Skill Up
Funded Programmes

Postgraduate Certificate (Education): Digital Skills

The Postgraduate Certificate in Education: Digital Skills is a part-time programme delivered over one academic year, designed for educators seeking to enhance their digital competence. The course comprises two 30 CATS point modules: Digital Citizenship and A Curriculum Approach to Digital Skills.

This qualification supports teachers and further education practitioners in preparing for the demands of modern, digitally connected classrooms. It equips professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to lead digital transformation in schools and colleges, fostering innovation, cyber-awareness, and curriculum advancement.

Digital Citizenship

This module explores the concept of global and cyber citizenship in the 21st-century educational context. Students will investigate the development of a digital competence framework and examine how Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and neuroscience can enhance inclusivity. The module also considers the educational value of gaming for developing cognitive, creative, and collaborative skills. A critical focus is placed on evaluating cyber awareness strategies and embedding cyber citizenship within the whole-school curriculum.

A Curriculum Approach to Digital Skills

Focusing on whole-school digital development, this module addresses the digital divide and digital literacy from a curricular perspective. Students will reflect on institutional digital needs and design strategic interventions to foster digital skills—drawing from transversal skills and computational thinking frameworks. The module culminates in the creation of a school-wide plan to build digital confidence and innovation, applicable across curriculum or extracurricular contexts in response to the needs of the digital decade.

The Postgraduate Certificate in STEM Education is a one-year, part-time programme designed to support the professional development of primary educators with a passion for advancing STEM teaching and learning. Comprising two 30 CATS modules—Developing Best Practice in STEM Education and Developing Leadership Skills in STEM Education—the programme equips teachers with the knowledge, strategies, and leadership capabilities to champion STEM within their schools.

This qualification is particularly relevant for primary school teachers who wish to deepen their subject knowledge, enhance their classroom practice, and take a lead role in shaping and promoting high-quality STEM education within their educational settings.

Participantsare required to attend a hands-on Saturday session at Stranmillis University College, providing valuable opportunities for practical engagement and collaborative learning.

Developing Best Practice in STEM Education

This module explores cognitive development and learning theories related to STEM education, spanning Early Years through to Key Stage 2, with a focus on ensuring continuity during the transition to Key Stage 3. Emphasis is placed on:

• Building conceptual understanding in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
• Enhancing pupil engagement through hands-on, inquiry-based activities
• Embedding computational thinking and digital skills as integral components of STEM learning

Aligned with the General Teaching Council Northern Ireland’s vision of the reflective teacher, the module encourages critical reflection and practitioner enquiry, including the use of digital video analysis to evaluate and improve classroom practice.

Developing Leadership Skills in STEM Education

Focusing on leadership and whole-school development, this module prepares educators to plan, lead, and evaluate STEM learning across the primary curriculum. Key areas of focus include:

• Developing continuity in STEM progression from Early Years to Key Stage 3
• Addressing sustainability and climate change through innovative teaching approaches, outdoor learning, and cross-curricular integration
• Collaborating with external STEM stakeholders to enrich learning experiences

Participants will develop the mentorship and leadership skills necessary to guide and support colleagues, champion STEM initiatives, and drive school-wide improvements in teaching and learning.

Postgraduate Certificate (Education):  Educational Leadership – Learning Leaders for the Skills Economy

 This Postgraduate Certificate offers education and training professionals a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills aligned with the evolving skills economy in Northern Ireland. Designed as a pathway to a Master’s in Education or Teaching at Stranmillis University College, the programme focuses on preparing principled, forward-thinking leaders capable of shaping 21st-century teaching and learning environments.

The course is particularly suited to:

• Aspiring leaders in the education and training sectors
• Middle leaders aiming to strengthen their coaching and mentoring capabilities
• Professionals interested in contributing to the 10X Economic Vision and Skills Strategy 2030

Participants will enhance their leadership capacity, build team-oriented practices, and develop evidence-based strategies for driving educational improvement across schools, colleges, and other learning organisations.

Learning Leadership

This module introduces leadership theories and contemporary research, with a focus on the behaviours and mindsets of effective, people-focused leaders. Emphasis is placed on:

• Emotional intelligence and relationship-based leadership
• Developing learning-centred teams
• Leading with purpose in teaching and training environments
• Tools and strategies to support middle and senior leaders in education

Participants will explore how to lead through influence rather than authority, cultivating trust, collaboration, and continuous professional growth.

