Adults returning to education have so much to offer in terms of the life experience and knowledge that they bring to university but they can sometimes be at a loss as to where to begin. The following are some of the questions that people making enquiries about our Continuing Education certificate and degree courses often ask.
- Do I need a Leaving Cert.? NO
- Am I too old? NO
- Am I too long out of education? NO
- Are there Exams? NO
- Will I get Study Support? Yes.
- How old do I have to be to take part in one of your Part-Time courses as a mature student? For PART-TIME courses only you must be 21 years of age on 1 January in the year that you are beginning the course.
- Do I have to Fill out the CAO? Only for the BA in Local Studies or the BA in Community Studies but you don’t need to worry about points or exams, you just need to fill out the short personal statement and that’s all.
- What is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)? RPL is a process whereby learning that people have acquired over their lifetime can be taken into consideration for the award of the BA Local Studies/Community Studies. This can be from previous courses from FETAC Level 6 upwards or from life experience.
- Will I get a grant? Part-time study does not qualify people for a SUSI grant however the Dept. of Education and Skills have recognised that there are costs associated with Adults returning to education and taking part-time courses. Therefore, they have made some financial supports available to help off-set the costs of travel, childcare, materials, bills etc. Once a student is fully registered they can make an application to the Student Budgeting Service in MU and their application will be dealt with on a case by case basis. MH803 students can also apply for the 1916 Bursary and the Uversity Bursary.
- For more information about any of these or other questions you may have ring Kay Loughlin on 01 708 6062 or Derek Barter on 01 708 3948 and we will be happy to help you.
The aim of this course is to provide participants with a broad overview of key theoretical frameworks in relation to substance misuse and dependence, and to enable them to develop basic helping and intervention skills. Relevant to Garda, Teachers, Health Care Professionals, Social Workers and Community Workers as well as the general public. This course focuses on introducing participants to current debates on addiction. On completion, participants will have become familiar with contemporary addiction theory as well as prevention and treatment strategies. They will have explored associated issues such as public policy, factual information on substance misuse, gender issues and community drug prevention issues to name but a few. The course will provide participants with adequate knowledge and skills to respond effectively and positively to addiction-related issues as they arise at work or in the community.
The Certificate in Addiction Studies is avaiable in the following locations:
Bluebell/Inchicore Start Date: October 2021 Wednesdays 6.00-9.00
Cork College of Commerce Start Date: October 2021 Wednesdays 6.00-9.30
Maynooth University Start Date: October 2021 Tuesdays 7.00-10.00
The certificate course constitutes part one of the NUI Diploma in Addiction Studies (Level 8) Programme and students who successfully complete this course may apply for progression to the level 8 Diploma in Addiction Studies. PLEASE NOTE: The certificate course is also available in Cork and Dublin (Bluebell/Inchicore) as well as on the NUI Maynooth campus. For further information please contact Kay Loughlin on 01 708 6062 or e-mail kay.loughlin@mu.ie
Apply Here and enter the location of your choice.
See our brochure
Certificate in Addiction Studies 2020
Adult education is a transformative and powerful tool for change. Impacting positively on the lives of those who participate, their wider communities and society as a whole, adult education provides a platform for radical and progressive thinking. The Certificate in Adult and Community Education, delivered by experienced and dedicated tutors, introduces research based teaching and learning methods which will provide students with both the knowledge and practical skills required to work with adults across a range of settings. The course provides an excellent foundation for those considering a change in career towards adult teaching or for people employed in sectors where communication with adults in a learning environment is required such as libraries, galleries, museums, etc., or educational settings for rehabilitation and recovery. See our brochure:
Adult and Community Education 2020
Start Date: Monday evenings Oct 2021: 7.00-10.00
The NUI Certificate in Adult and Community Education is a standalone qualification however however it can be combined with the NUI Certificate in Equality Studies (On Line) and another of our certificate courses such as Addiction Studies; Disability Studies; Communications and Group Skills for Managers; or Community Development and Leadership it forms part of the Diploma in Arts: Training and Development for Socially Inclusive Workplaces. To find out more about our CPD courses please visit:
CPD Training and Development
Every year a number of students from this course successfully progress onto the BA Community Studies (MH803) carrying with them the credits that they have accumulated on this level 8 course as Recognition of Prior Learning.
