The Department for the Economy (DfE), in cooperation with the Northern Ireland Office and the Department of Finance, is supporting a limited number of fully funded places on a range of professional development and postgraduate courses at Stranmillis University College. The funding is part of the DfE Skill-Up programme in Northern Ireland to support the Northern Ireland education and training workforce.
SKILL UP POSTGRADUATE COURSES
Stranmillis University College delighted to be offering a range of courses funded by Skill Up for 2025/2026.
Available programmes include Postgraduate Certificates plus stand alone modules within our Masters programmes. Information on each can be found within the content page. Students can study up to 60 CATs (normally 2 modules) maximum, under Skill Up in an academic year.
How do you study?
You can study completely online or in a blended learning manner specific to your choice of programme. Online learning is supported by weekly contact through the College’s virtual learning platform. Library access and all content is available online also. You are also welcome to visit us on campus if you prefer.
Contact time
Classes are normally held once weekly (in the evening) via the College’s virtual learning environment – Canvas. Days will be agreed in advance of the programmes/modules, with plenty of notice for study. We will also record all components of the programme for anyone who cannot attend on a particular evening.
Who will be teaching me?
You will be taught, assessed and supported by an exceptional team of internationally recognised, research-led and experienced practitioners. Our staff are practitioners as well as researchers, offering a unique interactive learning experience.
How will I be assessed?
There are no written examinations. Modules are assessed by coursework. This brings a real-work experience to the course, facilitated by tutors.
Entitlement
Students who accumulate 60 CAT points, will graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate (Education).
Students who accumulate 30 CAT points on a module can continue on with study at Postgraduate level.
Please note that Postgraduate Certificate (Education) courses do not give you Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Stranmillis University College is delighted to offer the following programmes under the Skill Up Programme for 25/26.
For further information on specific module or course content, please click on the relevant links below. Please note that, to apply for Skill Up funding, you MUST apply by clicking on the Skill Up application link at the top of this page
Postgraduate Certificates:
- PG Cert (Education) Digital Skills
- PG Cert (Education) STEM Education
- PG Cert (Education) Leading Skills Development
M-Level postgraduate modules available within the following Masters routes in 25/26:
Please click on the above to programmes to find out more information.
Application for admission to these funded programmes should be made by clicking the 'apply now tab' on the top of the page. Please note this application is for new students only. Due to high demand for these courses you are advised to apply as soon as possible.
Please note that submitting an application does not mean that you will be awarded a place on the course. Applicants will normally hold a relevant 2:2 Honours degree or above in a related discipline.
Applicants who do not meet those requirements above may be considered on an individual basis, where there is evidence of relevant experience. A short listing process, using the selection criteria on the application form, will take place after the closing date. additionally, you may have to attend an interview to assess your suitability to undertake M-level study. All applicants will be contacted in due course on whether they have been successfully in being awarded a place on the programme.
ELIGIBILITY
The Skill Up programme will be accessible to all groups, those in employment and those unemployed. The programme will seek to encourage participants from various socio-economic, academic and non-academic backgrounds. Participants will be able to avail of free courses and accredited qualifications, which will improve their skills, benefitting their employment opportunities and enhancing Northern Ireland’s continuously growing and diversifying economy.
- over 18 years of age,
- eligible to work in Northern Ireland.
- ‘settled’ in Northern Ireland, and has been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least three years; or is a person who has indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK.
Please note: the deadline for applications is 5pm on Monday 4th August 2025. Applications received after this date will be treated on a case by case basis, depending upon availability of places.
Tuition Fees
As part of Skill Up, the programmes, modules and courses are fully funded for successful applicants.
For applicants who are not successful in being awarded Skill Up Funding the fees are:
| 2025 - 26 MEd /MA ECS/ MTeach | CATS Points | NI/ROI | GB | EU Other* | International |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate per module | 30 | £1,217 | £1,542 | £3,584 | £3,584 |
| Dissertation Module | 60 | £2,434 | £3,084 | £7,168 | £7,168 |
| Full-Time Course | 180 | £7,300 | £9,250 | £21,500 | £21,500 |
Additional Course Costs
The course is supported by a fully online library at Stranmillis and Queens University. You will have access to thousands of ebooks and ejournals in support of your study with us. Library and writing inductions will be supported for all online and new students.
