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Applications for Programmes commencing in September 2025 are now open


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Adult Continuing Education

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

Most of our programmes, starting in September, are now open for applications. However, some programmes begin at different times throughout the year. 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

Happening On 27/05/2025
21 May 2025

Myrtle Allen Memorial Lecture to examine if food can be both tasty and healthy

One of the world’s leading experts on gut health will give a free public lecture in University College Cork (UCC) at the annual Adult Continuing Education’s Myrtle Allen Memorial Lecture.   
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20 May 2025

UCC Programme Shortlisted for National Excellence in Learning Award

University College Cork (UCC) and BioPharmaChem Skillnet are delighted to announce that their collaborative programme, the Certificate in CPD: Neurodiversity in the Workplace, has been shortlisted for the prestigious 2025 L&DI Excellence in Learning Awards.  
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24 Mar 2025

Cork’S 20th Lifelong Learning Festival is Launched

Corks popular Lifelong Learning Festival was launched in Council Chambers on Friday 21st of March, with the release of a week long programme of Learning events. This year sees the 20th Cork Lifelong Learning Festival taking place from Wednesday 2nd April to Wednesday 9th of April 2025 with over 420 individual Lifelong Learning free events taking place throughout Cork city.
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06 Mar 2025

International Women’s Day: The Voices and Struggles of Traveller Women

Margaret Casey is dedicated to empowering the Travelling Community and advocating for long-term housing solutions and equality. In conjunction with the Adult Continuing Education team Mags also supports Traveller participants in studying the Diploma in Youth and Community Work in Adult Continuing Education UCC, increasing the vitally important representation of the Traveller community in third level education in Ireland.
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Student Profiles

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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Adult Continuing Education

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The Laurels, University College Cork, Western Road, Cork, T12 EH31

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