For further information please call Kay Loughlin on 01 708 6062 or e-mail kay.loughlin@mu.ie
Apply Here
Certificate Adult Guidance Theory and Practice (Level 8)
The course will begin to address the needs of those working in a guidance capacity with adult learners, unemployed and disadvantaged adults and those exploring career option
It will introduce people to models of labour market educational guidance and will begin to explore the theoretical principles which underpin good guidance.
Certificate in Adult Guidance Theory and Practice
Please note our application process will open mid April 2021 for intake in September 2021. For course information contact Maggie Noone at maggie.noone@mu.ie or email adultguidancecourses@mu.ie to discuss your application.
Application Process will re-open in April 2021.
Our Community Development and Leadership course has been instrumental in giving people the skills to become effective actors in their local communities. This certificate course has been found to benefit and inform the work practices of people working or seeking to work in the Community and Voluntary sector. The course is designed to introduce the student to concepts, definitions, principles and processes of community development and to explore formal and informal community development models. It will critically analyse modern society. It will also introduce students to facilitation and group work skills as leadership tools for managing community development. This course seeks to build the capacity of those working (paid and unpaid) in the community sector. See our brochure
Community Development and Leadership 2020
Start Date: Tuesdays 7-10pm October 2021
The NUI Certificate in Community Development and Leadership is a standalone qualification however, when combined with the NUI Certificate in Equality Studies (On Line) and the NUI Cert. in Training and Continuing Education (Train the Trainer Level 7) it forms part of the Diploma in Arts: Training and Development for Socially Inclusive Workplaces.Every year a number of students from this course successfully progress onto the BA Community Studies (MH803) carrying with them the credits that they have accumulated on this level 8 course as Recognition of Prior Learning.
For further information please contact Kay Loughlin on 01 708 6062 or e-mail kay.loughlin@mu.ie
Apply Here
This course will give participants a practical grounding in the writing of fiction and creative non-fiction for publication. The course allows students to work with professional writers who will act in a mentoring capacity. The practical emphasis will help students to progress towards producing work of publishable standard and marketing it. The development of critiquing and editing skills are essential for creative writing. Student interaction and engagement with each other’s work guided by experienced writers and lecturers is aimed to provide a supportive environment for the development of these skills. See our brochure
Creative Writing 2020
Course Aims:
- To develop creative writing skills.
- To cultivate a disciplined approach to writing.
- To develop students’ skills in critically assessing their own and others’ work.
- To provide an understanding of the economics and structure of the publishing industry
Start Date: Oct 2021 Thursdays 6.30-9.30
One of the most valuable aspects of participation in this course for the aspiring writer is to have their work critiqued and work-shopped regularly by professional novelists, playwrights and publishing industry experts such as John MacKenna, Shauna Gilligan and Orla Murphy. To find out more call Kay Loughlin on 01 708 6062 or e-mail: kay.loughlin@mu.ie
Apply HERE
COURSE FULL/APPLICATIONS CLOSED If you would like to add your name to a cancellation waiting list please contact: derek.barter@mu.ie
Disability Studies is a unique course for people working or wanting to be employed in the disability sector. It attracts both disabled and non-disabled students eager to understand oppression, exclusion and the politics of disability. The course is delivered in a participative, non-threatening way through a series of intertwining modules. The modules enable students to understand current theories and debates of disability, along with tutorials on Independent Living, universal access, social inclusion and general equality issues. If you’re looking to challenge and be challenged regarding the assumptions surrounding disability in an enjoyable yet provocative way then disability studies will give you this learning opportunity. On completion students will have explored such topics as models of disability (medical vs social), legislation, access, gender, sexuality, equality issues name but a few. See our brochure:
Disability Studies 2020
Start Date: October 2021 Wednesdays 7-10pm
The NUI Certificate in Disability Studies is a standalone qualification however credits from this course can be used for Recognition of Prior Learning to go towards the Degree in Community Studies. Our Disability Studies courses have been found to benefit and inform the work practices of people working in the areas of Disability, Social Care, Education and Health. The Cert. in Disability studies when combined with the NUI Certificate in Training and Continuing Education (Train the Trainer Level 7) plus the Certificate Equality Studies (On Line) entitles students to apply for the award of the Diploma in Arts: Training and Development for Socially Inclusive Workplaces. This suite of CPD courses provide a comprehensive educational/training package in core skills such as managing issues of equality and diversity in the workplace for Team Leaders, Managers and Learning and Development Specialists. For further information please contact Kay Loughlin on 01 708 6062 or e-mail kay.loughlin@mu.ie
Apply Here
The course will provide students with the knowledge and understanding needed to deal effectively with issues of equality and diversity in the workplace in a rapidly changing Ireland. The course will equip practitioners with the competence to become professional trainers in this challenging area in order to contribute to the development of socially inclusive workplaces. The course is relevant to all who espouse the values of social inclusion and equality. It has particular resonance to private sector companies and businesses and staff of community and voluntary organisations, who seek to create workplaces where diversity is prized as an asset for generating new ideas and new ways of working.
