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Maynooth University

1 Floor School of Education, North Campus Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Maynooth, Kildare, Republic of Ireland

Maynooth University is a constituent university of the National University of Ireland. It is located in Maynooth, County Kildare, Ireland. It is Ireland’s youngest university, having been founded by the Universities Act, 1997 from the secular faculties of the now separate St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, which was founded in 1795.

Maynooth University’s Department of Adult and Community Education (DACE) is the only specialist academic department for the education of adults in Ireland.  We have been working with adults for 40 years. In that time we have worked with thousands of people who are living proof that one is never too old to learn.  We have a range of courses designed to cater to the needs and wants of people from all walks of life and all educational backgrounds; from people who left school with no formal qualifications and are seeking to re-enter formal education; to those who have completed degrees and post-graduate degrees to doctorate level programmes and who are seeking Continuing Professional Development and Improved Practice.

More than anything else students who have undertaken our courses comment on the transformative nature of the discipline.  Adult Education is a powerful tool for personal, organisational and societal change.  Some of the methods used include small group discussion based learning where students are encouraged to engage with the subject or a problem by bringing the full extent of their own knowledge and experience to deepen the level of critical analysis. Skilled Adult Education facilitators accompany the group learning process and guide the students towards better understanding their own life world through promoting individual personal reflection.  And so Adult Education creates dynamic learning environments in which participation is a key ingredient for exploring  real life issues regarding human relationships, social and political issues in terms of social justice, equality, democracy and diversity.

DACE has a long tradition and commitment of providing and developing a wide range of courses both On Campus and at local level. Over the years our 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.  Some, such as our Return to Learning courses, are designed particularly for those without previous third level education but who are considering re-entering education at this time of their life or their career. Others answer more direct needs of the individual and society such as our Addiction Studies or Community Development and Leadership courses.  Our Training and Continuing Education certificate (Level 7) has become widely recognised as the Train the Trainer course par excellence.  All of our courses are underpinned by a belief that adults learn best when the learning and courses are meaningful, relevant, accessible and applicable.

Wherever you start you will find that there are paths to progression onto other courses across a wide variety of academic disciplines. So whether you are looking to increase your career prospects by gaining a university qualification or you are just curious about the world in which we live, we’ve got just the course to capture your imagination!

Addiction Studies

The aim of this course is to provide participants with a broad overview of key theoretical frameworks in relation to substance misuse and dependence, and to enable them to develop basic helping and intervention skills. This course focuses on introducing participants to current debates on addiction. On completion, participants will have become familiar with contemporary…


Adult education is a transformative and powerful tool for change. Impacting positively on the lives of those who participate, their wider communities and society as a whole, adult education provides a platform for radical and progressive thinking. The Certificate in Adult and Community Education, delivered by experienced and dedicated tutors, introduces research based teaching and…

Certificate Adult Guidance, Theory and Practice

The course had been developed by the Department of Adult and Community Education, Maynooth University in collaboration with stakeholders in the field of Adult Guidance. The course will begin to address the needs of those working in a guidance capacity with adult learners, unemployed and disadvantaged adults and those exploring career options. It will introduce…

NUI Cert. in Adult and Community Education

Adult education is a transformative and powerful tool for change. Impacting  positively on the lives of those who participate, their wider communities and society as a whole, adult education provides a platform for radical and progressive thinking. The Certificate in Adult and Community Education, delivered by experienced and dedicated tutors, introduces research based teaching and…

Return to Learning (Access Programme)

The Department of Adult and Community Education in Maynooth University takes a very different approach to teaching and learning than a lot of people will have encountered through their previous educational experiences. We value the knowledge that people bring with them from their everyday life and work with the student to bring them through the…

Classical Studies

This programme is designed to provide graduates with in-depth study of specific topics within the field of Classics, and a set of research skills appropriate to work at this level.

Classics

This is a two-year programme, designed to provide graduates with in-depth study in Classics and with the skills necessary for carrying out research in the field. The study of ancient Greek or Latin is compulsory in the first year, and may be continued in the second; prior knowledge of the language is not required.

