University of Galway – Adult Learning
The Centre for Adult Learning & Professional Development, Nuns Island, Galway
About
The Centre for Adult Learning & Professional Development at the University of Galway offers flexible part-time, evening, and professional courses across multiple disciplines. Courses are delivered through online, blended, and classroom-based formats to support learners who are balancing study with work and life commitments. Courses and Study Options Education options span introductory to advanced levels, with credit-bearing options and short upskilling routes. Typical offerings include:
- Part-time Certificates, Diplomas & Degrees: Structured pathways designed for working adults.
- Professional & CPD Courses: Short, targeted skill development aligned to industry needs.
- Micro-credentials: Modular, stackable units for focused learning and evidence of competence.
- Springboard+: Subsidised upskilling opportunities in areas of skills demand.
- Short Courses: Personal and professional development options across a variety of subjects.
Delivery modes: online learning, blended learning, and on-campus, classroom-based teaching.
Subject Areas
- Business & Management
- Science & Technology
- Arts & Social Sciences
- Information Technology
- Health Promotion
- Training & Education
Courses are designed with adult learners in mind, combining academic foundations with practical, workplace-relevant skills.
Career Opportunities and Outcomes Graduates typically use these qualifications to:
- Upskill or reskill for progression within their current organisation.
- Change career paths into areas such as project coordination, people management, data and digital roles, community development, or education support.
- Meet professional CPD requirements in fields like health promotion, construction, AI and training.
- Build portfolio careers by stacking micro-credentials toward a larger award over time.
Employers value the emphasis on applied learning, reflective practice, and flexible study that fits around work schedules.
Learning Approach
- Flexible pacing with evening, weekend, and online components.
- Blended assessment methods suited to adult learners.
- Opportunities to contextualise assignments for workplace relevance.
- Access to university support services and learning resources.
Courses at University of Galway – Adult Learning
- Arts and Humanities
Irish Studies Online (Diploma)
This online course is an interdisciplinary introduction to Irish Studies, developed by the Centre for Irish…
- Duration
- Two years, part-time
- Business and Accounting
Business Studies Online (Higher Diploma)
The Higher Diploma in Business Studies (part-time) is designed to provide non-business graduates with a…
- Duration
- 2 years, part-time
- Next start
- Manufacturing
Sustainability of Manufacturing Systems (Diploma)
The Diploma in Sustainability of Manufacturing equips students to work in the important field of sustainable…
- Duration
- 1 year, part-time
- Business and Accounting
Business/Commerce Degree (B. Comm)
This course gives you maximum flexibility to study anytime, anywhere to achieve a Bachelor Degree in Commerce.
- Duration
- 4 years, part-time
- Next start
Is cúrsa dhá bhliain atá i gceist leis an Ard-Dioplóma sa Ghaeilge Fheidhmeach atá dírithe go príomha ar…
- Duration
- 2 bhliain (pairtaimseartha)
The aim of this course is to develop students' understanding of the written and spoken language and enable…
- Duration
- 2 years, part-time
This course is designed for individuals who have been out of the formal education system for some time and…
- Duration
- 26 weeks, part-time
- Social Studies
Community, Youth and Family Studies (Cert/Diploma/Degree)
This blended learning programme is a four-year, part-time programme in Community, Youth and Family Studies.
- Duration
- Cert: 1 year, Diploma: 2 years, Degree:
- Next start
- Business and Accounting
Business (Foundation)
This part time course with University of Galway is designed for those who have been out of the formal…
- Duration
- 26 weeks, part-time
- Manufacturing
Digitalisation of Manufacturing Processes (Diploma)
The Diploma in Digitisation of Manufacturing Processes is designed to prepare students for the evolving…
- Duration
- 1 year, part-time
The Modular Programme in Science and Technology Studies is a part-time course which focuses on the knowledge…
- Duration
- 2-4 years, part-time
- Built Environment
Construction Innovation (PDip)
The Postgraduate Diploma in Construction Innovation was developed in response to critical and proven skills…
- Duration
- 1 year, part-time
The Level 8 Certificate in Medical Technologies Regulatory Affairs and Quality provides students with an…
- Duration
- 1 year, part-time
Welcome to the Diploma in Italian Online for beginner and intermediate levels.
- Duration
- 2 years, part-time
- Built Environment
Modern Methods of Construction (PG Cert)
The Postgraduate Certificate in Modern Methods of Construction is a one-year part-time course that aims to…
- Duration
- 1 year, part-time
- Italian
Italian - Classroom (Diploma)
The Diploma in Italian introduces students to the basics of the Italian language and assists them in…
- Business and Accounting
Change Management
This online Level 8 Diploma is designed for professionals who want to build strong, practical skills in…
- Duration
- 1 year, part-time
- Manufacturing
Digitally Enabled Connected Medical Devices (Diploma)
The Diploma in Digitally Enabled Connected Medical Devices prepares students to meet industry demands by…
- Duration
- 1 year, part-time
- Manufacturing
Intelligent Manufacturing Industry 5.0 (Diploma)
The Diploma in Intelligent Manufacturing Industry 5.0 is forward-looking and provides students with key…
- Duration
- 1 year, part-time
- French
French (Diploma)
This course is open to anyone with an interest in French and who wishes to gain fluency in the language.
- Duration
- 2 years, part-time
- Manufacturing
Key Enabling Technologies (PgCert)
Key enabling technologies lead to breakthroughs where significant problems in society are resolved with a…
- Duration
- 1 year, part-time
Tá an cúrsa páirtaimseartha seo dírithe ar dhaoine a bhfuil spéis acu i gcultúr dúchais agus i mbéaloideas…
- Duration
- Dha bhliain, pairtaimseartha
- Manufacturing
Manufacturing Automation (Diploma)
The Diploma in Manufacturing Automation equips students with the skills and knowledge required to work with…
- Duration
- 1 year, part-time
- Social Studies
Social Care (Degree)
The Bachelor of Arts (Social Care) provides teaching of theoretical concepts applied to social care practice.
- Duration
- 4 years, part-time
Videos & Brochures From University of Galway – Adult Learning
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brochure Adult Learning Quick Guide
Part-time study, full-time impact! View University of Galway Adult Learning Quick Guide. Offering a wide range of part-time courses in Arts & Humanities, Languages, Business & Management, Science & Technology and Construction. University of Galway also have over 70 micro-credentials…
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video Micro-credentials at University of Galway
Nuala McGuinn, Director of the Centre for Adult Learning & Professional Development gives an overview of micro-credentials at the University of Galway and discusses their impact & value for the lifelong learner. Micro-credentials are short, flexible courses designed to fit…
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brochure Construction Innovation
Flexible Construction Innovation Courses at University of Galway