Institution: Mary Immaculate College, UL
How long has the course been running: Since last September.
Why was it introduced: In response to the Green and White Papers on adult education, which highlighted the need for professional qualifications for adult educators, Dr Sylvia O'Sullivan, course director, says.
How many students admitted to the course? 32
Course duration: one year for the diploma, two years if you do the master's.
Entry requirements: a primary degree or recognised professional qualification.
Who is taking the course? Two thirds of last year's intake are already working in the adult education field - in special-needs education units, area development partnerships, adult literacy, second-chance initiatives and community development projects, O'Sullivan says. The others are recent graduates.
What does the course involve? It's important to note that the course doesn't focus exclusively on teaching, O Sullivan says, but combines the teaching and theoretical skills required to work in the sector. The course includes educational psychology, ICT, project management and sociological, philosophical and political issues relating to adult education. The course is part-time with Saturday lectures, three separate block-release weeks and a 30-hour teaching practicum. The add-on master's programme involves a dissertation and a research-methods module.
Cost: £1,000 for the diploma programme. A further £1,300 for the master's.
Contact: Dr Sylvia O'Sullivan. Tel: 061 204355, e-mail: sylvia.osullivan@mic.ul.ie.