The Certificate consists of four modules. These are presented in an open/flexible learning format, supported by four days of workshops: Module 1: Reflecting on Equality and Diversity: Reflective Practice; History, concepts and ideologies; Sources of prejudice and discrimination; Conducting practitioner research Module 2: The Shape of Irish Society: Demography; Irish State and legal system; Outline of Equality legislation. Module 3: Equality and Diversity in the Workplace: Equality through the employment cycle – Focus on models and practice in relation to gender, work life balance, age, ethnicity and disability. Module 4: Delivering Equality: Development of equality and diversity policies; Managing equality and diversity issues – Recruitment and selection, Training and development; Facilitation and mentoring.
4 Workshops on Saturdays 10am-5.00pm Commencing October 2021
The NUI Certificate in Equality Studies in Training and Development (On Line) is a standalone qualification however when combined with the and the NUI Certificate in Training and Continuing Education (Train the Trainer Level 7) plus another of our the NUI Certificate courses such as the Certificate in it forms part of the Diploma in Arts for Socially Inclusive Workplaces. This suite of CPD courses provide a comprehensive educational/training package in core skills such as managing issues of equality and cultural diversity in the workplace for Team Leaders, Managers and Learning and Development Specialists.Click:
CPD Training and Development
to see our brochure on CPD in Advanced Professional Skills for Trainers
To find out more see:
equality studies
or contact Kay Loughlin on 01 708 6062/ e-mail kay.loughlin@mu.ie
Make your application Here
This Certificate level course is offered by the Department of Modern History, Maynooth University. The course examines the ‘local dimension of Ireland’s past’. The course aims to provide participants interested in local history with an opportunity to obtain formal training in the subject. This course sets out to provide students with a methodological approach to the research and writing of local history. The Cert. in Local History is a standalone qualification. It carries 20 credits on the European Credit Transfer System. These credits can be used for Recognition of Prior Learning on the BA Local Studies (MH 803). Many students who complete the Cert. in Local History go on to study for the evening degree in Local Studies. This is the only interdisciplinary degree of its kind in Ireland combining the expertise of Ireland’s leading history department for the study of local history, with one of the most well regarded geography departments in the country. Students can study folk traditions, Gaelic Literature and Culture with modules from the Centre for Irish Cultural Heritage and Ancient Classics and deepen this knowledge with classes in Anthropology or Sociology.
Start Date: September 2021 Tuesdays 6.15-8.00
Too find out more call Kay Loughlin on 01 708 6062 or e-mail kay.loughlin@mu.ie
Apply Here
This Maynooth University NUI Certificate level course is designed to provide participants with the opportunity to develop an understanding of psychology and to explore its relevance to the individual, family, community and society. Upon successful completion of this course students should be able to:
- Understand the main psychological theories and schools and their contribution to the development of the discipline
- Understand the biological basis of behaviour
- Apply critical psychological theory to the processes of learning, memory, feeling and personality development.
- Understand and apply psychobiological, psychodynamic, behavioral/cognitive and phenomenological approaches to lifespan development.
- Illustrate self directed learning by completing a research proposal with relevance to psychology and presenting this proposal to the class.
- Conduct a literature review for the research proposal and submitting a bibliography with the proposal.