Strategic and Operational Leadership – From Vision to Improvement

Focusing on the practical application of leadership at the organisational level, this module explores how to:

• Build and communicate a compelling, shared vision
• Apply distributed leadership principles to foster collective responsibility
• Manage resources and build team capacity for sustained improvement
• Implement strategic change aligned with school or college development plans

Participants will develop a leadership project linked to their workplace improvement priorities, offering an authentic opportunity to influence real-world outcomes.

This course blends research-informed learning with hands-on application, equipping participants with the strategic insight and leadership agility required to thrive in a fast-evolving educational landscape.

Educational Diversity & Inclusion

Designed for educators across early years, primary, post-primary, and FE settings, this module explores inclusive education practices. Through real-world challenges and evidence-based strategies, students examine how to foster equity, embrace diversity, and ensure every learner has access to high-quality, inclusive educational experiences.

SEN in Practice

This module provides in-depth training in supporting learners across the full spectrum of Special Educational Needs. Grounded in the SEN Code of Practice, it includes lesson study, early identification, inclusive planning, and collaboration with families and agencies. Areas covered include learning, behaviour, communication, sensory needs, and medical conditions.

Supporting Learners with Difficulties in Mathematics

Focusing on classroom strategies, this module helps educators support learners with mathematical learning difficulties, including dyscalculia. It covers number sense development, multisensory teaching, and problem-solving. Students explore effective use of mathematical models, curriculum alignment, and the importance of language and meaningful context in enhancing maths understanding.

Teaching and Learning in Autism (20 CATS)

This module explores autistic thinking styles and their impact on learning. Students learn how to assess cognitive processing and develop personalised strategies to support engagement with the curriculum. Practical, curriculum-aligned approaches support inclusion and effective planning within Northern Ireland’s educational framework.

Sensory, Social and Emotional Wellbeing (20 CATS)

Explore how sensory and emotional differences affect autistic students’ classroom experiences. This module examines sensory processing, anxiety triggers, and emotional regulation strategies. Students learn practical approaches to create sensory-supportive environments and promote curriculum access and emotional wellbeing through targeted interventions.

School and Classroom Management in Autism (20 CATS)

This module equips educators to create autism-competent environments from classroom to whole-school level. Topics include classroom management, resource use, staff collaboration, and parent engagement. Practical, research-based strategies support inclusive practice and the development of a positive school culture.

Outdoor Learning

This module examines the benefits and challenges of outdoor education in Early Years and Primary settings. Students explore curriculum links through play, numeracy, and environmental learning. Practical teaching strategies are informed by research and enhanced by site visits and field-based activities.

Advanced Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Designed to improve pupil achievement, this module examines effective instructional strategies aligned with student and school needs. Key themes include time and classroom management, teaching for understanding, digital learning, and performance monitoring. Concepts such as the ‘thinking classroom’ and innovative assessment approaches are explored through evidence-informed practice.

Global and Shared Education and the New Age Connected Classroom
This module promotes collaborative, sustainable education through global and shared learning. Students engage with concepts of diversity, citizenship, and partnership working, supported by guest speakers and experiential tasks. Designed for educators and allied professionals, it encourages creative approaches to curriculum design and classroom experience. Assessment is coursework-based, with opportunities to apply learning in innovative and locally relevant ways.

Careers Education 1

This module supports the development of a Gatsby-aligned careers programme in schools and colleges. It integrates practical, work-based experiences with professional learning. Students engage with best practice models (e.g., Career Ready, OECD) and build essential skills such as critical thinking, self-management, and collaboration, aligned with labour market needs.

Careers Education 2

This advanced module supports leadership in careers education. Students develop whole-school strategies using evidence-based profiling, strategic planning, and inclusive pathways to further/higher education. Topics include work experience, mentoring, and widening access. Ideal for professionals committed to transforming careers education through visionary, high-impact practice.

Evidence-Based Practice: Developing Your Impact Compass
Designed for practitioners in middle to senior roles, this module focuses on using evidence to enhance teaching and learning. Students explore practitioner research methods such as lesson study, observation, and narrative inquiry. Mixed methodologies support departmental self-assessment, quality improvement planning, and impact measurement. Coursework allows for flexible assessment routes, while reflective learning fosters critical self-evaluation. Ideal for those aiming to embed a research-led culture within their school or college.

