Below you will find Further Information on some of our key courses. Please visit our "Courses" tab to access our full range of programmes and details.
Maynooth University Department of Adult and Community Education
ToggleStructured PhD Programme MHA02 (F/T) MHA03 (P/T)
Qualification : PHILOSOPHIAE DOCTOR DEGREE
Award Type and NFQ level : RESEARCH PH.D. (10)
PAC code : MHA02 (FT), MHA03 (PT)
Full programme details available on this link
Introducation Video to our Doctorate Programmes by Dr. Bernie Grummell, programme director
Overview
The overall aim of the Structured PhD Programme is to facilitate the students in making an original contribution to the knowledge base in the field of adult and community education through research. It meets the needs of practitioners in the field of Adult and Community Education.
The Department of Adult and Community Education is firmly committed to equality and social justice. We believe that education is a fundamental human right and collaborative, critical adult education has the power to transform individuals and change society for the better. We have the leading centre for research on adult education in Ireland and have built an excellent international reputation for our work on further education, higher education, adult guidance, community development and transformative learning. Our research interests and projects concern critical pedagogy, access and equality in adult and higher education, adult guidance and counselling, community education, critical policy studies, transformative learning and active citizenship. We actively support innovative and creative methodological approaches to research with a strong focus on participatory approaches.
See staff research interests at https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/adult-and-community-education/our-people
The Structured PhD is part of a University-wide programme, which provides modules that students can undertake in the course of their studies, including modules developing graduate competences, transferable skills and research capacities. This programme is designed to support students to conduct research at the highest level in a reflexive and critical way. The Structured PhD takes four years full-time or six years part-time to complete.
Closing date: Research applications are accepted at any time. Interviews with candidates are typically held in the spring so it is recommended that you contact the coordinators well in advance of this during the autumn/winter term with your initial proposal.
Commences: September or January
Entry requirements
- Primary degree (or equivalent) and a Masters degree in Adult and Community Education or a relevant discipline,
- Experience in higher or adult education,
- Proven ability in academic writing.
Minimum English language requirements
IELTS: 6.5 minimum overall score, TOEFL (Paper based test): 585, TOEFL (Internet based test): 95, PTE (Pearson): 62, Maynooth University’s TOEFL code is 8850
Course Structure
This is a 4 years full time or 6 years part time programme. Students complete 30 credits of modules over the course of the programme, including compulsory and elective modules. Students complete an individual planning review at the outset and annual reviews which include selection of relevant modules. Students attend monthly half day group supervision sessions as well as individual supervision and the broader support of the department’s research centre.
Full course structure can be found on this link: http://apps.maynoothuniversity.ie/courses/?TARGET=QS&MODE=VIEW&TARGET_SOURCE=QUALIFICATION&QUALIFICATION_CODE=PHDA
Duration: 4 years full time/ 6 years part time
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. Please check periodically for updates.
The compulsory modules are designed to facilitate students’ progress throughout the programme.
Career Options
While the participants on Structured Phd programme will be skilled professionals on entry to the programme, experience over the four years will prepare them to further advance in their professional and academic careers in the areas of research, policy development, teaching and engagement.
How to Apply
In the first instance, please contact the academic co-ordinators Fergal Finnegan (fergal.finnegan@mu.ie) and Bernie Grummell (bernie.grummell@mu.ie) to discuss your application.
Once the academic co-ordinators and the Structured PhD Team have approved your proposal then apply through PAC.
Online application only www.pac.ie/maynoothuniversity
PAC Code Needed:
- MHA02 PhD Full-time
- MHA03 PhD Part-time
The following information should be uploaded to your online application form:
Certified copies of all official transcripts of results for all non-Maynooth University qualifications listed MUST accompany the application. Failure to do so will delay your application being processed. Non-Maynooth University students are asked to provide two academic references and a copy of birth certificate or valid passport.
Contacts:
Programme Directors: Dr Bernie Grummell, T: +353 (0)1 708 3761 E: bernie.grummell@mu.ie
Programme Directors: Dr Fergal Finnegan T: +353 (0)1 708 6059 E: fergal.finnegan@mu.ie
Programme Administrator: Rose Gallagher T: +353 (0)1 708 3937 E: Rose.gallagher@mu.ie
Website https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/adult-and-community-education
Address Adult and Community Education Dept., North Campus, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare
Doctorate in Higher and Adult Education - MHA07
DOCTORATE IN HIGHER AND ADULT EDUCATION
Qualification: DOCTORATE IN HIGHER AND ADULT EDUCATION
Award Type and NFQ Level: PROFESSIONAL DOCTORATE (10)
PAC code: MHA07
Next Intake 2025
Full programme details available on this link
Introducation Video to our Doctorate Programmes by Dr. Bernie Grummell, programme director
The Doctorate in Higher and Adult Education (DHAE) brings together practitioners with substantial experience in the design, implementation and delivery across a wide range of higher and adult education contexts.