- Use academic and stylistic conventions appropriately and consistently
- Submit a learning journal which reflects the impact of the course on the student’s understanding of psychology and how this has influenced their knowledge of themselves, ideas, perceptions and attitudes.
See our brochure
Cert in Psychology 2020
The Certificate in Psychology is avaiable in the following locations:
Cork College of Commerce Start Date: October 2021 Tuesdays 6.00-9.30
Clane: Start Date: October 2021 Tuesdays 7.00-10.00
Apply HERE
The NUI Certificate in Psychology is a standalone qualification however when combined with the NUI Certificate in Training and Continuing Education (Train the Trainer Level 7) and the NUI Certificate in Equality Studies in Training and Development (On Line) it forms part of the Diploma in Arts in Training and Development for Socially Inclusive Workplaces. This suite of CPD courses provide a comprehensive educational/training package in core skills such as managing issues of equality and cultural diversity in the workplace for Team Leaders, Managers and Learning and Development Specialists. A number of our students have used this certificate course as a preparatory course to more major degree awards in Maynooth University and other institutions of Higher Education. PLEASE NOTE The Certificate in Psychology is only available in OFF CAMPUS locations. For further information contact Kay Loughlin on 708 6062. For Roscommon please call: 090 6625898
The NUI Certificate in Training and Continuing Education has been developed by a team of adult educators, HR and training professionals, and organisational psychologists. It focuses on delivering a high quality, relevant and widely recognised training qualification using a unique blend of face to face workshops and online learning. Who is this qualification for? Trainers who wish to update their current skill levels. Individuals who aspire to a career in training. Managers and team leaders who have responsibility for training. Organisational learning and development professionals employed in Private, Voluntary, Community and Statutory Sectors. It is essential for trainers wishing to deliver courses up to QQI (FETAC) level 6 (no top ups are required). Overview
The Certificate consists of four mandatory modules which are continuously reviewed and updated to reflect current best practice.
- Assessing Training and Development Needs.
- Designing a Training Programme.
- Training Delivery.
- Training Evaluation and Contemporary Trends.
The Maynooth University NUI Certificate in Training and Continuing Education ( Level 7 20 ECTS) will take place in Maynooth over 5 Saturday workshops beginning in October 2021. See our brochure
Training and Continuing Education (TrainTheTrainer) 2020
Places are limited so apply now. Group Rates are available. On Site Training is available.
For further information contact kay.loughlin@mu.ie
Apply HERE
The NUI Certificate in Training and Continuing Education is a standalone qualification however when combined with the NUI Certificate in Equality Studies for Training and Development and one of our other certificate courses such as Disability Studies it forms part of the Diploma in Arts: Training and Development for Socially Inclusive Workplaces. This suit of CPD courses provide a comprehensive educational/training package in core skills such as managing issues of equality and cultural diversity for the workplace for Team Leaders, Managers and Learning and Development Specialists. For more information see:
CPD Training and Development
As with all of our level 7 and 8 certificate and diploma courses credits gained can be used for Recognition of Prior Learning Maynooth University and other participating institutions internationally. A number of student who have successfully completed this certificate course have go on to the BA Community Studies (CAO MH803)
The Maynooth University Return to Learning certificate encompass Study Skills, Information and Communications Technology, Sociology and Local History. Students will sample subjects from the faculties of Arts and Social Sciences with lecturers who have years of experience in a wide range of academic settings. The Return to Learning course is aimed at people who have been out of formal education for a number of years and who want to experience a university education without having to commit to a full degree. Students who do progress onto undergraduate degrees, often excel in their chosen subjects due to the solid foundation of academic research and writing skills that the course had given them. However, the Dept. of Adult and Community Education's Return to Learning course is more than just about acquiring the mechanical skills that people need to succeed in Higher Education. For many adults the initial step of crossing the threshold of a college can be very daunting. This can be enough to stop a person from even thinking about going to university. These initial qualms about being different to the majority of the students, being expected to know how to do things like use the library or be competent on computers are dealt with over time and this element of personal development and confidence building is of central concern to us as adult educators. What the RtL does more than anything else is allows the student time to come to terms with university life and begin to understand who they are as a learner. This is another reason why RtL students who progress onto either the full-time or part-time degrees do so well, they have learned how to learn. Students who successfully complete the Return to Learning programme are eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning onto the Part-Time degree for Adults BA Local Studies/BA Community Studies MH803. NB Please be aware that the age to access Full-time undergraduate study remains at 23 years of age on 1st January in year of application.