The Department for the Economy (DfE), in cooperation with the Northern Ireland Office and the Department of Finance, is supporting a limited number of fully funded places on a range of professional development and postgraduate courses at Stranmillis University College. The funding is part of the DfE Skill-Up programme in Northern Ireland to support the Northern Ireland education and training workforce.
SKILL UP POSTGRADUATE COURSES
Stranmillis University College delighted to be offering a range of courses funded by Skill Up for 2025/2026.
Available programmes include Postgraduate Certificates plus stand alone modules within our Masters programmes. Information on each can be found within the content page. Students can study up to 60 CATs (normally 2 modules) maximum, under Skill Up in an academic year.
How do you study?
You can study completely online or in a blended learning manner specific to your choice of programme. Online learning is supported by weekly contact through the College’s virtual learning platform. Library access and all content is available online also. You are also welcome to visit us on campus if you prefer.
Contact time
Classes are normally held once weekly (in the evening) via the College’s virtual learning environment – Canvas. Days will be agreed in advance of the programmes/modules, with plenty of notice for study. We will also record all components of the programme for anyone who cannot attend on a particular evening.
Who will be teaching me?
You will be taught, assessed and supported by an exceptional team of internationally recognised, research-led and experienced practitioners. Our staff are practitioners as well as researchers, offering a unique interactive learning experience.
How will I be assessed?
There are no written examinations. Modules are assessed by coursework. This brings a real-work experience to the course, facilitated by tutors.
Entitlement
Students who accumulate 60 CAT points, will graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate (Education).
Students who accumulate 30 CAT points on a module can continue on with study at Postgraduate level.
Please note that Postgraduate Certificate (Education) courses do not give you Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Stranmillis University College is delighted to offer the following programmes under the Skill Up Programme for 25/26.
For further information on specific module or course content, please click on the relevant links below. Please note that, to apply for Skill Up funding, you MUST apply by clicking on the Skill Up application link at the top of this page
Postgraduate Certificates:
- PG Cert (Education) Digital Skills
- PG Cert (Education) STEM Education
- PG Cert (Education) Leading Skills Development
M-Level postgraduate modules available within the following Masters routes in 25/26:
Please click on the above to programmes to find out more information.
Application for admission to these funded programmes should be made by clicking the 'apply now tab' on the top of the page. Please note this application is for new students only. Due to high demand for these courses you are advised to apply as soon as possible.
Please note that submitting an application does not mean that you will be awarded a place on the course. Applicants will normally hold a relevant 2:2 Honours degree or above in a related discipline.
Applicants who do not meet those requirements above may be considered on an individual basis, where there is evidence of relevant experience. A short listing process, using the selection criteria on the application form, will take place after the closing date. additionally, you may have to attend an interview to assess your suitability to undertake M-level study. All applicants will be contacted in due course on whether they have been successfully in being awarded a place on the programme.
ELIGIBILITY
The Skill Up programme will be accessible to all groups, those in employment and those unemployed. The programme will seek to encourage participants from various socio-economic, academic and non-academic backgrounds. Participants will be able to avail of free courses and accredited qualifications, which will improve their skills, benefitting their employment opportunities and enhancing Northern Ireland’s continuously growing and diversifying economy.
- over 18 years of age,
- eligible to work in Northern Ireland.
- ‘settled’ in Northern Ireland, and has been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least three years; or is a person who has indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK.
Please note: the deadline for applications is 5pm on Monday 4th August 2025. Applications received after this date will be treated on a case by case basis, depending upon availability of places.
Tuition Fees
As part of Skill Up, the programmes, modules and courses are fully funded for successful applicants.
For applicants who are not successful in being awarded Skill Up Funding the fees are:
| 2025 - 26 MEd /MA ECS/ MTeach | CATS Points | NI/ROI | GB | EU Other* | International |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate per module | 30 | £1,217 | £1,542 | £3,584 | £3,584 |
| Dissertation Module | 60 | £2,434 | £3,084 | £7,168 | £7,168 |
| Full-Time Course | 180 | £7,300 | £9,250 | £21,500 | £21,500 |
Additional Course Costs
The course is supported by a fully online library at Stranmillis and Queens University. You will have access to thousands of ebooks and ejournals in support of your study with us. Library and writing inductions will be supported for all online and new students.