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POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN TEACHING AND LEARNING
- Qualification
- Pg Cert In Teaching & Learning(adult & Community Education)
- CAO/MU Apply code
- MHA73
- Award Type and NFQ level
- CERTIFICATE LEVEL 9
- Study Mode
- Part time
- Closing Date
- 13 August 2026
Overview
There are two routes to apply for this course.
Route 1 - Springboard Learner Fee Subsidy
PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL SPRINGBOARD PLACE HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED FOR THIS COURSE FOR 2026. PLEASE SEE APPLICATION ROUTE 2 BELOW TO APPLY.
There are a limited number of subsidised spaces available on this course through Springboard. Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria. To check if you are eligible please visit www.springboardcourses.ie If you believe you meet the eligibility criteria you can commence your application on the Springboard website.
Springboard plus is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union
Route 2 - MU Apply
Places are also available through the Maynooth University application portal, MU Apply. Please note that no funding is available if you apply via this route. Apply through this route if you do not meet the Springboard eligibility criteria OR if the Springboard places are full. To make an application please click here.
About this Course
This course aims to enhance adult, community and further education practitioners’ skills and knowledge of teaching and learning.
Through a variety of participatory, creative and reflective methods, course participants will be encouraged to draw on their own experiences as learners and/or practitioners to deepen and grow their own practice.
Through exploring and implementing a range of engaged practices, participants will enhance, not just their students’ learning experiences, but their own professional knowledge, confidence and capacity in working with the rich diversity of adult learner groups across community and further education.
Note: This programme will not qualify you to register with the Teaching Council of Ireland. Please see our Higher Diploma in Further Education programme which offers professional accreditation with the Teaching Council.
Springboard+ is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union. Please see www.EUFunds.ie for further details
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Course structure
Duration: 1 year part-time
Location: School of Education
The PG Certificate in Teaching and Learning is a part-time Level 9 programme designed for practitioners in adult, community, and further education.
It is a flexible, blended programme that will enhance your teaching and facilitation skills through participatory, creative, and reflective methods.
Applicants would normally have some experience of working with adult learning groups in adult, community or further education settings. You must also hold a recognised primary degree equivalent to NFQ Level 8 or be able to demonstrate an equivalent through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
There are four modules:
- Group Work in Adult and Community Education (5 credits)
- Teaching and Learning in Adult and Community Education (5 credits)
- Theory and Practice of Assessment in Adult, Community, and Further Education (5 credits)
- The Reflective Practitioner (5 credits)
Delivery
The Programme is delivered in two semesters, over the full academic year.
Students are required to attend 8 in person days, (including 4 Saturdays) on campus and 7 online sessions delivered through MS Teams.
Course Duration: 1 year part-time
For more details on the course structure click here
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
The PG Certificate in Teaching and Learning is an ideal professional development course for practitioners at any stage of their career in adult, community or further education.
As a 20-credit Level 9 award graduates who are keen to continue their study are encouraged to use the award as evidence for Recognition of Prior Learning.
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) in any discipline.
Applicants who do not hold a primary degree but have at least 3 years of relevant experience in Adult and Community Education settings or an associated discipline (for example, Social Sciences) may apply via Maynooth University's RPL process for Non-Standard Entrants. Please click here for further information.
Applicants should demonstrate an interest and commitment to working in an Adult and Community Education setting. Work experience in the sector is desirable but not essential.
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
There are two routes to apply for this course.
Route 1 - Springboard
PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL SPRINGBOARD PLACE HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED FOR THIS COURSE FOR 2026. PLEASE SEE APPLICATION ROUTE 2 BELOW TO APPLY.
There are a limited number of subsidised spaces available on this course through Springboard. Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria. To check if you are eligible please visit www.springboardcourses.ie If you believe you meet the eligibility criteria you can commence your application on the Springboard website.
Springboard plus is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union
Route 2 - MU Apply
Places are also available through the Maynooth University application portal, MU Apply. Please note that no funding is available if you apply via this route. Apply through this route if you do not meet the Springboard eligibility criteria OR if the Springboard places are full. To make an application please click here.
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
- Personal Statement or complete online questionnaire on MUApply
- An academic reference
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.