Classes held on Mon & Weds 10.00am-12.30pm OR Weds & Fri 10.00am-12.30pm OR Weds Evening 6.00-10.00
Start Dates: Day Classes - October 2021
Night Class October 2021
To find out more call Kay on 01 708 6062 or e-mail: kay.loughlin@mu.ie
Apply HERE
See our brochure:
Return to Learning 2020
The Communiversity rolls on. This partnership initiative between Maynooth University, Local Development Companies and Local Libraries is now in its eight year. 2019 saw the continuation of the programme with Northside Partnership and the South City Partnership. Ballyfermot and Chapelizod Partnership and County Kildare LEADER Partnership are back on board for the latter half of the year and we look forward to working with them again.
The Communiversity is a first point of contact pre-access programme where people can attend higher education courses in the familiar surroundings of their local libraries. To date Maynooth University has set up Communiversities in Dublin, Kildare, Louth and Monaghan. Each course begins with a taster session at which the tutors outline their planned programme also explaining to the student that they can ask for specific topics or other subjects to be explored. The tutors use short hand-outs on different subjects to stimulate discussion but they are directed by the interests of the group and are encouraged to follow their lead by being flexible with the modules they teach. The use of the public libraries as venues mean that university education can be brought out and delivered to people in their own communities.
One of the aims of the project is to de-mystify the idea of higher education in the minds of people who might feel alienated from universities and academics and to date the feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive. When asked what they liked most about the course people spoke about the variety of subjects that were covered. They also commented on the fact that, they were not patronised but were being '... taught to think and not being told what to do.' This aspect of critical thinking and self directed learning is of enormous importance for adult learners. The social aspect and the intergenerational make up of the groups play a very significant part towards community development. This project is a good example of what can be achieved through partnership between different sections of the public service in implementing policy for the benefit of wider society. In some cases students have been stimulated to begin thinking about returning to education in a more formal setting, such as our Return to Learning course. For some, participation in the programme was enough in itself to forge new relationships with people in their own communities and combat a sense of isolation; the mix of ages and genders has been very important in achieving this. This is real community education in practice. The Department of Adult and Community Education is happy to talk to any Local Partnership Companies about the possibility of setting up a Communiversity in their area.
If you are interested in participating in future courses and live in the following Partnership areas you should contact: South City Partnership contact Asia Lucy on (01) 4731 296; Northside Partnership contact Paul on 01 848 5630. Ballyfermot and Chapelizod Partnership Antoinette 01 6235 612 and County Kildare LEADER Partnership, Anne 045 895450 are back on board for 2019-2020 and we look forward to working with them again.
Listen to Dr. Derek Barter Director of the COMMUNIVERSITY speak about the programme and its links to Access, Lifelong Learning, Adult Education, and Learning for Fun as part of the Free Thought FM project HERE
Partners in the Community. We collaborate and work with various partners in the field of Adult and Community Education both nationally and internationally. Some current national institutions and bodies include:
- Libraries Local Development Management Agency.
- Crisis Pregnancy Agencies
- Irish Council of Churches
- Irish Local Development Network
- National Centre for Guidance in Education
- National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA)
- North East Dublin Drug and Alcohol Drugs Task Force
- NUI Cork
- NUI Galway
- Dublin City Council
- The Defence Forces,
- The Curragh Camp
- Tusnua / Solas
- UCD Action Enterprise Youth & Community Centre
- An Cosán
- Athlone IT
- Northside Partnership.
- Southcity Partnership.
- Ballyfermot Partnership.
- Career Paths for Dyslexia
- County Kildare LEADER Partnership
- CEEDS -
- Clondalkin Employment & Education Development Services
- Soilse Drug Free, Addiction Rehabilitation Service Dublin
- Clare Community Drug and Alcohol Service
- Community Response
- The Wheel
