Introduction
The Graduate Diploma in Education (Languages) is a one-year full-time initial teacher education programme designed to meet the needs of graduates who wish to become post-primary teachers of two of the following languages: Gaeilge, English as a second language, French, German, Japanese, Spanish. The programme is offered by the Department of Education and Professional Studies with the Department of Languages and Cultural Studies
Objectives
- To provide graduates with a professional qualification in language teaching and to promote the development of students as effective and reflective teachers
- To develop students' understanding of the language-learning process and associated pedagogies
- To provide students with experience of the application of technologies in language learning
- To develop further students' language skills in their chosen language(s), with particular reference to teaching through the target languages and the use of the target language in classroom management
- To develop further students' understanding of socio-cultural aspects of language learning and teaching
Programme Content
Semester 1
Preparation for Teaching Practice 1, Preparation for Teaching Practice 2, Language Studies 1, Language Pedagogy, Teaching Practice 1.
Semester 2
Curriculum Studies, Education Policy Issues, School-based Enquiry (Professional Practice), Language Studies 2, Teaching Practice 2.
Careers
Graduates of the programme will be eligible to be employed as teachers of both languages in second-level schools.
Entrance Requirements
An Honours degree (2.2 or above) (Level 8 - National Qualifications Authority of Ireland) in a relevant discipline. An interview in the proposed languages to be studied will be a requirement. Personal attendance at interview is required
Garda clearance is also required for this programme.
What to Include with your Application
- Qualification transcripts and/or certificates (including certified English translations if applicable)
- English language qualification(s) (if English is not your first language)
- A copy of your birth certificate (long document
- Evidence that your degree is recognised by the Teaching Council for the purposes of teaching.
Application Fee
Please note that from January 2011 an application fee will apply to all postgradaute programmes. Please see Frequently Asked Questions for more information on the application fee.
Contact
Department: Education and Professional Studies
Course director: Mary Masterson
Tel: 353-61-213743
Email: mary.masterson@ul.ie
