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General Information

Open Learning Programmes

• Foundation Diploma in Training and Education (NFQ Level 7 credits awarded)
  

The undergraduate programme offers a planned sequence of courses (Certificate, Diploma) leading to a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Training and Education (Level 8, NQAI).

• Certificate in Training and Education – Year I
  
  
• Diploma in Arts (Training and Education) – Year II
  
  
• Bachelor of Arts (Training and Education) – Year III
  
  
• Bachelor of Arts (Training and Education) – Year IV

These innovative courses combine open learning and face-to-face methods of delivery. The medium of open learning allows participants to study at a time, place and pace which suit their individual circumstances. Attendance at course workshops, which are held at various locations throughout the country, provides the opportunity to meet with course tutors and other course participants. Normally, a one-year programme consists of five self-instructional modules, workshops, assignments and a project. All modules are written in high-quality open learning format and include activities and progress checks allowing participants to monitor their understanding and progress.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must normally have reached 21 years of age on January 1st of the calendar year of entry. Applicants under 21 years of age must satisfy the Matriculation requirements of the National University of Ireland, Galway.

Applicants should also have appropriate experience in a training or educational organisation and must be in a position to undertake assignments and work-based projects relating to practical aspects of training or education. 

Applicants will be expected to have basic computer skill competence and should have access to the internet.

Course Fees

The course fees for 2009/2010 are as follows:

Years I – IV	€2,900 per annum
Masters Programme	€3,700 – Year 1 €4,200 – Year 2
Foundation Diploma	€950

Where course fees are being sponsored by employers, the university will facilitate appropriate payment arrangements with students/employers involved. Payment by bank giro is acceptable.

Tax Relief: Students undertaking certain courses of two or more years’duration may be eligible for tax relief under Section 7, Finance Act, 1997. (All enquiries in relation to tax relief should be directed to your local Inspector of Taxes.) 

Scholarship

Fees Scholarship Programme 2009/2010 now available for the recently unemployed.

Scholarship Form and details

Payment Procedures

Year I
A non-refundable course fee deposit of €500 must accompany the application form. 50% of the remaining course fee, the first installment, (€1,200) must then be paid before August 1st, 2009 and the remaining 50%, the second installment, (€1,200) will become due at the end of January 2010.

Years II – IV
50%, the first installment, (€1,450) of the course fee should be paid by the 1st of August 2009 and the remaining 50%, the second installment, (€1,450) becomes due at the end of January 2010.

Foundation Diploma
A course fee deposit of €100 must accompany the application form. Unsuccessful applicants will be refunded this fee. The remaining course fee (€850) must then be paid before the first workshop.

Enrolment and Registration

Applicants must complete an NUI, Galway Open Learning Centre application form to be submitted by post to the course administrator.

Registration will be arranged following confirmation of acceptance.

Course Structures and Assessment

Each course comprises a number of modules, detailed in this prospectus.

Course assessment generally takes the form of continuous assessment but may also include written examinations. Continuous assessment methods include written assignments, end of year projects and/or practical assignments.

Workshops

Participants will be required to attend module-related workshops guided by tutors from NUI, Galway.

Workshop locations are selected to be geographically accessible for students. Locations in recent years have included Dublin, Limerick, Cork, Kilkenny, Kildare, Sligo, Donegal, Kerry, Waterford and Galway. Workshop locations may change from year to year.

Student Support

NUI, Galway personnel, tutors and course administrators provide a high level of support to students throughout the programme. Individual tuition and assistance is available during workshops.

Students are encouraged to create their own informal support groups and networks with other students.

Certification

Successful participants will be conferred with an NUI, Galway Certificate, Diploma or Degree as appropriate.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process that allows students to gain exemptions/credit on a programme of study based on demonstrated learning achieved prior to admission.

Applicants to Year 1 of the BA in Training and Education programme may wish to apply for module exemptions in accordance with the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning policy.

What is Prior Learning?
Prior Learning is learning which has taken place, but not necessarily been assessed or measured, prior to admission and acceptance to a programme of study. The learning can be certified or experiential. 

What is Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL)?
Where an applicant has already been awarded certification for a formal programme taken at another institution or training organisation, this prior learning can be recognised and may entitle the applicant to exemptions from some parts of a programme.

What is Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL)?
This involves the awarding of credit for learning from experience, i.e. learning which has not previously been academically accredited.  In this case, the applicant must prove that the required learning outcomes have been achieved. This proof can then be used to support a claim for exemption.  As a general principle, credit is given for learning, not for experience per se.

What is involved in the RPL process?
The RPL process is based on the practice of applicants preparing and submitting a learning portfolio to the University. This is a record of learning achievements, skills and competencies, relevant to the particular programme of study or module in question. The focus is on the achievements of learning rather then on the learning process itself.

For further information on the RPL application process please contact the Open Learning Centre.

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