Adult Learner

The 'adult learners' community on this website provides information for any adult interested in, or taking part in, some form of learning. It may be formal or non-formal learning, part-time or full-time, in a workplace, training centre or university, and it can be during unemployment, employment and post retirement.

Quick Links

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Deciding What to Study

If you are trying to figure out what to study, this section will help you explore your options.

Course Options

Adult education courses are available for people in all circumstances and at all ages. We look at the many options available...

Growing Your Skills

There are many ways to grow your skills to improve your employment prospects. We look at the many options available...

Financial Support

We discuss a range of financial supports that are available to encourage adults to continue their education.

International Adult Learners

Migration is a normal part of our society and many people have come to Ireland as adults. People from EU and EEA countries (Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein) and Switzerland, have the same right to access education in Ireland

Matching your Interests to Courses

The idea of career interests has been made famous by the work of John Holland, an American psychologist who has been researching this area for over 30 years. His theory is based on the following main ideas:

Learner Stories

Returning to learning as an adult can be exciting and daunting all at the same time. Studying again may feel like a language we don't undertsand and something we perhaps did years ago, or never did at all! Undertaking assignments and studying well for exams requires planning. For example: making more efficient and effective use of study time is a pracical way to prepare for and improve exam performance.

Differing Abilities

How will learning difficulties impact on school and college education? In this guide we take you through some of the key issues to be aware of during this important phase of development.