Lyndsey is an elected member of the Steering Committee of eucen (European University Continuing Education Network) and is a regular contributor to eucen events. She is one of eucen's two representatives on the VET4EU2 network - a joint platform of European Associations active in VET and HE advising the European Commission on defining policy priorities for the skills agenda. She is also a member of the Irish national lifelong learning network, HELLIN (Higher Education Lifelong Learning in Ireland Network). She is a member of the management team of the inter-governmental ASEM Education and Research Hub for Lifelong Learning, which represents over 50 countries, the European Commission and the ASEAN Secretariat. She also leads one of the hub’s seven international research networks - RN5 Transitions in Lifelong Learning – comprising researchers across Europe and Asia.
In 2021, Lyndsey was appointed as University College Cork joint project lead on the National Recognition of Prior Learning in Higher Education Project, which aims to mainstream RPL within the Irish higher education sector in Ireland. She also leads the university’s involvement in Springboard+, the Irish national skills programme. She has led this scheme since 2012, designing, delivering and evaluating an extensive suite of programmes, covering a wide range of skills areas. From 2008-2012, she was the university representative on the Irish government funded research project, ‘Roadmap for Employment Academic Partnerships (REAP)’, during which time her research focused on the interface between academia and industry and the wide span of engagements that this entails. During this time, she developed the university’s first institutional RPL policy. She has continued to both practice RPL and advocate for its use since then.
From 2005 to 2009, Lyndsey worked in the Department of Government, University College Cork (UCC). During this time she taught on international relations and European politics. She holds a BA in European Studies and an MA in International Relations. In 2024, she completed a Doctor of Education (Higher Education) at the University of Liverpool. Her doctoral thesis was entitled "A Phenomenographic Exploration of Key Stakeholders’ Perspectives on Lifelong Learning in Higher Education in Ireland".
Biography
Dr Lyndsey El Amoud is Deputy Director in Adult Continuing Education (ACE) at University College Cork, Ireland. She is responsible for growing and sustaining ACE's broad portfolio of part-time programme for adult learners. Prior to this, she led the Continuing Education & Enterprise Engagement team in ACE from 2013-2018. A core focus for her role at ACE is to drive the vision for ACE to be an international leader in the provision of accessible, diverse and inclusive education for all. To develop opportunities for adult learners, to act as a catalyst for transformation for the students, enterprises and communities with which ACE engages in order to benefit society as a whole. Her work centres on co-designing learning opportunities with industry/community representatives, which offer adult learners across a wide range of sectors a variety of opportunities to return to higher level education on a part-time basis in order to access opportunities for both personal and professional development.Lyndsey is an elected member of the Steering Committee of eucen (European University Continuing Education Network) and is a regular contributor to eucen events. She is one of eucen's two representatives on the VET4EU2 network - a joint platform of European Associations active in VET and HE advising the European Commission on defining policy priorities for the skills agenda. She is also a member of the Irish national lifelong learning network, HELLIN (Higher Education Lifelong Learning in Ireland Network). She is a member of the management team of the inter-governmental ASEM Education and Research Hub for Lifelong Learning, which represents over 50 countries, the European Commission and the ASEAN Secretariat. She also leads one of the hub’s seven international research networks - RN5 Transitions in Lifelong Learning – comprising researchers across Europe and Asia.
In 2021, Lyndsey was appointed as University College Cork joint project lead on the National Recognition of Prior Learning in Higher Education Project, which aims to mainstream RPL within the Irish higher education sector in Ireland. She also leads the university’s involvement in Springboard+, the Irish national skills programme. She has led this scheme since 2012, designing, delivering and evaluating an extensive suite of programmes, covering a wide range of skills areas. From 2008-2012, she was the university representative on the Irish government funded research project, ‘Roadmap for Employment Academic Partnerships (REAP)’, during which time her research focused on the interface between academia and industry and the wide span of engagements that this entails. During this time, she developed the university’s first institutional RPL policy. She has continued to both practice RPL and advocate for its use since then.
From 2005 to 2009, Lyndsey worked in the Department of Government, University College Cork (UCC). During this time she taught on international relations and European politics. She holds a BA in European Studies and an MA in International Relations. In 2024, she completed a Doctor of Education (Higher Education) at the University of Liverpool. Her doctoral thesis was entitled "A Phenomenographic Exploration of Key Stakeholders’ Perspectives on Lifelong Learning in Higher Education in Ireland".
