Diversity and Inclusion in Further Education and Training Framework Programme

Is This Programme for Me?

Diversity and Inclusion in Further Education and Training Framework Programme should be studied by anyone who works in the field of education and training, such as teachers, trainers, administrators, and other professionals.

Programme Aims:

• Evaluate key theory and knowledge in relation to students with diverse educational needs in a range of FET settings;
• Analyse the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and evaluate its potential to create a more inclusive environment for every student;
• Assess principles of inclusion and diversity to teaching, learning and assessment practice that meet the professional standards of FET practitioners;
• Engage in a professional dialogue with peers in the areas of diversity and inclusion that cultivates a continuous professional learning culture within the FET sector.

Programme Structure:

This part-time Programme in Diversity and Inclusion in Further Education and Training is made up of 3 independent qualifications:

1. Postgraduate Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion (Year 1): This qualification takes one year to complete part-time and comprises 30 ECTS. There are three modules in total each with face-to-face and online components:

• Module 1: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
• Module 2: Inclusive Practices using Universal Design for Learning
• Module 3: Speaking to Diversity

2. Diploma in Diversity and Inclusion in Further Education and Training (Year 2): This qualification takes one year to complete and comprises 30 ECTS. This course builds on existing knowledge developed in Year 1. There are three modules in total each with face-to-face and online components:

• Module 4: Developing Relational Expertise
• Module 5: Theorising Universal Design for Learning
• Module 6: Transformative Leadership

3. Masters in Diversity and Inclusion in Further Education and Training (Year 3): This qualification takes one year to complete and comprises the writing of a Research Dissertation of 30 ECTS. Students draw on their knowledge developed over the previous two years to inform their dissertations.

Programme Delivery:

The programme modules are:

• Universally designed,
• Part-time,
• Blended learning,
• Feature continuous assessment,
• Include personal and professional reflections,
• Feature a strong emphasis on developing Communities of Practice.

Career Opportunities:

Our graduates have progressed in their careers to inclusive leadership roles as well as academic researchers, practitioners in disability services support and management, policy and project analysts, disability advocates, inclusion practitioners and inclusive educators.

Programme Sponsorship:

For the coming academic year, applications are restricted to applicants who have been approved for sponsorship by the City of Dublin Education and Training Board, Dublin Dun Laoghaire Education and Training Board and other approved Education and Training Boards. Please do not apply for this programme unless you have this approval. Please contact your Professional Learning and Development Coordinator for clarification. 

Programme Team:

Dr Joanne Banks

Dr Joanne Banks is an Associate Professor in the School of Education, Trinity College Dublin and Programme Director of the Diversity and Inclusion in Further Education and Training Programme. Dr Banks is a lecturer and researcher in inclusive education at the School, and her research interests are in the field of inclusive education and educational inequality. She has published widely on special and inclusive education policy and practice, school exclusion, and student diversity. She is the presenter and author of the Inclusion Dialogue podcast series and books.

Dr Chelsea Whittaker

Dr Chelsea Whittaker is an Assistant Professor within the School of Education, Trinity College Dublin and Programme Coordinator of the Diversity and Inclusion in Further Education and Training Programme. She is a qualified primary school educator originally from Cape Town, South Africa. She holds degrees in the fields of Education and Psychology from the University of Cape Town and University of South Africa, and most recently completed her M.Ed. and PhD at Trinity College Dublin. She holds a deep commitment to social justice and community well-being and has a keen interest in research which examines issues of language, identity, multilingualism, language policy and practice, diversity and inclusion.

Ms Tara Kearns

Ms Tara Kearns is an Executive Officer in the School of Education, Trinity College Dublin. She is the Programme Administrator of the Diversity and Inclusion in Further Education and Training Programme.

For further information regarding this programme, contact: fetsoe@tcd.ie

Programme Reflections:

John Poole, Learner Support and Engagement Service, City of Dublin ETB

"Prior to doing the course, my personal understanding of diversity and inclusion had been almost exclusively in terms of race, language, sexual identity, religion and social class. I had scarcely given disability a second thought. The course was an eye-opener for me personally in this area."

Dr. Eva Hornung, CDU Librarian 

“The design of this programme is the outstanding feature for me because each component is a separate qualification, but it builds on knowledge gained in the previous part. You can choose to do the certificate or continue on to gain the diploma. The Master's component in year three allows you to investigate a topic of your choice in more detail. Gaining first-hand experience of devising and conducting a research project equips our staff with the confidence to tackle small scale research in their daily practice. Their work ties in with City of Dublin ETB's 2021-2025 strategy to "undertake and support research and development initiatives and share findings and learning within and beyond City of Dublin ETB so to assist the development of policy and practice in our education, training and youth services”. The CDU library actively supports the students, and we wish all of them the best of luck with their studies.”

Course Fees 2025-26

Fees are due to increase by 2.33% for academic year 26/27. Details on fees and levies are available here- https://www.tcd.ie/academicregistry/fees-and-payments/what-are-my-fees/

The first cohort of graduates of the Postgraduate Certificate in 2022