Education, Gaeilge and Modern Languages (Hons) at University College Dublin (UCD) is a teacher education programme designed to prepare you to teach languages at post-primary level in Ireland. You can focus on Gaeilge, modern languages, or a combination, while building both language proficiency and teaching practice.
- Award: Honours Bachelor degree in Education, Gaeilge and Modern Languages
- Delivery: On-campus (UCD)
- Focus areas: Gaeilge and modern languages (e.g., French, Spanish, German, Italian) and language teaching pedagogy
- Teaching practice: School placement included
- Typical entry route: CAO (for eligible applicants)
- Language of instruction: English and/or Irish (programme content includes Gaeilge study)
- Start dates: Typically September (confirm for the current intake)
- Credits/Duration: Bachelor-level programme (confirm exact duration and ECTS for the current year)
Programme Structure
The programme blends language study, education theory, and supervised teaching practice. Course content is organised across education foundations, professional studies, and language learning/pedagogy, with school placement integrated throughout.
- Language learning, pedagogy & communication (develop teaching approaches and classroom communication)
- Gaeilge and/or modern language study (build proficiency and deepen knowledge through cultural and literary texts)
- Education foundations (e.g., history/sociology/psychology/philosophy of education; curriculum studies)
- Professional studies (e.g., communication skills, digital learning, research methods)
- School placement (teaching practice in school settings)
- Education for a sustainable future (linking learning to sustainability and responsible citizenship)
- Creative pedagogy & wellbeing (supporting learner wellbeing and engaging teaching methods)
- Education for democracy (learning about civic participation and inclusive education)
- Socio-historic perspectives on education (understanding education systems and their development)
- Irish childhoods (contextual learning about childhood and schooling in Ireland)
Language combinations: You may choose to study two modern languages and/or Gaeilge, or take Gaeilge as a major (subject to programme regulations for the intake).
Academic requirements
Entry is typically via the CAO for eligible applicants. Specific subject requirements and grade thresholds can vary by intake and demand, so check the UCD course page for the current year’s CAO points and subject requirements.
For UCD undergraduate programmes, applicants presenting the Irish Leaving Certificate (established) must generally have six recognised subjects selected according to course requirements, including Irish (unless exempt) and English, with performance requirements as set by UCD.
English requirements
Applicants whose prior education was not in English may need to provide an English proficiency test score. Common accepted tests include:
- IELTS (Academic): typically 6.5 (confirm minimum for this programme/intake)
- TOEFL iBT: typically 90
- PTE Academic: typically 63
- Duolingo English Test: typically 120
- Oxford Test of English (OTE): typically 140
Minimum scores and validity periods can vary, so verify the exact requirements for the year you apply.
Other requirements
- CAO application: Irish, EU and EFTA applicants apply through the CAO.
- High-demand courses: A numerus clausus may apply for EU applicants based on top-grade performance across cohorts.
- Documentation: You may be asked to provide supporting documents (e.g., transcripts) depending on your educational background.
Post-study work permission (Ireland)
After completing your degree in Ireland, you may be eligible to apply for a post-study work permission, subject to meeting the Irish immigration rules in force at the time of application.
- Eligibility: You must have successfully completed your programme and meet the conditions set by the Irish authorities for post-study work.
- Duration: The permitted stay is granted for a limited period and may depend on your qualification level and the rules applicable to your intake.
- Employment: You may be able to work during the permission period, subject to the conditions attached to your permission.
- Application timing: You should apply within the required timeframe after graduation and before your permission expires (if applicable).
Important: Immigration rules can change. Always check the latest guidance from the Irish Department of Justice and/or your university’s international student office before planning your next steps.