Adult Literacy is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union
The Higher Certificate in Arts in Literacy Development is a 120 credit, NFQ Level 6 award aimed at current adult literacy tutors, adult and further education tutors and practitioners working or volunteering in the Further Education and Training (FET) sector. It is also suited to those wishing to pursue a career teaching or tutoring in adult basic education, FET and community education contexts. The programme, developed in conjunction with the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) is aimed at practitioners working in the field of adult literacy, community development or adult basic and further education to provide the theoretical background, practical skills and opportunity to reflect on practitioners' role in supporting adult learners experiencing literacy difficulties.
What does the programme involve? The aim of this two year programme is to create highly skilled and academically competent practitioners, to enable them to consolidate good practice. It will do this by locating the learning within a theoretical framework, giving adult literacy practitioners the tools to evaluate current scholarship in literacy. The programme has been developed in conjunction with NALA and in consultation with the ETBI to ensure that it is relevant to the current developments in the sector and that the programme consistently meets the standards required for adult literacy practitioners.
The programme achieves this by helping practitioners to: - Identify and promote good practice which has been developed by people working in the field - Explore theories which underpin different aspects of adult literacy and adult education practice - Relate theory to practice - Create meaningful links with other education sectors.
The Higher Certificate in Arts in Literacy Development is a part-time blended learning modular programme with a flexible delivery model that facilitates the working practitioner. This modular programme is delivered through a combination of face-to-face and blended learning. Classes are delivered in weekend blocks (Friday and Saturday) on the Cork Road campus in Waterford (on average one or two per month).
Year 1 Core Modules (All mandatory)
Year 2 Core Modules (All mandatory)
Introduction to Study Skills and Academic Writing
Developing Literacies 1
Introduction to Curriculum Development and Assessment
Introduction to Philosophy of Adult Education
Practical Teaching Skills
Introduction to the Psychology of Adult Learning
Developing Literacies 2*
Counselling Issues in Adult Literacy
Groupwork
Electives - Choose three from the following:
Integrating Literacy
Literacy and Society
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Education Policy Development
Reflective Practice
TESOL 1
TESOL 2
Digital Literacy
Adult Numeracy
Family Literacy
* This course has prerequisites, please refer to the module descriptions. All modules carry 10 credits and are offered subject to sufficient numbers and resources. Please note: Participants must complete all 9 mandatory modules and may choose three elective modules (30 credits). Electives will be offered subject to viability.
Total credits for Year One - 60 credit hours. Total credits for Year Two - 60 credit hours. Total Credits: 120 credit hours for an award at NFQ Level 6 - Higher Certificate in Arts in Literacy Development.
Applicants must
Have on-going experience in adult literacy for the duration of the programme and must show a capacity for third-level study.
Complete an application form and in some cases attend for interview in order to assess their suitability for the programme.
Non-Standard Applicants/Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Applicants with significant professional experience in further education may apply for exemptions using the RPL Policy. For further information on advanced entry to this programme, please contact the Course Leader Ms. Catriona Warren [email protected].
This NFQ Level 6 Award is the only nationally recognised programme designed specifically for adult literacy practitioners. Graduates from the programme have held roles including adult literacy organiser, adult literacy tutor, resource worker, adult basic education tutor.
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
Contact
Course Leader
Catriona Warren
Level 6 Programme Leader and lecturer in Pedagogy of Adult Education, Blended Learning, TESOL Literacy Development Centre & Dept -
