Chemistry, Mathematics & Education
BSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8) & MSc (NFQ Level 9)
Course Video
Curricular information is subject to change.
Open AllIf you’re interested in chemistry and mathematics, and think you might like to teach these subjects at post-primary level, then this course may be for you. It’s designed so that from the start, you study chemistry and mathematics, along with education, in an integrated manner. In third year, you’ll gain teaching experience by completing placements (which we find for you) in a post-primary school and as a third-level tutor.
The four-year BSc in Chemistry, Mathematics & Education leads directly to the one-year MSc in Mathematics and Science Education. On completion of both degrees you are fully qualified to teach Chemistry and Mathematics to Higher Level Leaving Certificate Level and Science to Junior Certificate Level.
Key Facts:
The five-year course is fully accredited by the Teaching Council of Ireland.
Placements are integrated into this course from first year, with year-long placements at two different post-primary schools during the final two years of the course.
This is a sample pathway for Chemistry & Mathematics Education.
First Year
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Education
- Biology & Physics
- Elective module
Second Year
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Education
- Elective modules
Third Year
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Education
- School Placement – one placement in a post-primary school, and one placement as a third-level tutor.
- Elective modules
Fourth Year
- Education
- School Placement
- Mathematics
Fifth Year
- Education
- School Placement
- Research project
For detailed information on subject content click here
You may be interested in the following blog posts: Student explains why she decided to pursue the Science Education Pathway in UCD to reach her goal of being a secondary school science teacher.
After graduating with their BSc, students proceed to the MSc in Mathematics & Science Education.
Placements are integrated into this course from first year. Care is taken to slowly introduce you to placements to enable you to build confidence before teaching a class of pupils.
During the last two years of the course, students are assigned year-long placements at two different post-primary schools. These placements are designed so that students not only obtain teaching experience, but also gain a whole-of-school experience through participating in parent-teacher meetings, timetabling etc. The complete five-year course is fully accredited by the Teaching Council of Ireland.
“I was attracted to UCD for two reasons: the broad Science DN200 course and the incredibly active clubs and societies. The course coordinators care about your teacher training greatly, providing school placements in Years 3 and 4, and helping you to become an effective teacher. It is deeply rewarding and satisfying to help young people. I became actively involved in the UCD Dance Society competing nationally and serving as a committee member. Being part of a society is truly what makes the college experience special, and UCD offers over 80 of them!”
Aisling Benson, Student
Assistant Professor Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin
UCD School of Mathematics and Statistics
Belfield, Dublin 4
