Framework Masters in Diversity and Inclusion in Further Education and Training

Is This Course for Me?

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

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.

Course 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 comprising 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 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 Delivery:

• The Framework Qualifications 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.

Programme Team:

Dr Joanne Banks

Dr Joanne Banks is an Assistant Professor in the School of Education, Trinity College Dublin and Programme Director of the Framework Qualifications in 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 Framework Qualifications in 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 for the Framework Qualifications in Diversity and Inclusion in Further Education and Training Programme.

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

Course Sponsorship

For the coming academic year (24/25), 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. 

Course Fees 2024-25