The programme supports educational practitioners to develop research capacities to the highest level. It fosters research on professional practice in support of transformative learning, critical thinking and democratic education. Successful applicants will have an interest in exploring innovative and critical education research that can inform practice across a range of disciplines.
The course is structured and supervised in a way that allows practitioners to position their research in education research and academic fields, and to develop their doctoral research project incrementally. Department staff have extensive experience in supporting doctoral research through individual and group supervision, where peer learning and support is also is a central element. By working together, exchanging ideas and supporting each other, students form learning communities which are collaborative and creative.
The Department of Adult and Community Education is firmly committed to equality and social justice. We believe that education is a fundamental human right and collaborative, critical adult education has the power to transform individuals and change society for the better. We have an outstanding track record in supporting postgraduate research programmes and have established the leading centre for research on adult education in Ireland, building an excellent international reputation for our work on higher and adult education.
See staff research interests at https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/adult-and-community-education/our-people
Research interest
The programme supports research on key educational issues and challenges in higher, further, adult, and community in Ireland and globally. To date there has been a strong focus on reflection on practitioner knowledge and experience, research which seeks to enhance pedagogy, supporting access and widening participation, leadership, continuous professional development and critical analysis of policy. This work has been grounded in a range of research methodologies, including qualitative research methods, narrative inquiry, biographical and arts-based research methodologies, critical quantitative research, case studies, action research and documentary analysis. A list of previous research projects by doctoral students in the Department of Adult and Community Education is available at: http://eprints.maynoothuniversity.ie/view/ethesisdivisions/dept=5Fadu.html
Entry requirements
Applicants should have:
- successfully completed a Masters programme in adult, community or higher education or an equivalent programme at level 9,
- current and significant experience in teaching in higher or adult education,
- proven ability in academic writing.
Minimum English language requirements
- IELTS: 6.5 minimum overall score, - TOEFL (Paper based test): 585, - TOEFL (Internet based test) :95, - PTE (Pearson): 62, Maynooth University’s TOEFL code is 8850
How to apply
Please note this programme has a Bi-Annual intake. (Next Intake 2025)
If you wish to have an informal discussion about the course before applying, please contact the directors, Dr. Bernie Grummell, Dr Fergal Finnegan.
Application will be open online late 2024 at: http://www.pac.ie/maynoothuniversity
PAC code: MHA07
The following information should be forwarded to PAC, 1 Courthouse Square, Galway or uploaded to your online application form:
Certified copies of all official transcripts of results for all non-Maynooth University qualifications listed MUST accompany the application. Failure to do so will delay your application being processed. Non-Maynooth University students are asked to provide two academic references and a copy of birth certificate or valid passport.
Course structure
This is a 4 year programme, comprising of required modules. Typically, modules are offered one day per week on 12 dates annually during years 1 and 2. Students attend 6-7 workshops in year during the reminder of the programme and are supported in the research through individual and group supervision and the department’s research centre.
Full Course Structure details: http://apps.maynoothuniversity.ie/courses/?TARGET=QS&MODE=VIEW&TARGET_SOURCE=QUALIFICATION&QUALIFICATION_CODE=DAHE
Duration: 4 years
Career Options
While the participants on the Doctorate in Higher and Adult Education programme will be skilled professionals on entry to the programme, experience over the four years will prepare them to further advance in their professional and academic careers in the areas of research, policy development, teaching and engagement across a range of disciplines.
Contact
Programme Directors: Dr Bernie Grummell, T: + 353-1- 708-3761, E: Bernie.grummell@mu.ie and Dr Fergal Finnegan T: + 353-1- 708-6059, E: Fergal.Finnegan@mu.ie,
Programme Administrator: Rose Gallagher, T: + 353-1- 708-3937, E: rose.gallagher@mu.ie
Website https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/adult-and-community-education
Address: Adult and Community Education Department, School of Education, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare
MEd in Adult and Community Education - MHA92
MASTERS in Adult and Community Education
TAUGHT MASTERS (Level 9)
Duration: 1 Year (F/T)
PAC Code: MHA92
Commencing: Sept 2024
Duration: 1 Year (F/T)
PAC Code: MHA92
Commencing: Sept 2024
Application Closing Date: 30th June 2024
Introducation video to our Masters Programme by Dr Michael Murray, programme director
The MEd in Adult and Community Education is particularly suited to those who are seeking ways of understanding the connections between theoretical frameworks and the assumptions that underpin their work practices. This programme will provide the opportunity for participants to:
- Critically reflect on their experience in the field
- Develop the public debate on social justice and critical citizenship
- Have a thorough grounding and an understanding of the background to and influences on research in adult and community education
- Enable them to identify, research and write a research project/thesis.
