Overview
This programme is designed to meet the professional needs of second level teachers. It provides a grounding in research methodology and contemporary issues in Education and Religious Education and offers students the opportunity to specialise. With specialisms for this year's entry in:
- Mentoring and Leadership
- Religious Education
- Digital Learning
This programme is designed to demands of the changing edcuational landscape, it focuses in particular on the needs of the second level school community. Modules include:
- The Diverse Classroom Contemporary leadership in an Evolving School Culture Curriculum
- Policy and assessment International Trends in Religious Education - Research
- Practice Resourcing RE in a Digital Age Ethics
- Teaching Profession Designing and Resourcing Junior and Senior Cycle RE Contemporary Issues in Education
- Religious Education Spirituality
- Adolescence and Faith Development
- Virtual Learning Environments
- Religion and Belief in a Secular Age Faith and Culture
- The Holocaust and Modern Culture
DCU People
Careers & Further Options
Careers
This programme of studies is primarily aimed at those second level teachers interseted in ongoing professional development in education, mentoring and leadership, religious education and digital pedagogy in second-level schools. The programme combines theory with practice to enable participants to respond to issues that are impacting on second level school communities.
Entry Requirements
- A primary honours degree (Level 8), minimum H2.2 or equivalent (or international equivalent), with Theology or Religious Education or Religious Studies as a major element
- Applicants must hold a professional teaching qualification or have equivalent teaching experience.
- Students who do not meet the normal criteria may be considered for a place on the programme on the basis of their work experience and other relevant educational achievements.
- Applicants seeking Accreditation of Prior (Certified) Learning (APL) for the purposes of entry, module exemptions, or advanced entry, or applicants seeking Accreditation of Prior Experiental Learning (APEL) for the purposes of entry or module exemptions will also be considered.
International Applicants
International applicants are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. For further information on international applications click here.
Programme Structure
This programme enhances participants' ability to: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of current issues in Religion and Education Demonstrate a capacity for in-depth research in specific topics of RE and Education Develop complex analytical and interpretative skills in the spheres of Religion and Education Assume responsibility for work within professional and pastoral contexts, with individuals and groups Investigate and reflect on educational, religious and theological values and thereby contribute effectively to change in society.
Fees and Funding
How To Apply
All Applicants must submit
- Certified academic transcripts for each and every year of study, with certified English translations if applicable
- Evidence of professional teaching qualification or detailed CV outlining equivalent teaching experience
Non Native English Speakers must also submit
- Evidence of English competency which meets DCU entry requirements - see link
Applicants who require a study visa for the purposes of gaining entry into Ireland are advised to apply as early as possible. If you require a study visa and are a Non EU student, you are not eligible to apply for part-time programmes as study visas are only granted for full-time programmes. Applicants who require a study visa for the purposes of gaining entry into Ireland are advised to apply as early as possible.
Closing Dates - There is no intake for this programme for September 2019 Start.
EU Applicants should apply online through the Postgraduate Applications Centre (http://www.pac.ie/dcu) There is no intake for this Programme for September 2019.
Non-EU Applicants should apply online the Postgraduate Applications Centre (http://www.pac.ie/dcu) There is no intake for this Programme for September 2019.
Applying through the Postgraduate Applications Centre (http://www.pac.ie/dcu) When applying for the programme use the PAC code DC991 (Full-Time), DC992 (Part-Time)
Life On Campus
At DCU, our students can expect a unique campus experience. We are known for our excellent teaching and learning facilities, our active clubs and societies, and our great social and sporting facilities. All this makes DCU an exciting place to be.
DCU has three academic campuses; Glasnevin, St. Patrick’s and All Hallows (both in Drumcondra), all close to Dublin City centre.
They can be reached by public transport, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann, with our Drumcondra campuses a ten minute walk from Drumcondra Train Station. Glasnevin is a 20 minute walk from St Patrick’s and All Hallows. They are also linked by Dublin Bus.
Each campus has a library (O’Reilly, Cregan and Woodlock Hall), study spaces, restaurants, and on-campus residencies. There are sports facilities on Glasnevin and St. Patrick’s, and there is a dedicated sports campus, St Claire’s, located near Glasnevin on the Ballymun Road.
DCU’s 19,000 students have access to exceptional teaching and learning facilities across our three academic campuses.
