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HIGHER DIPLOMA IN FURTHER EDUCATION
- Qualification
- Higher Diploma In Further Education
- CAO/MU Apply code
- MHA90
- Award Type and NFQ level
- HIGHER DIPLOMA (8)
- Study Mode
- Full time
- Closing Date
- 30 May 2026
Overview
The Higher Diploma in Further Education is a post-graduate programme for anyone working in, or seeking to work in, an environment where Further Education (FE) awards (QQI or equivalent) are offered. These include, but are not limited to, FE colleges, community education, YouthReach centres, charities and private providers.
This course is particularly suited to those already working with adult learning groups, particularly where this is in a setting that delivers QQI awards. If this is you, it may help to stabilise and advance your career prospects. It also allows you to take some space to reflect on your practice and the ideas that underpin it.
The course has professional accreditation from the Teaching Council (Further Education Initial Teacher Education - Route 3)
Course structure
Duration: 1 year full-time
1 year full-time
Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually.
Important: The information on this page is for prospective students, MU current students and staff should use Programme Directory.
Careers
This course prepares students to work with adults in a variety of learning contexts across community and further education. Graduates of the programme have progressed to work in Colleges of Further Education, adult learning centres, YouthReach, community education, prison education, National Learning Network, private providers and education positions in NGOs etc.
This course has professional accreditation of Further Education Initial Teacher Education from the Teaching Council of Ireland. (https://www.teachingcouncil.ie/en/Registration/)
Entry Requirements
Applicants must hold a minimum of a bachelor honours degree (NFQ Level 8) (or equivalent) with a minimum of second-class honours, grade 2 (2:2) or an ordinary degree in a bachelors (NFQ Level 7) with relevant experience or another professional qualification (equivalent to 180 credits at level 7) with a minimum of three years relevant experience in vocational or instructional settings.
Please note that all students on the programme must undergo a vetting process which is managed by the university’s Student Vetting Office who liaise, in turn, with the National Vetting Bureau. This process can take some time, especially, if you have lived abroad (please refer to the ‘Overseas Police Clearance’ section using the below link) . You should start to gather relevant documentation for vetting as soon as possible. See link for more information on vetting: Student Vetting | Maynooth University
Applicants who do not hold a primary degree will be will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and will be subject to successful progression through a recognition of prior learning process (RPL) Please click here for further information.
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. Please be advised criteria may differ for EU and Non-EU applicants.
Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850
How to apply
Applications must be made via the MU Apply portal. Please click here to start your application.
When making your application, please ensure you upload the below documentation to your application prior to submission to avoid delays in application assessment:
- Full academic transcripts for all semesters/ years completed to date
- Graduation Certificate if you have graduated/conferred
- A copy of your passport
- Up to date CV
- Personal Statement (minimum 500 words on why you would like to study your chosen programme)
- An academic reference
- A professional reference
- Confirmation of teaching practice placement
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please click here. Please be advised criteria may differ for EU and Non-EU applicants.
Please note that all students on the programme must undergo a vetting process which is managed by the university’s Student Vetting Office who liaise, in turn, with the National Vetting Bureau. This process can take some time, especially, if you have lived abroad (please refer to the ‘Overseas Police Clearance’ section using the below link) . You should start to gather relevant documentation for vetting as soon as possible. See link for more information on vetting: Student Vetting | Maynooth University