Research Interests
Lyndsey's research interests span the broad spectrum of lifelong learning. Her doctoral research takes a phenomenographic approach to analysing perspectives on lifelong learning within higher education in Ireland. Her work in the ASEM LLL Hub focuses on issues including widening access and participation; opportunities for lifelong learning for marginalised groups; the practice of recognising prior learning; and the use of microcredentials in meeting learning needs. Lyndsey is a peer reviewer for the Journal of Adult and Continuing Education; Studies in Higher Education; and the European Journal of University Lifelong Learning.Publications
Policy Contribution
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2024) | Validation of non-formal and informal learning as a powerful tool for University Lifelong Learning in Europe. El Amoud, L., Royo, C. & Paulus, C. (2024) Validation of non-formal and informal learning as a powerful tool for University Lifelong Learning in Europe. Policy Contribution [Details] | |
| (2023) | Ensuring equity, diversity and inclusion in University Lifelong Learning. Paschoud, P., El Amoud, L. & Weait, M. (2023) Ensuring equity, diversity and inclusion in University Lifelong Learning. Policy Contribution [Details] |
Invited Lectures
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2022) | 'ACE at UCC: University Lifelong Learning Model' delivered at Austin Community College, Texas. El Amoud, L. (2022) 'ACE at UCC: University Lifelong Learning Model' delivered at Austin Community College, Texas. Invited Lectures [Details] | |
| (2022) | 'ACE at UCC: Critical Theory in Practice', Texas State University. El Amoud, L. (2022) 'ACE at UCC: Critical Theory in Practice', Texas State University. Invited Lectures [Details] |
Professional Activities
Education
| Year | Institution | Qualification | Subject | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | University of Liverpool | Doctor of Education (Higher Education) | A Phenomenographic Exploration of Key Stakeholders’ Perspectives on Lifelong Learning in Higher Education in Ireland | |
| 2005 | University College Cork | MA | International Relations | |
| 2004 | University College Cork | BA (Hons) | European Studies; Spanish |
Professional Associations
| Association | Function | From / To | |
|---|---|---|---|
| HELLIN (Higher Education Lifelong Learning in Ireland Network) | Member | 02-JUL-18 / | |
| ASEM Education and Research Hub for Lifelong Learning | Member of Management Team; Coordinator of Research Network 5 Learning Transitions | 03-FEB-20 / | |
| EUCEN (European Universities Continuing Education Network) | Steering Committee Member | 01-JUN-22 / |
Conference Contributions
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2024) | 54th eucen Conference: University Lifelong Learning leading positive change in challenging times, El Amoud, L. (2024) Challenges & Solutions for Implementing Lifelong Learning in Higher Education in Ireland. [Oral Presentation], 54th eucen Conference: University Lifelong Learning leading positive change in challenging times, University College Cork . [Details] | |
| (2024) | 5th Validation of Prior Learning Biennale, El Amoud, L. & Paulus, C. (2024) VNIL in a VUCA World: The View from eucen. [Oral Presentation], 5th Validation of Prior Learning Biennale, Kilkenny . [Details] | |
| (2024) | HELLIN Seminar, El Amoud, L. (2024) Perspectives on Lifelong Learning in Higher Education in Ireland. [Keynote Speaker], HELLIN Seminar, University of Galway . [Details] | |
| (2023) | 53rd eucen Conference: The power of connection, El Amoud, L., Ó Tuama, S. & O'Sullivan, C. (2023) The Power of Partnership in a Networking University: A Case Study from ACE at University College Cork. [Oral Presentation], 53rd eucen Conference: The power of connection, Utrecht University, Netherlands , 01-JUN-23 - 01-JUN-23. [Details] | |
| (2023) | Exploring Microcredentials in a European Context, El Amoud, L. (2023) Microcredentials in ACE, UCC. [Keynote Speaker], Exploring Microcredentials in a European Context, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia , 05-APR-23 - 05-APR-23. [Details] | |
| (2023) | NIAD-QE Webinar, El Amoud, L. (2023) Microcredentials in action in Ireland. [Keynote Speaker], NIAD-QE Webinar, Japan , 30-JAN-23 - 30-JAN-23. [Details] | |
| (2022) | MELLearN Annual Workshop, El Amoud, L. (2022) Exploring Microcredentials - The view from Ireland. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], MELLearN Annual Workshop, Pecs, Hungary , 15-DEC-22 - 15-DEC-22. [Details] | |
| (2022) | EUCEN Autumn Seminar 2022, El Amoud, L. (2022) Let’s Explore Microcredentials!. [Invited Seminars/Guest Lectures], EUCEN Autumn Seminar 2022, Barcelona, Spain , 17-NOV-22 - 17-NOV-22. [Details] | |
| (2022) | El XXVII Encuentro Internacional RECLA - Evolución Digital de la Educación Continua, una Mirada Humanista y Sostenible, El Amoud, L. (2022) Microcredentials & Lifelong Learning: A Vision from Europe. [Keynote Speaker], El XXVII Encuentro Internacional RECLA - Evolución Digital de la Educación Continua, una Mirada Humanista y Sostenible, Monterrey, Mexico , 27-OCT-22 - 27-OCT-22. [Details] | |
