Course Details

Please note that applicants may only apply for one option in the P.D.E. from the list shown above.

The purpose of this course is to develop in our students 

• [a] knowledge and appreciation of the discipline of education;
• [b] a sense of the broad context of Irish education as part of society as a whole;
• [c] an appreciation of the complicated nature of the teacher's role and of the function[s] of schools in society;
• [d] knowledge of a range of models of instruction, with the ability to chose between them and to apply them in classrooms, laboratories and elsewhere;
• [e] the ability and willingness to act as reflective practitioners, adopting critical insights into practice as appropriate.

The course is staffed by a combination of full-time and part-time lecturers and tutors, the former being Trinity lecturers who have wide research interests and experience in teaching in schools and higher education, the latter typically being current or recently retired teachers who bring extensive classroom experience.

Please note that nationally all PDE courses were designated at level 8 and renamed as Professional Diploma in Education starting in the academic year 2011/2012.

Course Structure and Content

An induction course is held over one week in September. Its aim is to provide a general overview of the programme and to equip students for their introduction to teaching in the classroom. There is an emphasis on classroom teaching methods and survival skills. Specific pedagogy courses begin during the induction course when students will be able to meet their pedagogy coordinators and some of the TP supervisors.

The college-based course consists of:

• lecture courses on the disciplines of education;
• courses in specific methods/pedagogies.

Lecture courses are given in all the disciplines relevant to the study of education. The School currently offers courses in the following areas:

• Educational Philosophy and Theory;
• Applied Psychology in Education;
• History of Education;
• Special Education;
• Sociologies of Education;
• Introduction to Assessment and Examinations.

A course in ICT (Information and Communication Technology) and elective courses in some or all of the following will also be available:

• Civic, Social and Political Education;
• Drama in Education;
• Depth Psychology for Teachers;
• Classroom Practice and the Hidden Curriculum;
• Language and Literacy accross the Curriculum;
• Gender and Identity;
• Inquiry Learning;
• Educational Research in Practice.

Courses in pedagogy of teaching subjects are offered in the following school subjects:

• Business Studies (including Accounting and Economics);
• English;
• Geography;
• History;
• Irish;
• Mathematics (including Applied Mathematics);
• Modern Languages (including French, German, Italian, Spanish and Other Languages);
• Music;
• Religious Education;
• Science (including Biology, Chemistry and Physics).

The purpose of the courses in pedagogy is to introduce students to the theoretical and practical aspects of teaching as a subject. Teaching in each subject is shared by a team of full-time members of the School and part-time staff, some of whom are also practising teachers, and one of whom will coordinate each subject.

Each pedagogy team aims, in its own way, to develop in students:

• [a] the ability to reflect on and evaluate their own practice;
• [b] a working knowledge of relevant research into pupils' learning and an appreciation of the importance of pupils being actively engaged in their own learning;
• [c] an appreciation of the importance of developing positive relationships with pupils, based on principles of equity and inclusiveness;
• [d] a rigorous approach to planning, combined with the ability to make considered choices from a range of teaching methods and resources;
• [e] a knowledge of the content of their subject[s] as required for the Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate examination syllabi.

Students must choose two pedagogy subjects. The first or major subject should be whatever was indicated on your application form: the subject that you intend to teach full-time when your studies are complete. You will have been interviewed by the panel for this subject. The second (minor) subject should be chosen from a range of possible subjects that do not clash with your major on the timetable. The minor pedagogy course will not be assessed and you will not be supervised if you teach that subject. Science and Modern Languages count as double pedagogy subjects. Majors in these subjects do not have to choose a minor pedagogy programme. However, students taking either of these subjects as MINOR must also have a major.

Teaching Practice carried out in schools

Teaching Practice (TP) is a major element of the course and it is required that those accepted for the course organise their own TP, usually in the greater Dublin area. In certain circumstances staff in the School of Education can offer help and advice in organising TP but this is not normally the case. Students are required to be present in their Teaching Practice School on Monday mornings, and on Thursdays and Fridays. Students must teach a minimum number of classes in their major subject during these times.

Admission Requirements

Please note that applicants may only apply for one option in the P.D.E. from the list shown below.