Course Summary
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.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
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.
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
Application Details
Closing Date : 30 April 2026
Fees
Closing Date : 30 April 2023
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Career Progression
This course has professional accreditation of Further Education Initial Teacher Education from the Teaching Council of Ireland. (https://www.teachingcouncil.ie/en/Registration/)