Course Structure 90 credits made up as follows
- AD601: Advanced theories in adult and community education
- AD602: Advanced Gender Studies in Adult and Community Education
- AD603: Power, Politics and Society: Adult Education in Context
- AD604: History of Adult and Community Education
- AD605: Ethical Perspectives on Adult Education
- AD606: Critical Reflective practice in adult education
- AD610: Thesis and Research Completion in Adult and Community Education
- AD611: Research methods in ACE
- AD612: Group Supervision and Reflexive Research
Entry Requirements
Candidates must have a primary degree with a minimum grade of 2:1 in one of the social sciences (Adult Education, community work, social care, sociology, political science, economics, psychology, anthropology, education etc.) or have a minimum grade of 2:1 in the Postgraduate Diploma in Adult, Community and Further Education/the Higher Diploma in Further Education. Selection will be based on application, interview and references. Interviews will take place mid-June. The interview will include a discussion of the candidate’s proposed research topic. Should we consider late applications, late interviews will take place in August.
Minimum English language requirements: • IELTS: 6.5 minimum overall score, • TOEFL (Paper based test): 585 • TOEFL (Internet based test): 95 • PTE (Pearson): 62, Maynooth University’s TOEFL code: 8850
These are the minimum entry requirements and meeting these requirements will not guarantee an offer of entry onto the programme. Please note: The University may waive these entry conditions in certain cases.
Minimum English language requirements: • IELTS: 6.5 minimum overall score, • TOEFL (Paper based test): 585 • TOEFL (Internet based test): 95 • PTE (Pearson): 62, Maynooth University’s TOEFL code: 8850
These are the minimum entry requirements and meeting these requirements will not guarantee an offer of entry onto the programme. Please note: The University may waive these entry conditions in certain cases.
How to Apply (Closing Date: 30th June 2024)
PAC Online application only http://www.pac.ie/maynoothuniversity, please use PAC Code: MHA92
The following documents should be uploaded to your online application form:
Certified copies of all official transcripts of results for all non-Maynooth University qualifications listed MUST accompany the application. Failure to do so will delay your application being processed.
Non-Maynooth University students are asked to provide two academic references and a copy of birth certificate or valid passport.
Contact:
Programme Director: Dr Michael Murray T:+353 1 708 3591 E: michael.j.murray@mu.ie
Programme Director: Angela McGinn T:+353 1 708 3601 E: angela.mcginn@mu.ie
Programme Administrator: Rose Gallagher T:+353 1 708 3937 E: rose.gallagher@mu.ie
Website: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/adult-and-community-education
Address: Adult and Community Education Department, School of Education, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare
MEd in Adult Guidance & Counselling - MHA51
M.ED.(ADULT GUIDANCE COUNSELLING)
TAUGHT MASTERS (9)
Duration 1 Year (P/T)
PAC code: MHA51
Commencing: Sept 2024
Application Closing Date: 30th June 2024
The MEd in Adult Guidance Counselling is designed to meet the learning needs of Guidance Counselling practitioners who seek to build on their initial guidance qualification and develop their capacity to engage in critical reflection on their practice and contribute to the profession.
This programme is particularly suited to those who are seeking theoretical frameworks from which to explore and critique the assumptions that underpin their professional practices.
The course is intended to meet the learning needs of guidance practitioners who work across a variety of settings e.g. prison system, disability, labour market services, adult educational guidance services and private practice.
Career Options
The course is intended to enhance the professional capacities of guidance practitioners who work across a variety of settings and deepen their critical engagement with the theoretical fields that enrich their guidance practice.
Course Structure
Full details availalbe on Course Finder: link: http://apps.maynoothuniversity.ie/courses/?TARGET=QS&MODE=VIEW&QUALIFICATION_CODE=MEDADC&YEAR=2019&TARGET_SOURCE=CS#ANCHOR_SEARCH
Entry Requirements
MEd in Adult Guidance Counselling - MHA51 requires a minimum 2:2 in a Post Graduate Diploma in Adult Guidance Counselling or equivalent and 3 years’ experience in the field.