These include modern learning theatres, research centres, a new media and TV studio, radio/podcast studios, computer suites and advanced labs in the areas of Languages, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry and Biotechnology, as well as a Sports Performance centre and a training hospital ward. In 2021, we opened our first virtual reality ‘Leadership Lab’, which is located in our Business School.
We continue to improve and update our facilities. For example, construction of a new world-class STEM facility is underway on the Glasnevin campus. With capacity for an extra 3,000 STEM students, this facility will advance DCU’s international reputation for excellence in science and health, computing and engineering disciplines.
Studying in DCU isn’t just about course work. The university is rich in student life and activities.
There are more than 140 clubs and societies for students in DCU, with ‘Clubs & Socs’ days taking place on both the Glasnevin and Drumcondra campuses at the start of the academic year. They span everything from rugby to rock climbing, anime to jazz.
For many students, sport is an important part of the DCU experience. DCU’s Sports Complex boasts a 25 metre swimming pool, fitness centre gym, all-weather pitches and squash courts, as well as soccer, GAA and rugby pitches. DCU Dóchas Éireann, the university’s GAA club, is the largest third level Gaelic Games club in the country. Meanwhile, DCU Athletics has been Ireland’s highest achieving university club for many years. And DCU has dozens of other clubs to get involved in, from Archery to Weightlifting.
The Glasnevin campus is home to our purpose built, state-of-the-art student centre, The U, which serves the needs of a rapidly growing student body. Here, you will find the Student Leadership and Lifeskills Centre, performing arts and cultural spaces for students and the wider community, and the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub. Also located on our Glasnevin campus is The Helix, our renowned performing arts centre.
On our St Patrick’s campus, we have the Java Student Hub, a vibrant, warm and welcoming space where students can meet for coffee, play music, use the projector to watch events, or just relax. The walls of the Java Hub were designed based on the cultural history of St Patrick’s Campus, including the special references to the notable sporting history and history of the arts.
We have a number of academic, professional and social supports for students.
Student Advice Centre - Offers a wide range of supports and services to students and advice
The Writing Centre - drop-in writing workshops for students through the academic year
Maths Learning Centre - provides maths support for students of all ability levels with maths modules
Student Learning - facilitate the transition from passive to active learning for students at DCU, by teaching study skills, nurturing critical thinking and building student confidence.
Careers work with students to help them on their professional journey into graduate employment.
Our student support team offers a comprehensive support programme, helping students make that all important transition into university life and focusing on building confidence and skills which are key to success at third level.
FAQs
What courses are offered by the DCU Institute of Education?
DCU Institute of Education brings together students of education and provides a rich menu of undergraduate courses across all sectors from early childhood, to primary and post-primary and further and higher education. We offer a range of taught and research postgraduate courses at doctoral, masters, diploma and certificate level and have a distinguished record in providing continuing professional development.
Is there Garda vetting for students who study DCU Institute of Education courses?
Garda vetting is required for all students who have unsupervised access to children and vulnerable adults as part of their studies at DCU. Applicants must successfully pass the Garda vetting process in order to complete the registration process.
What are the potential teaching pathways for primary, post-primary and further education and training offered by DCU?
Primary Teaching Pathways
Undergraduate*
Postgraduate**
- Professional Master of Education (Primary Teaching) - DC970
* Please ensure that you consult minimum entry requirements and CAO points for all undergraduate programmes
** Please ensure that you consult minimum entry requirements for all postgraduate programmes
Post-Primary Teaching Pathways
Undergraduate*
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Bachelor of Religious Education & English or History or Music - DC010 | DC011 | DC012
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Bachelor of Education in Gaeilge and French or German or Spanish - DC013
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Bachelor of Education in Technology, Engineering and Graphics - DC015
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Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Science Education - DC203
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Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Physical Education with Biology - DC205
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Bachelor of Science in Physical Education with Mathematics - DC206
Postgraduate**
- Professional Master of Education (Post-Primary Teaching) - DC905
* Please ensure that you consult minimum entry requirements and CAO points for all undergraduate programmes
** Please ensure that you consult minimum entry requirements for all postgraduate programmes
Further Education and Training Teaching Pathways
Undergraduate*
- BSc (Hons) in Education and Training (Further, Adult and Continuing Education) - DC235
* Please ensure that you consult minimum entry requirements and CAO points for all undergraduate programmes