Learning Leadership

This module introduces leadership theories and contemporary research, with a focus on the behaviours and mindsets of effective, people-focused leaders. Emphasis is placed on:

• Emotional intelligence and relationship-based leadership
• Developing learning-centred teams
• Leading with purpose in teaching and training environments
• Tools and strategies to support middle and senior leaders in education

Participants will explore how to lead through influence rather than authority, cultivating trust, collaboration, and continuous professional growth.

Strategic and Operational Leadership – From Vision to Improvement

Focusing on the practical application of leadership at the organisational level, this module explores how to:

• Build and communicate a compelling, shared vision
• Apply distributed leadership principles to foster collective responsibility
• Manage resources and build team capacity for sustained improvement
• Implement strategic change aligned with school or college development plans

Participants will develop a leadership project linked to their workplace improvement priorities, offering an authentic opportunity to influence real-world outcomes. This course blends research-informed learning with hands-on application, equipping participants with the strategic insight and leadership agility required to thrive in a fast-evolving educational landscape.

Evidence-Based Practice: Developing Your Impact Compass
Designed for practitioners in middle to senior roles, this module focuses on using evidence to enhance teaching and learning. Students explore practitioner research methods such as lesson study, observation, and narrative inquiry. Mixed methodologies support departmental self-assessment, quality improvement planning, and impact measurement. Coursework allows for flexible assessment routes, while reflective learning fosters critical self-evaluation. Ideal for those aiming to embed a research-led culture within their school or college.

Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies

This module explores the links between mental and physical health in children and young people, and how these affect learning. Topics include trauma, adversity, bereavement, self-harm, mental illness, and wellbeing. Students learn to work collaboratively with external agencies to address emotional and physical wellbeing through proactive, evidence-informed strategies.

Social, Behavioural, Emotional and Wellbeing
This module equips educators to support students with social, emotional, and behavioural needs. Key areas include trauma and attachment, social-emotional learning, ADHD, mental health, and positive behaviour management. Students will develop practical strategies to promote wellbeing and address underlying challenges in diverse educational contexts.

Safeguarding in the Digital World
This module addresses the challenges of safeguarding children in an increasingly digital landscape. It explores risks such as cyberbullying, sexting, online exploitation, and misuse of technology, as well as positive digital engagement. Students will examine current research, legislation, and policy frameworks while developing strategies to respond through education and curriculum design. Suitable for educators and professionals working with children and young people.

Addressing Underachievement and Diversity In Education

This module investigates how diversity, disadvantage, and learning difficulties affect educational outcomes. Students explore key theories and challenge deficit-based assumptions, engaging with inclusive pedagogies and strategies to narrow attainment gaps. Cultural awareness and social justice are central themes throughout.

Childhood Adversities and Disadvantage
Gain critical insight into how disadvantage affects children’s development and learning. This module explores the roles of schools, educators, and policy in identifying and addressing adversity. Topics include developmental neuroscience, trauma, and global intervention models. Emphasis is placed on practical strategies and international best practices to support vulnerable learners effectively.

Early Intervention

Targeting early years practitioners, this module examines the importance of early intervention, especially within the first 1001 days. Students analyse policies, services, and programmes supporting children at risk or with additional needs. Reflective practice and collaboration underpin learning.

Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood

Students engage critically with current theories, policies, and research affecting children aged 0–8. The module challenges assumptions, explores inclusive pedagogy, and promotes developmentally appropriate practice. It prepares educators to lead responsive and evidence-based service development.

Early Years Leadership

For aspiring and current early years leaders, this module focuses on leadership in changing policy contexts. Students explore professional identity, wellbeing, team development, and collaborative leadership strategies. Practice-based assessments support leadership growth and innovation within early years settings.

Factors Affecting Literacy Development

This module critically examines theoretical and practical influences on reading, spelling, and writing development. Students explore assessment approaches and review evidence shaping current literacy pedagogy. The identification of literacy difficulties and SEN categorisation are key discussion areas.

Informal Assessment of Literacy Difficulties and Models of Intervention

Students evaluate research-informed interventions and compare specialist literacy programmes. Emphasis is placed on connecting theory and practice, enhancing understanding of dyslexia and literacy support strategies through informal assessment and classroom application.