers in the further education sector in Ireland.

You may also choose to undertake further study involving an additional 30 ECTS credits with modules on research skills and completion of a dissertation. On completion of this, you will receive the award of Master of Arts in Educational Practice.

Applicants holding an Honours Degree 2.2 (Level 8) in any discipline ideally with professional involvement in the facilitation of learning or training will be considered for the course.

The College operates a Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) scheme meaning applicants who do not meet the normal academic requirements may be considered based on relevant work and other experience. 

All applicants will be interviewed by the Programme Director or a member of the programme team.

Non-English speaking applicants must demonstrate fluency in the English language. Visit our English Language Requirements page for further information.

Incoming students for the Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Practice in Teaching for Further Education course must undergo Garda Vetting. The completed Vetting Invitation Form (NVB1) and supporting documentation must be submitted as soon as an application is completed. Download our Guidelines on the Garda Vetting Process for further information.

Garda Vetting is part of the admissions process. Garda Vetting applications must be submitted to NCI prior to commencing the programme. Guidelines on this process is provided by admissions.

Note: Students will not be permitted to begin their placement until their vetting application is processed and approved in accordance with NCI’s Student Vetting policy.

This programme has a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy. Specifically, students are expected to successfully participate in lectures, laboratories and projects using a portable computer (laptop/notebook) with a substantial hardware configuration. The minimal suitable configuration is 8GB of RAM (16GB are recommended); a modern 64-bit x86 multicore processor (Intel i5 or superior); 250+ GB of available space in hard disk; WiFi card; and a recent version of Ubuntu, macOS, or Windows.

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure their computer is functioning correctly and that they have full administrator rights. NCI IT cannot provide support for these personal devices.

A Laptop Loan Scheme is available for eligible students to assist them in completing their chosen course.

2 Groups - Tuesday & Thursday Classes, and Monday & Wednesday Classes

Group A: Classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays 18.30 - 21.30 (livestream) and some Saturdays 09.30 - 13.30 (on campus)

Group B: Classes on Wednesdays 14.00 - 17.00 (on campus), Friday 14.00 - 17.00 (livestream) and some Saturdays 9.30 - 13.30 (on campus)

Please note that in some instances exams may take place in the daytime, evening, and/or at weekends.

Blended – Livestream (online) classes with some campus classes and some in-person exams, scheduled in advance

See the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in Educational Practice in Teaching for Further Education course brochure for an explanation of the learning methods.

This course runs over 1 year.

€4,990 total fee.

(Fees revised annually)

You can spread the cost of this course with a direct debit plan.

Scholarships and Discounts

We offer a range of scholarship opportunities and discount offers available to both NCI and non-NCI graduates that will help you access this course.