Classics - Research

The research programme equips students with the necessary skills in research, academic writing, and the ancient languages, along with any other specialist training required for their particular project. Above all, the Department aims to provide the opportunity for students to pursue their own specific research interests, working independently under the supervision of members of staff…

Certificate in Disability Studies

Disability Studies is a unique course for people working or wanting to be employed in the disability sector. It attracts both disabled and non-disabled students eager to understand oppression, exclusion and the politics of disability. The course is delivered in a participative way through a series of intertwining modules. The modules enable students to understand…

Economics / Finance - Research

The four year programme of study includes, in the first and possibly subsequent years, reading courses, taught courses, generalist and specialist skills seminars; while the second, third and the fourth years of the programme are dedicated primarily to research skills development and independent research.

Certificate in Directing for Theatre

The Certificate in Directing for Theatre is a practical course taught by Irish professional directors. It focuses on methods, tips and techniques, application of theory and practice. Working with actors; Introduction to Stanislavski; Introduction to Viewpoints; Actioning and working with text; Devising new material for performance; Introduction to Physical Composition and Movement Theory; Site specific…

NUI Cert. in Psychology Level 7 Clane

This Maynooth University NUI Certificate level course is designed to provide participants with the opportunity to develop an understanding of psychology and to explore its relevance to the individual, family, community and society. Upon successful completion of this course students should be able to: Understand the main psychological theories and schools and their contribution to…

NUI Cert. in Psychology Level 7 Cork

This Maynooth University NUI Certificate level course is designed to provide participants with the opportunity to develop an understanding of psychology and to explore its relevance to the individual, family, community and society Upon successful completion of this course students should be able to: Understand the main psychological theories and schools and their contribution to…

NUI Cert. in Psychology Level 7 Roscommon

This Maynooth University NUI Certificate level course is designed to provide participants with the opportunity to develop an understanding of psychology and to explore its relevance to the individual, family, community and society. Upon successful completion of this course students should be able to: Understand the main psychological theories and schools and their contribution to…

Certificate in Local History

This Certificate level course is offered by the Department of History, Maynooth University. The course examines the ‘local dimension of Ireland’s past’.  The course aims to provide participants interested in local history with an opportunity to obtain formal training in the subject. This course sets out to provide students with a methodological approach to the…

Night Time Degree for Adults BA Local Studies

NUI Maynooth offer this upcoming Night Time Degree BA Local Studies course. The BA in Local Studies is specifically designed for adult students who are interested in pursuing a part-time evening degree in the Arts/Humanities. This flexible degree has been developed for people who are busy with work, family and daily life. If you are interested…

NUI Cert. in Psychology Level 7 Dublin (Baldoyle) Pobalscoil Neasáin

This Maynooth University NUI Certificate level course is designed to provide participants with the opportunity to develop an understanding of psychology and to explore its relevance to the individual, family, community and society. Have you ever wondered why people behave as they do or whether a career in psychology might be for you? This Level…

Certificate in Feminist Studies and Social Activism

This course is a hands-on, participatory programme that recognises diversity in learning styles.  It is an openly political and politicising programme that uses feminist methods to focus on economic, social and cultural dimensions.  It also asks critical questions about feminism which isn’t always a force for good.  This course is designed for people who are…

Night Time Degree for Adults BA Community Studies

The BA in Community Studies (Social Sciences) is specifically designed for adult students who are interested in pursuing a part-time degree at night. This flexible degree has been developed for people who are busy with work, family and daily life.  If you are interested in Community work, addiction and recovery, Youth studies, history, politics, development, adult…

NUI Certificate in Equality Studies Online

The course will provide students with the knowledge and understanding needed to deal effectively with issues of equality and diversity in the workplace in a rapidly changing Ireland. The course will equip practitioners with the competence to become professional trainers in this challenging area in order to contribute to the development of socially inclusive workplaces.…

Certificate in Training and Continuing Education (Train the Trainer Level 7)

The NUI Certificate in Training and Continuing Education (Train the Trainer Level 7) has been developed by a team of adult educators, HR and training professionals, and organisational psychologists. It focuses on delivering a high quality, relevant and widely recognised training qualification using a blend of face to face workshops and online learning. This course…

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Maynooth University
1 Floor School of Education
North Campus Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Maynooth, Kildare
Republic of Ireland
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