Adult Continuing Education

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UCC Main Quad — See All Part-time Programmes

Register your interest now for programmes commencing in 2026

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Springboard+ Funded Programmes

Adult Continuing Education (ACE) has been offering part-time education programmes to Cork, Munster, and beyond since 1946 and is proud to celebrate over 75 years of educational services to the community.

Courses Open Now for Application

Programmes commencing in January and February 2026 are now open for applications. Most of our programmes starting in September, are now also accepting expressions of interest.Click here to see which programmes are currently open and accepting applications.

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Welcome from the Director

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Part Time Courses

Adult Continuing Education at UCC offers part-time programmes for adult learners. We offer programmes from levels 6-9. Our part-time programmes are the perfect opportunity to upskill or reskill in a flexible way. In addition to our in-person and blended delivery programmes, we also offer online courses so that you can study remotely from work, home or even a different country.

Arts, Culture & Heritage

Community, Diversity & Inclusion

Cross-Sector Personal & Professional Development

Education Sector

Environment & Sustainability

Food Sector

Manufacturing, (Bio)Pharma & Engineering Sectors

Psychology, Mental Health & Neurodiversity

Support for Adult Learners

Thinking about our programmes but feeling a bit unsure about your capability? Don’t worry, you are not alone, and there’s plenty of support available. As an ACE student, you’ll have access to the UCC Skills Centre with free dedicated sessions designed just for adult learners including digital skills, study skills and more. You can also book one-to-one sessions with friendly tutors, drop in for quick advice, or even get feedback on your essay structure and style.

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ACE News

22 Jan 2026

Team Spotlight: Gwen Roche

If you have ever contacted Adult Continuing Education (ACE) at University College Cork (UCC) with a question about courses, applications, or returning to education, there’s a good chance Gwen Roche was the first person you spoke to.

19 Dec 2025

Dr Lyndsey El Amoud recognised for social impact at Fáilte Ireland Ambassador Awards

UCC Deputy Director of Adult Continuing Education (ACE), Dr Lyndsey El Amoud, has received the Social Impact Sustainability Spotlight Award at the Fáilte Ireland Ambassador Recognition Awards.

19 Dec 2025

Irish Traveller Rights Advocate Anne Burke Awarded UCC's Bertram Windle Award 2025

Anne Burke, Traveller Rights Advocate has been awarded the 2025 Adult Continuing Education (ACE) annual Bertram Windle Award at University College Cork (UCC) .

11 Dec 2025

Certificates Presented to students from Dillon’s Cross Project, Cork Migrant Centre and Cork Alliance

Learners from two important community education programmes were celebrated this morning at a certificate presentation event held in the North Wing Council Room in UCC. The occasion marked the achievements of participants from the Dillon’s Cross Project who completed the Introduction to Addiction Studies programme and participants from Cork Alliance and Cork Migrant Centre who completed the Certificate in Continuing Professional Development in Community-Based Mentoring.

The most enjoyable learning experience I have ever had. I never felt more challenged but I enjoyed that. I cannot understand why I did not do this earlier in my life."

Graduate from DePuy Synthes

For over 10 years, I have attended short courses run by ACE at UCC. All courses met my needs in providing intellectual stimulation and meeting like-minded people. I found the courses excellent."

Mary McCarthy, Skibbereen

When I was offered the place on the course I was thrilled, it was the perfect opportunity to learn new skills and make myself more employable. I now run my own business and have so much confidence."

Maeve Aherne O'Neill

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I found the course very do-able, even though I have a full time job & children...there was loads of time given to complete assignments and the feedback from each of them was clear and easy to follow.

Martha B.

Diploma in Disability Studies Graduate

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