The Bachelor of Arts in Adult and Further Education is a 60-credit, NFQ Level 7 add-on degree co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union. Designed as a follow-on pathway from the Level 6 Higher Certificate, the course caters to tutors, educators, and practitioners currently working across Further Education and Training (FET) settings—including adult basic education, adult literacy, and community education—as well as those seeking to enter the sector. The curriculum merges contemporary national and international educational theory with critical self-reflection, equipping participants with innovative teaching methodologies, heightened professional self-confidence, and a strong ethical framework to underpin their practice.
Practical Learning & Flexible Delivery
The programme is specifically structured to support adult learners and active educational practitioners:
Blended & Flexible Delivery: Delivered through a part-time, modular, blended learning model that combines online study with interactive, workshop-style sessions.
Collaborative & Applied Methodology: Emphasizes peer learning, collective discussion, and creative problem-solving, enabling participants to draw on their classroom experience and directly apply academic theory to their daily professional practice.
Funding & Financial Supports: Supported by specific fee structures, with a Literacy Practitioner Subsidy Scheme available for eligible applicants in literacy development or relevant adult education roles.
Coursework
The Level 7 modular curriculum covers fundamental educational theory, policy analysis, and advanced practical teaching strategies:
Educational Theory & Psychology: Exploring adult learning psychology, the nature of enquiry in adult education, and contemporary policy frameworks.
Sociological & Critical Perspectives: Analysing language, power dynamics, and social inclusion within adult and community education environments.
Practical Teaching & Curriculum Design: Advanced instruction in practical teaching skills and curriculum development for diverse adult learner cohorts.
Specialized Elective Options: Targeted electives in areas such as Blended Learning, Leadership in Adult & Further Education, Family Literacy, Adult Numeracy, Action Research, and TESOL.
Career Opportunities
Graduates earn a recognized Level 7 qualification that enhances their professional capabilities and career prospects within the FET and adult learning sectors:
Adult & Further Education Tutor / Facilitator (ETBs and SOLAS-funded settings)
Adult Basic Education & Literacy Practitioner
Community Education Developer & Facilitator
FET Programme Coordinator & Training Specialist
Direct Academic Progression to the Level 8 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Adult and Further Education or the BA (Hons) in Teaching in Adult and Further Education
Upon completion of the programme, participants hold the theoretical grounding, practical teaching expertise, and accredited Level 7 degree required to lead innovative learning environments across the adult and further education sector.
Delivery
The BA (Ord) 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 on our Waterford campus (on average 1 or 2 per month) and use of the SETU virtual learning environment (Moodle) in order to facilitate adult learners.
The programme comprises the following modules. Classes are delivered workshop style, where collective, collaborative and creative learning is strongly encouraged.
Mandatory modules
Elective modules
Nature of Enquiry in Adult & Further Education
Blended Learning (10 credits)
Psychology of Adult Learning 2
Leadership in Adult & Further Education (10 credits)
Education Policy
Family Literacy (10 credits)
Language and Power in Society
Adult Numeracy (10 credits)
Practical Teaching Skills 2
TESOL 3 (10 credits)
Curriculum Development 2 (5 credits)
Action Research (5 credits)
We accept applications for modules throughout the academic year, subject to availability on the timetable. All modules are offered subject to sufficient numbers and resources.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should hold a Higher Certificate in Arts in Literacy Development or Higher Certificate in Arts in Adult and Further Education or a relevant qualification equivalent to a full award (120 ECTS) at Level 6.
Applicants must be actively working in the Adult and Further Education & Training sector for the duration of the programme.
Applicants may be invited to attend an interview for entry to the programme.
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 more information here
Non-Standard Applications/Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Please Note: 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.
Completion of a level 8 programme will also enable students to undertake taught Masters programmes or Masters degrees by research at SETU or other third-level colleges
Career Opportunities The programme will enhance participants’ career professional competence and capabilities as adult education and further education and training (FET) tutors/practitioners. Previous graduates have gained employment in Education Training Boards (ETBs), SOLAS and other FET settings.
Progression/Further Study Opportunities On successful completion of this programme, graduates may progress to further studies at NFQ Level 8. They can choose to complete theBA (Hons) in Adult and Further Education or theBA (Hons) in Teaching in Adult and Further Education (Teaching Council Approved) in SETU, which will enhance their professional competence and capabilities as adult education tutors/practitioners. Alternatively, graduates may choose to undertake an equivalent programme in another Higher Education Institute.
Please consult our Programme Pathways Infographic below for information on further study opportunities available at Level 8 & Level 9.
