Higher Diploma in Early Years Education for the Further Education and Training (FET) Sector
This programme is restricted to those Further Education and Training (FET) learning practitioners who are currently delivering the QQI Level 5 and Level 6 FET programmes in ECCE and who wish to deliver on the Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care.
Course Overview
This 3-semester part-time programme (which runs over 18 months) has been developed in conjunction with Cork ETB. It aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of Further Education and Training (FET) learning practitioners who had previously been delivering the QQI Level 5 and Level 6 FET programmes in ECCE (Early Childhood Care and Education) for the Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and who wish to deliver on the Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care.
Career Opportunities
This programme is specifically for those in the FET sector who currently teach on QQI Level 5 and Level 6 FET programmes in ECCE (Early Childhood Care and Education) for the Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and who wish to deliver on the Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care.
Course Delivery and Modules
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This programme is delivered predominantly on-line with 8 contact hours per week and is delivered as follows:
- Live on-line lectures on Wednesday afternoons from 13.00hrs to 19.00hrs
- 2 hrs directed study/asynchronous study on Monday from 14.00hrs to 16.00hrs, which will be available for students to access at a time convenient to them.
- 2 Saturdays (09.00hrs to 16.00hrs) Face to Face (venue to be confirmed) in each semester.
- Students will also be required to undertake directed and independent study.
- The programme includes a variety of continuous assessments with no final examinations.
- Due to the blended learning delivery within this course students should have access to PC / Mac, a headset with a mic, and a broadband internet connection from home, so as to be able to fully participate in the programme.
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Semester 1 Modules
These modules will be delivered from January 2026 to June 2026.
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Semester 2 Modules
These modules will be delivered from September 2026 to January 2027.
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Semester 3 Modules
These modules will be delivered from January 2027 to June 2027.
Fees and Funding
Total course fee: €2,500 payable as follows
- Accept Offer Fee: €200 (non-refundable)
- Instalment 1 = €1050
- Instalment 2 = €1250
Fees
€2,500
Entry Requirements
- Applicants should have a Level 8 major award in a cognate discipline and currently teach on programmes designed to prepare learners for practice in the ELC sector
OR
- a Level 7 major award in a cognate discipline with a minimum of 2 years’ teaching experience on programmes designed to prepare learners for practice in the ELC sector and be currently teaching on programmes designed to prepare learners for practice in the ELC sector.
This programme is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of Further Education and Training (FET) learning practitioners who are currently delivering the QQI Level 5 and Level 6 FET programmes in ECCE (Early Childhood Care and Education) for the Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and who wish to deliver on the Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care, confirmation of applicants status may be sought from the relevant ETB.
How To Apply
Applications will open in October 2025, but you can register your interest using the button below.
Apply for this course using our online applications system as per below. You must also upload a completed Employer Support Form (.docx) to the Supplemental Items & Documents section of your online application.
Ask us a Question
If you have a question about the Higher Diploma in Early Years Education for the Further Education and Training (FET) Sector please ask it below and we will get back to you.
Ms Niamh Gaine
Programme Manager for the Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care Cork ETB
Email: niamh.gaine@corketb.ieDisclaimer: All module titles are subject to change and for indicative purposes only. All courses are delivered subject to demand and timetables are subject to change. Elective Module options will only run subject to student numbers. The relevant Department will determine the viability of each elective module option proceeding depending on the number of students who choose that option. Students will be offered alternative elective modules on their programme should their preferred elective option not be proceeding. Award Options for Common Entry Programmes: The relevant Department will determine the viability of each award option proceeding depending on the number of students who choose either option. If the numbers for one of the Award options exceed available places, students for this option will be selected based on Academic Merit (highest grades).
