BA (Hons) in Teaching in Adult and Further Education

Code

BTAFE

Location

Waterford

Campus

College Street

Level Level 8
Duration 18 months
Credits 60
Delivery Part-time
Fees View details
Application Status Open
Next Intake Rolling Intake

The BA (Hons) in Teaching in Adult and Further Education is a 60 credit, NFQ Level 8 Honours Degree award, recognised by the Teaching Council of Ireland as the qualification for tutors/practitioners working in the adult and further education and training (FET) sector, this programme is Teaching Council-accredited. It is a follow-on to the Level 7 BA in Adult and Further Education programme. It will enhance participants' appreciation of good practice in teaching and learning and broaden their repertoire of teaching methodologies appropriate to adult and further education. Participants will develop their understanding of education systems and the challenges facing teachers and students in different FET contexts. The programme reflects the key developments and trends in contemporary teaching and learning environments, both nationally and internationally. It consists of a combination of taught modules and three blocks of professional practice. This modular programme is delivered in part-time blended mode in order to facilitate adult learners. It is usually completed within 18 months.

Professional Practice
Professional Practice (PP) Placements in authentic Adult & Further Education (AFE) settings are a key component of this programme promoting key skills in planning, teaching, reflection and evaluation. Participants are required to complete 100 hours of PP as part of their studies. (PP1 - 40 hours, PP2 and PP3 - 30 hours each). Of these, 90 hours must be solo teaching; the remaining 10 hours can be observation, co-teaching or other relevant activities. In order to satisfy the requirements of Teaching Council registration all placements must be undertaken in approved AFE settings and involve teaching groups of six or more learners on accredited courses leading to awards at NFQ Levels 1 - 6. Participants are required to arrange their own placements but support is provided by a dedicated Professional Practice Co-ordinator, who can advise on negotiating access to appropriate opportunities and on other issues related to placement. Participants may use their current workplace for PP provided it meets the criteria above and is approved by their manager.

Please note: It is the responsibility of applicants to ensure that their qualifications are acceptable for the purposes of registration as a Further Education teacher with the Teaching Council. Contact the Further Education section (www.teachingcouncil.ie)

Delivery
The BA (Hons) in Teaching in Adult & Further Education is a part-time blended learning modular programme with a flexible delivery model that facilitates the working practitioner. Traditionally, the programme is delivered through a combination of face-to-face and blended learning. Classes are delivered in weekend blocs (Friday and Saturday) on campus in SETU Waterford (on average 1 or 2 per month) and use of the SETU Waterford virtual learning environment (Moodle) in order to facilitate adult learners.

BA (Hons) in Teaching in Adult and Further Education

Programmes Fees Guide

The programme consists of a combination of taught modules and three blocks of professional practice. Professional Practice (PP) is completed in each semester of this part-time programme (40 hours in Semester 1 and 30 hours in each of Semesters 2 and 3 – a total of 100 hours). The duration of each Professional Practice Placement is usually between 6 -10 weeks and takes place in student’s current workplace if suitable. 90 of the 100 hours must be delivered as solo teaching hours, while the remaining 10 can include observation of teaching, co-teaching and other activities.

Please note: Participants must complete all mandatory modules and may choose one elective module. Choice of elective module is subject to numbers.

Year 1

Semester 1	Semester 2
Introduction to Pedagogy in Adult & Further Education 1/Practice Placement 1 (5 credits)	Critical Education Studies (5 credits)
Quality Curriculum Planning and Assessment in Practice (10 credits)	Pedagogy in Adult & Further Education 2 (5 credits)
Psychology and Learning in Further and Adult Education (5 credits)	Education, Equality & Social Inclusion (5 credits)
	Practice Placement 2 (5 credits)

Year 2

Semester 3	Semester 4
Elective - Promoting Literacies for Learning in Adult and Further Education* OR Strategic Management and Leadership in Adult and Further Education (10 credits)
Pedagogy in Adult & Further Education 3 (5 credits)
Practice Placement 3 (5 credits)

Entry Requirements

Applicants are required to hold the BA in Adult and Further Education (NFQ Level 7), BA in Community Education and Development (NFQ Level 7) OR a relevant qualification equivalent to a full award at Level 7 (180 ECTS).
Applicants must have a minimum of 18 months professional experience in the adult and further education and training (FET) sector.
Applicants must have access to a recognised educational organisation where Professional Practice (PP) placement may be carried out (100 hours).
Applicants will be called for interview. All students registered on this course must undergo a Garda vetting process through WIT.
Applicants whose primary language is not English must submit evidence of competency in English, you will need an IELTS score of 6 (minimum of 5 in each component) or equivalent. Please see here for more information

Non-Standard Applications/Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Applications for recognition of prior learning (advanced entry or exemptions) are welcomed from potential applicants who may have the appropriate level of knowledge and with significant professional experience in the FET sector. For further information on advanced entry to this programme, please contact the Course Leader Ms. Anne-Marie Cullen Email: a [email protected]

How to Apply
To apply for this programme simply click on the 'Apply Here' button. If you have any questions please contact the Course Leader Ann Marie Cullen at [email protected] or contact the LDC Office at literac[email protected]

Fees
€4,550 - Total cost.
€300 per 5 credit module, €450 per 10 credit module, €750 for Practice Placement 1, €700 for Practice Placement 2, €700 for Practice Placement 3.
Flexible payment options are in place for students who wish to pay per module etc. You may be entitled to a subsidy if you are an adult literacy practitioner or in receipt of a social welfare payment.

On successful completion of this course, graduates may progress to the NFQ Level 9 Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in Teaching in Further Education or Master of Education in Teaching and Learning or MA in Management in Education in SETU Waterford or equivalent courses in another Higher Education Institute. Please consult our Programme Pathways Infographic for further information.

There are further study opportunities available at NFQ Level 9 for those interested in carrying on with their studies to Masters level. Please consult our Programme Pathways Infographic for further information.

Completion of a level 8 programme will also enable students to undertake taught Masters programmes or Masters degrees by research at SETU Waterford or other third-level colleges