FETRC Research Expertise

DCU’s Further Education and Training Research Centre (FETRC) is a leading research hub within Further Education and Training (FET) and tertiary education. Since its establishment in 2016, FETRC has played a key role in policy development, strategic direction, and international collaboration, ensuring research-led innovation in the sector.

FETRC’s expertise spans key areas shaping the future of FET, including:

• Advocating for the professionalisation of the FET sector
• Strengthening the professional identity of those working in FET and advocating for parity of esteem with other education sectors
• Apprenticeship policy and practice development
• Intercultural policy and practice development in the FET sector
• Access, transfer, and progression within tertiary education
• Special Educational Needs (SEN) policy and practice - with a focus on transitions
• Technology-Enhanced Learning (TEL) for learners and educators
• Equality, inclusion, and diversity policy and practice development
• Quality, qualifications, and accreditation in FET, adult learning, vocational education, and workplace learning
• Creativity, social entrepreneurship, and social capital in education
• Assessment, feedback, micro-credentials, and curriculum innovation
• Promotion of the standing of FET/VET within the education system
• Outreach to learners and educators to enhance access and participation
• Public engagement and events driving sectoral discourse and knowledge sharing

Research, Impact and Engagement

FETRC contributes to national and international discussions on FET through a range of high-impact research outputs, including:

• Peer-reviewed journal articles, academic papers, books, and edited collections on FET research.
• Reports and policy briefings for government bodies, institutional stakeholders, and policymakers.
• Conference presentations and proceedings from leading national and international FET-related events.

Our research is informed by real-world challenges and policy priorities, ensuring that FET remains responsive, evidence-based, and strategically positioned within the broader education and skills ecosystem.

Research Activities

FETRC is actively engaged in national and EU-funded research, leading and participating in major projects under Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, Research Ireland, and government bodies such as the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), the Department of Education (DES), the Department of Further and Higher Education (DFHERIS), and the Further Education Authority in Ireland SOLAS. Our research initiatives focus on:

1. Funded research projects - exploring key areas of FET policy, practice, and learner progression through projects supported by Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, and Research Ireland.
2. National and international collaborations - fostering partnerships that enhance policy development, innovation, and best practice through engagement with NCCA, DES, SOLAS, ETBI, and European networks.
3. Workshops, conferences, and public engagement – contributing to sectoral discourse and knowledge-sharing at national and international levels.
4. Policy contributions and advisory panels – shaping national and European FET strategies, frameworks, and funding initiatives by working closely with government agencies and European policy bodies.

Through these activities, FETRC strengthens the evidence base for FET reform, ensuring that education and training policies are informed by research, practice, and international benchmarks

Get Involved

FETRC welcomes collaborations with researchers, policymakers, and practitioners committed to shaping the future of FET. Whether you are a potential doctoral student, an academic, or a policymaker, we offer opportunities for:

• Joint research projects and funding proposals.
• Doctoral supervision and research partnerships.
• Policy development and advisory collaborations.

Get in touch with us to explore collaboration opportunities.