Message from the Director of Centre for Education and Lifelong Learning

Dr Leo Casey, Director of Centre for Education and Lifelong Learning at National College of Ireland.

Welcome to our learning, teaching and education programmes. 

These are interesting times in education with so many new challenges across the sectors accompanied by positive developments and opportunities. The big drivers of change such as technology, professionalisation and new workplace skills, present unique development opportunities for learning professionals. At NCI we strive to adapt and respond to the times with innovative education programmes that meet the needs of our modern economy. 

Education has the power to change our world and those who work as teachers and learning professionals make an important contribution to the betterment of society. Throughout all our programmes we espouse values such as respect, inclusion, empowerment, sustainability and social justice. Career opportunities in teaching, training, workforce development, instructional design, technology enhanced learning and early childhood education are much in demand and highly fulfilling. Our range of programmes reflect the big developments of our time.

The Early Childhood Education and Care sector is emerging as an important area of professional practice tasked with laying the foundations of learning in the very young. Our faculty are concerned not just with imparting skills and knowledge to our ECEC students but also developing professional identity and sectoral awareness. Uniquely, NCI is also a key player in the application of new approaches to education intervention through our much acclaimed Early Learning Initiative. We also work closely with colleagues in the Further Education sector and offer a number of advanced entry options to our ECEC programmes. 

The Further Education and Training (FET) sector is experiencing remarkable upheaval. Often under appreciated, the sector provides important learning opportunities for students of all ages and interests. New pathways to employment, life-skills and participation are provided by the rich array of colleges, learning and training centres. Around the country there are almost 7,000 people working as learning professionals in the various education and training boards (ETBS). Our Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in Educational Practice in Teaching for Further Education is recognised by the Teaching Council as a professional entry point for teaching in the sector. In addition we have also worked with SOLAS to develop specific short-programmes to develop technology and learning skills for ETB professionals. 

Our MA in Educational Practice programme is an opportunity for professionals to acquire advanced skills and deeper knowledge in their chosen area. It is rewarding each year to read student dissertations and to realise they are pushing the boundaries of insight and research. Whatever your area of interest we insight you to join our community of educators and to continue our learning journey.

Dr. Leo Casey 
Director of Centre for Education and Lifelong Learning
Phone: (01) 659 9210 
Email: leo.casey@ncirl.ie