Interview: An opportunity to discuss potential research topic which forms part of the recruitment process.
Minimum English language requirements: please visit Maynooth University International Office website for information about English language tests accepted and required scores. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and non-EU applicants.
Maynooth University’s TOEFL code is 8850
How to Apply
PAC Online application only http://www.pac.ie/maynoothuniversity, please use PAC Code: MHA51
The following documents should be uploaded to your online application form:
Certified copies of all official transcripts of results for all non-Maynooth University qualifications listed MUST accompany the application. Failure to do so will delay your application being processed.
Non-Maynooth University students are asked to provide two academic references and a copy of birth certificate or valid passport.
Contact:
Programme Director: Dr Mary Ryan: T: +353 (0) 1 708 3750 E: mary.ryan@mu.ie
Programme Director: Dr David Mc Cormack: T: +353 (0)1 708 3947 E: david.mccormack@mu.ie
Programme Administrator: Rose Gallagher T:+353 1 708 3937 E: rose.gallagher@mu.ie
Website: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/adult-and-community-education
Address: Adult and Community Education Department, School of Education, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare
Higher Diploma in Further Education - MHA90 (Full Time)
Closing Date 30th May 2024.
Our Higher Diploma in Further Education is a professional teaching qualification in further education. It provides student teachers with the theoretical knowledge and the practical and reflective skills required to confidently work in further education settings.
The central focus of this programme is on enabling the student to develop a repertoire of pedagogical skills and to adopt a professional, self-analytical and reflective approach to teaching in further education. This opportunity for self-appraisal and self-development is further facilitated by the advice and guidance made available by the supervisory team during teaching practice.
Full Course details can be found on the following link: Higher Diploma in Further Education (FT) 2024 - 2025
- MHA90 - 1 Year Full Time link:
Or contact hdfe@mu.ie for further information.
Candidates are required to have a level 8 primary degree. Those without a level 8 primary degree are required to submit full transcripts of all degrees (including masters) along with module titles and descriptors so that they may apply for RPL (recognition of prior learning).
The Higher Diploma in Further Education is made up of three areas of professional development:
- Foundation Disciplines of Adult and Further Education
- Professional Studies
- Teaching Practice
Applications may be made through PAC https://pacapply.com/ using code MHA90.
The closing date for the next point of entry (September 2024) is 30th May 2024.
Registration with the Teaching Council of Ireland
Candidates are responsible for checking their own eligibility to register with the Teaching Council of Ireland separate from their application to Maynooth University for the Higher Diploma in Further Education. Candidates are required to contact the Teaching Council of Ireland for further information as applicants are dealt with on an individual basis.
Applicants wishing to register as a teacher in the Further Education sector must meet the requirements set out in the Teaching Council Ireland FE Regulations
Closing Date 30th May 2024.
Diploma/Postgraduate Diploma in Arts, Adult Guidance Counselling - MHA55/MHA57
Closing date 30th June 2024.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Adult Guidance Counselling) MHA55 / Diploma in Arts (Adult Guidance Counselling) MHA57 is designed to serve as a training course for people working with adults in a guidance counselling setting, providing information, advice guidance and placement services.
The emphasis of the course is on the development of the key communication and relationship skills and competencies that underpin the practice of Adult Guidance.
The course also aims to work towards the development of an understanding of core concepts and ideas concerning marginalisation, exclusion and adult career development. The personal development and self-awareness of the participants underpins the course.
Closing Date 30th June 2024. Applications online https://v2.pac.ie/institute/2 use course code MHA55 for Postgraduate Diploma OR MHA57 for Diploma option.
Contact Maggie Noone at Adult Guidance Courses adultguidancecourses@mu.ie
Higher Diploma in Further Education Part Time (MHA91)
Closing Date 30th June 20234.
The Higher Diploma in Further Education (part-time) 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. You will attend Maynooth University one day per week from 10am-4pm. Successful applicants must also complete a placement that incorporates 130 hours teaching practice.
Full Course details can be found on the following link:
Higher Diploma in Further Education (PT) 2024-2026
Graduates are eligible to register with the Teaching Council of Ireland (route 3).
How do I apply?
The only way to apply is online through a system called PAC https://v2.pac.ie/institute/2 and use the course code MHA91. Your application will be assessed, and you will be called for interview. We are accepting applications now so please get in touch as soon as you can. The final date for applications is 30 June 2024. PLEASE NOTE PLACES ARE LIMITED
Contact hdfe@mu.ie for further information.