Overview
This Postgraduate Diploma was first introduced in 2013 as the first approach of its kind in Irish education. It is designed to develop expertise in multi-denominational education. It is particularly, but not exclusively, aimed at teachers with an interest in teaching in multi-denominational schools.
In an Irish context, the multi-denominational sector is increasingly differentiated. Alongside the more established Educate Together primary schools, there has been the more recent emergence of Community National Schools. The ETB sector of schools at secondary level is also predominantly multi-denominational. Moreover, the diversity of pupils within the denominational sector has led to increased interest in alternative models of ethics and RE. At a curriculum level, there have also been efforts to develop a national curriculum in Education about Religion and Beliefs and Ethics (ERBE) by NCCA.
Our modules explore the theory and practice of multi-denominational and ethical education, democracy and education as well as investigating pluralist pedagogy in curriculum. Reference is made to both primary and post primary levels of schooling in Ireland, and to the wider European and international context. Opportunities are available for further study in this area through to doctoral (EdD) level in Values Education
DCU People
Careers & Further Options
Careers
Graduates of the Professional /Certificate Diploma in Ethical and Multi-Denominational Education are strengthening their career prospects in the multi-denominational sector of schooling at primary and postprimary levels. Moreover, all schools are increasingly looking for expertise in the myriad areas of ethical education, from Relationships and Sexuality education through to comparative religious and beliefs education to social and emotional education.
There are also emergent career prospects for these graduates in policy and curriculum areas of education, where there is an increasing emphasis on more pluralist approaches to education.
Successful candidates may also wish to extend their academic study in this area at DCU. Opportunities are available for further study in this area through to doctoral (EdD) level in Values Education at the Institute.
Entry Requirements
Entry to the part time Professional Diploma in Education (Ethical & Multidenominational Education) is open to candidates with a recognised qualification (Level 8, Lower Second Class Honors Degree, / H2:2) in primary or post-primary education or a related area of study.
Programme Structure
The overall aim of the course is to develop the skills and competencies of primary and post-primary mainstream class teachers in response to the demands of multi-denominational educational policy and practice. In particular, the course aims to provide an opportunity for teachers to develop knowledge, skills and competencies in key areas of multi-denominational and ethical educational provision and planning at school and class level.
This programme aims to offer professional development to individual teachers in the area of multi-denominational and ethical education. It also aims to create a community of learners who will communicate and collaborate with each other in support of the teaching and learning of pupils from a multi-denominational and ethical perspective in schools.
Certificate
4 modules | Minimum study time: 12 months
Philosophies of Ethical and Multi-Denominational Education
Democracy and Education
Curriculum and Pedagogy (in Multi-denominational school settings)
Ethical Leadership
Diploma
As for Certificate plus one year long research module commencing in September each year | Minimum study time: 2 years
Fees and Funding
How To Apply
To apply for this programme:
- All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal which is available here. Here's a quick step by step guide if you need help with your application.
All Applicants must submit:
- Certified academic transcripts for all years of study
- Personal Statement of 250 words maximum outlining your reasons for applying
- Brief CV outlining relevant professional or equivalent experience
Please note if you are a non EU student and require a study visa, you are not eligible to apply for part-time programmes as study visas are only granted for full-time programmes.
Application Deadlines
This programme will not have an intake in September 2025.
Queries
Queries from EU applicants should be directed to postgraduateadmissions@dcu.ie.
Queries from non EU applicants should be directed to international.office@dcu.ie.
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.
DCU Glasnevin Campus
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