| (2022) | 10th ESREA Triennial Conference, El Amoud, L., Németh, B., Ó Tuama, S (2022) New communities of learning: Sowing seeds of change in post-Covid adult education. [Invited Lectures (Workshops)], 10th ESREA Triennial Conference, Milan, Italy , 29-SEP-22 - 02-OCT-22. [Details] | |
| (2022) | Developing Urban Communities through Lifelong Learning Responses from Learning Cities and Regions - 6th Pécs Learning City Festival and Conference, El Amoud, L. (2022) ‘Leave no one behind’ Inclusion initiatives from ACE at UCC for marginalised groups in Cork. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Developing Urban Communities through Lifelong Learning Responses from Learning Cities and Regions - 6th Pécs Learning City Festival and Conference, Pécs, Hungary , 22-SEP-22 - 22-SEP-22. [Details] | |
| (2022) | SwissUni Annual Conference, El Amoud, L. (2022) Microcredentials: The key to unlocking the lifelong learning agenda?. [Keynote Speaker], SwissUni Annual Conference, ETH, Zürich, Switzerland , 06-SEP-22 - 06-SEP-22. [Details] | |
| (2022) | 52nd eucen Conference: University Lifelong Learning Today and Tomorrow: HEIs for a Higher Quality and More Inclusive Knowledge Transfer, El Amoud, L. (2022) Meeting learning needs through microcredentials: Lessons from ACE at UCC. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], 52nd eucen Conference: University Lifelong Learning Today and Tomorrow: HEIs for a Higher Quality and More Inclusive Knowledge Transfer, Budapest, Hungary , 08-JUN-22 - 10-JUN-22. [Details] | |
| (2022) | Eucen Seminar Across the Atlantic 2022: Quality Assurance in Continuing Education – Finding mechanisms to guarantee excellence, El Amoud, L. (2022) Approaches to quality enhancement in ACE at UCC. [Keynote Speaker], Eucen Seminar Across the Atlantic 2022: Quality Assurance in Continuing Education – Finding mechanisms to guarantee excellence, Virtual Event , 21-APR-22 - 21-APR-22. [Details] | |
| (2020) | The Spider VET in the Net: WBL for the future, European Vocational Skills Week 2020, El Amoud, L. (2020) Work-based Learning and Microcredentials,. [Keynote Speaker], The Spider VET in the Net: WBL for the future, European Vocational Skills Week 2020, European Commission virtual event . [Details] | |
| (2019) | Eucen (European Universities Continuing Education Network) Autumn Seminar, El Amoud, L. (2019) Sanctuary Scholarships at ACE, UCC delivered in Open Space Technology Session: People in a Changing World. [Invited Seminars/Guest Lectures], Eucen (European Universities Continuing Education Network) Autumn Seminar, Barcelona, Spain . [Details] | |
| (2015) | CPD Forum Conference: CPD in Higher Educational Institutions – What Works and Why, El Amoud, L. & O'Tuama, S. (2015) Setting up CPD: The University College Cork Case Study. [Keynote Speaker], CPD Forum Conference: CPD in Higher Educational Institutions – What Works and Why, King's College London . [Details] | |
| (2014) | University-Industry Interaction Conference, El Amoud, L. and Ó Tuama, S (2014) ‘Breaking Down Barriers To University-Business Cooperation In The University: Change Through Incentivisation’. [Oral Presentation], University-Industry Interaction Conference, Barcelona, Spain . [Details] | |
| (2014) | Eucen (European Universities Continuing Education Network) Autumn Seminar, El Amoud, L. (2014) Up-skilling Future Leaders: The Design of Customised Leadership Programmes for Industry Clients. [Invited Lectures (Workshops)], Eucen (European Universities Continuing Education Network) Autumn Seminar, Barcelona, Spain . [Details] | |
| (2010) | Irish Academy of Management (IAM) Annual Conference, El Amoud, L & Buckley, J. (2010) Undergraduate Work Placement Programmes in Ireland: Issues and Solutions. [Oral Presentation], Irish Academy of Management (IAM) Annual Conference, Cork Institute of Technology . [Details] | |
| (2010) | National Academy of Integrated Research, Teaching and Learning (NAIRTL) Annual Conference, El Amoud, L. & Underhill, N, & O'Tuama, S. (2010) Preparing For Success: A study of how targeted skills-based workshops can effectively aid first year students to bridge the gap between second and third level learning. [Oral Presentation], National Academy of Integrated Research, Teaching and Learning (NAIRTL) Annual Conference, Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin . [Details] | |
| (2010) | Political Studies Association of Ireland (PSAI) Annual Conference, El Amoud, L. & Underhill, N. (2010) Preparing For Success: Bridging the Gap for First Year University Students. [Oral Presentation], Political Studies Association of Ireland (PSAI) Annual Conference, Dublin Institute of Technology . [Details] |
Journal Activities
| Journal | Role | To / From | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studies In Higher Education | Peer Reviewer | - |
Contact details
- Lyndsey El Amoud
Deputy Director - l.elamoud@ucc.ie
- The Laurels
Western Road
Cork. - +353 21 4904700
- www.ucc.ie/ace/