Marian University

What you'll study

This programme builds knowledge and practical skills in teaching, curriculum design and ongoing professional development. Core study areas include foundations of education, child and adolescent development, learning theories, classroom management and inclusive practice. You will take level-specific and subject-method modules tailored to your chosen age range (for example early childhood/primary or secondary/subject methods) that cover planning, differentiation, assessment for learning and use of curriculum standards.

• Foundations of Education: history and philosophy of education, educational psychology and ethics.
• Development and Learning: cognitive and social development across the relevant age span; special educational needs.
• Subject Methods and Curriculum: planning and delivering subject-specific lessons, curriculum alignment and literacy across the curriculum for secondary or integrated primary methods for elementary.
• Assessment and Data-Informed Teaching: formative and summative assessment, feedback, using assessment data to adapt teaching.
• Inclusive and Adaptive Practice: differentiation, universal design for learning, behaviour support and working with diverse learners.
• Educational Technology: pedagogically effective use of digital tools for instruction, remote and blended learning strategies.
• Professional Development and Leadership: models of CPD, mentoring, action research, and leading professional learning communities in schools.
• School-based Practicum and Student Teaching: integrated placements that progress from observation and supported teaching to full-time student teaching in partner schools, accompanied by reflective seminars and mentor supervision.

The programme emphasises reflective practice and practitioner research; many modules include project or portfolio assessment that feeds into a capstone student-teaching placement and a professional development project focused on improving classroom or school practice.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a secondary school qualification deemed equivalent to high-school completion with satisfactory grades, including evidence of competence in English and in relevant subject areas for secondary-method candidates. Mature applicants with relevant experience are considered.

• Academic qualifications: completion of an approved secondary qualification with subject credits appropriate to the chosen level/method.
• Practical suitability: clearance checks and health requirements for working with children are required prior to placements; these may include background checks and immunisation or health screenings as specified by placement partners.
• Application materials: personal statement outlining motivation for teaching, and at least one academic or professional reference; selected applicants may be invited to an interview or assessment to discuss readiness for classroom work.
• English language: international applicants must demonstrate competence in English through recognised tests or qualifications where English is not the first language.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for qualified teacher roles in early years, primary/elementary or secondary settings depending on the chosen pathway. The programme also supports careers beyond classroom teaching, including curriculum development, instructional coaching, school-based professional development leadership, special educational needs coordination and educational consultancy.

• Classroom teacher in primary, middle or secondary schools
• Specialist roles such as literacy coordinator, subject lead or special educational needs practitioner
• Instructional coach or professional development coordinator within schools or local education authorities
• Educational consultant, curriculum developer or assessment specialist in public or private sectors
• Further study: postgraduate certificates in education, master's programmes in educational leadership, special education or teacher education research pathways

Why study at Marian University

Marian University's education programmes emphasise close mentoring, sustained school partnerships and a commitment to reflective, values-based practice. Students benefit from small cohort sizes, faculty with active classroom experience and structured clinical placements arranged with local partner schools to ensure progressive teaching responsibility.

The university's approach integrates professional development theory with practical application: trainees leave with lesson planning, assessment and classroom management skills alongside experience leading improvements in real school settings. For those aiming to continue into leadership or specialist roles, the programme offers pathways into postgraduate study and access to networks that support early-career development in education.