The funded programme, commencing in September 2025, will be jointly delivered by the School of Education and the School of Languages, Literatures and Cultural Studies, through the Department of French. In response to the announcement, Professor Sarah Alywn Stacey, Head of the Department of French, part of the School of Languages, Literatures and Cultural Studies, said: 

"In light of Trinity's esteemed tradition in teaching Modern Languages - we have the Oldest Chair of French in the world dating back to 1776 - we are honoured to be chosen to deliver this innovative programme, which will significantly contribute to increasing the number of qualified French post-primary teachers. These educators will play a crucial role in fostering literacy in French language and culture and in inspiring future generations of secondary school students across Ireland." 

Dr Ann Devitt, Head of School, School of Education, said: 

“The School of Education is delighted to partner with the Department of French to deliver a new upskilling programme for French teachers, complementing our existing Irish upskilling programme. This initiative aims to unlock the untapped potential of teachers with some existing French language skills through modules on language, culture, and language pedagogy.” 

 Objectives

  • The course enables teacher participants to develop their language proficiency in French across all skills, gain in-depth knowledge of French language culture, and adapt and grow their pedagogical expertise to apply it to the teaching of French.
  • Upon successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma, teacher participants will meet Teaching Council curricular subject requirements to teach French to Leaving Certificate level.
  • Participants will be interested in developing their language proficiency in French, gaining in-depth knowledge of French language culture and growing their pedagogical expertise.

Funding

The programme is funded by the Department of Education, however participants are liable for their application and associated testing fees. 

Programme structure

This is a two-year part-time programme. The first intake will be in September 2025, and is a part-time course of study. The programme is structured to provide flexible learning to participants through a combination of online, pre-recorded, face-to-face instruction and cultural immersion, designed to accommodate teachers in both full and part-time roles, as well as those based across the country.

Classes will take place primarily online outside of school hours, to enable practising teachers to attend. There is a requirement for some in-person workshop days outside of school term time.

For more information and details on how to apply, please visit https://www.tcd.ie/French/courses/postgraduate/taught/frenchteacherdiploma.php