Contact Details

NUI, Maynooth

Department of Adult & Community Education, Maynooth
Kildare Republic of Ireland

Tel: 01-7084500
Fax: 01-628 9370
Email: adcomed@nuim.ie
Web: adulteducation.nuim.ie

Who we are

The Department of Adult and Community Education has a long tradition and commitment of providing and developing a wide range of courses at local level. Over the years this outreach continuing education programme has grown and developed in response to the changing needs of adult learners.

The role of continuing education courses is to provide third level learning opportunities for adults, which are flexible and part-time. They are designed particularly for those without previous third level education. They are underpinned by a belief that adults learn best when the learning is meaningful, relevant, accessible and applicable.

Methodology

We believe that it is vital that the methodology is learner-centred and that participants have a stimulating learning experience. Therefore, these courses aim to ensure that participants -

• are involved in the process of learning
• have their learning needs incorporated into the design and delivery of the course
• know that their experience and skills inform the curriculum
• are encouraged to reflect critically and take responsibility for their own learning

The courses are offered at NUI Certificate and NUI Diploma levels and carry credits as part of the European Credit Transfer System. Therefore, it is possible for students to progress in a systematic way from a course at NUI Certificate / Diploma level to a primary degree.

The NUI Certificate courses generally require 100 hours of class contact over a one year period. Classes are of up to three hours duration and some courses are conducted over weekends. In 2005 approximately 2000 adult students completed an NUI certificate course from the range of courses provided.