Are you interested in studying to be a teacher of modern languages and/or an Ghaeilge at post-primary level? Are you passionate about teaching young people and making a positive impact on their lives? This innovative teacher education course prepares high quality language teachers to teach, inspire and lead across the Irish education system. As Brazilian education philosopher Paulo Freire states: “Education does not change the world. Education changes people. People change the world.”

This course blends language learning and initial teacher education to prepare you to work as a language teacher in post-primary schools in the Irish education system. You can choose to study two languages from modern languages (French, Spanish, German or Italian) and/or an Ghaeilge. Alternatively, you can choose to major in an Ghaeilge alone. You will engage in modules to develop your language proficiency skills, building your linguistic competencies while also learning about the culture and literature of the language(s) through an interrogation of key texts. You will also develop your skills as a teacher as you progress through the course, undertaking modules in foundation disciplines (history/sociology/psychology/philosophy of education, curriculum studies) and professional studies (communication skills, digital learning, research) while also engaging in school placement (in both primary and post-primary schools). A key aspect of the course is to prepare you for working with a diverse range of students and personnel across the education system, with particular emphasis on the school as a learning community.

First Year
You can study two languages (French, Spanish, German, Italian or Portuguese, an Ghaeilge) or an Ghaeilge solely. Language modules will focus on developing your language proficiency while also introducing you to the associated culture and literature. Education modules include:

• Irish Childhoods
• Socio-Historic Perspectives on Education
• Education for a Sustainable Future
• Creative Pedagogy & Wellbeing
• Introduction to Language Learning, Pedagogy & Communication
• Placement in this year will be undertaken in a primary school.

Second Year

You will continue to build your language proficiency engaging in modules focused on developing your skills and confidence in the language(s) you are studying as well as continuing with your cultural studies. Education modules include:

• Education for Democracy
• Inclusive Education for Learners with Additional Learning Needs (ALN)
• Contemporary Language Pedagogy
• Curriculum & Assessment.
• Placement will be undertaken in a post-primary school.

Third Year

The immersive study abroad or in the Gaeltacht forms an integral part of this year to apply your language learning in a language placement. If studying two modern languages, placement will be undertaken in trimester two and three (Summer trimester) of the third year. If studying an Ghaeilge and a modern language, language placement will be undertaken in trimester one (the Gaeltacht) and two (Erasmus) of the course. If studying an Ghaeilge alone, language placement will be undertaken in trimester one of the course. Education modules will be taken online to include research methods in preparation for the research project in year four of the course and digital technologies & language pedagogy.

Fourth Year

The final year of the course will prepare students for the intensive block placement experience to be undertaken in post-primary schools over two trimesters. Students will also engage in a research project, working with your Treoraí (co-operating teacher) to identify a relevant topic and to undertake the research study over the course of your placement. Education modules include: Professional Placement • Portfolio & Methods (Trimester 1 & 2) • Research Project. Students will also engage in the final language modules required to ensure you meet the required standards for language proficiency.

Assessment

Assessments will include essay format as well as written examinations, oral and aural examinations, in-class individual presentations, group project work, reflective diaries, translation tasks, and a research project in the final year. Placement will be assessed by a school placement supervisor and tutor. Students will also develop a learning portfolio of work (Taisce) over the duration of the course, which you will use as you transition into the teaching profession as a qualified post-primary school teacher.

This concurrent initial teacher education (ITE) course has been recognised and accredited by The Teaching Council of Ireland. For further information www.teachingcouncil. ie/en/ If students fulfil all elements and requirements of the course, you will be eligible to apply for registration as a postprimary school teacher with the Teaching Council of Ireland.

• Mature Entry Route
• DARE Entry Route
  
• HEAR Entry Route
  

UCD School of Education
Belfield
Dublin 4

Email: education@ucd.ie