University College Cork

Overview

The Education Gaeilge (Hons) programme at University College Cork (UCC) equips students to teach the Irish language at the post-primary level, alongside a secondary subject of their choice. This comprehensive course emphasizes professional teacher education standards and includes significant school-based practice, featuring immersive teaching experiences in Gaeltacht areas and other settings where Irish is the medium of instruction.

What you'll study

The programme spans four years and is structured to build essential pedagogical skills and knowledge. Below is an indicative outline of the curriculum:

• Year 1:
  • Foundations of teaching and learning (education studies)
  • Irish language and literacy development for teaching
  • Introduction to the post-primary curriculum and classroom practice
  • Early school observation and guided placement activities
• Year 2:
  • Pedagogy for teaching Irish through Irish
  • Assessment, differentiation, and inclusive classroom practice
  • Subject methodology for the second subject
  • Continued school placement with increasing teaching responsibility
• Year 3:
  • Advanced teaching practice in diverse school settings
  • Language, culture, and immersion-focused learning
  • Curriculum planning and reflective practice
  • Electives/support modules as offered by the programme
• Year 4:
  • Final-year teaching placement and professional practice development
  • Capstone teaching portfolio and/or final assessment components
  • Consolidation of subject pedagogy and readiness for post-primary teaching

Throughout the programme, students will complete at least 200 hours of structured school placement, ensuring practical experience in real classroom settings.

Entry requirements

Applicants interested in the Education Gaeilge (Hons) programme should refer to UCC's official programme page for detailed information regarding academic prerequisites and language proficiency requirements. The programme does not specify GRE, GMAT, or GPA scoring criteria.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Education Gaeilge (Hons) programme are well-prepared for a rewarding career in education, particularly in teaching the Irish language and related subjects at post-primary schools. The comprehensive training and extensive school placement experience equip students with the necessary skills to thrive in diverse educational environments, promoting the use of Irish and fostering a rich cultural understanding in their future classrooms.