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DC002

Bachelor of Education (Primary Teaching)

Course Details

CAO Code:
DC002
Course Type:
Undergraduate
NFQ Level:
8 - Please see www.qqi.ie for further information
Placement:
Yes
Delivery Modes
Full-Time
Minimum Points
506*
Duration
4 Years
Phone:
+353 (0) 1
700 9161

The Bachelor of Education will prepare you for a rewarding career as a Primary School Teacher, a role that has a positive and lasting impact on young children's lives.

 

Overview

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As a primary school teacher, you can make a real difference - guiding and supporting children’s growing minds and personal development. This course will help you to become a skilled and creative teaching professional.

Learning to Teach, Teaching to Learn

The Bachelor of Education (Primary Teaching) will equip you not only with subject knowledge, but also with the leadership and communication skills that teachers need. 

The course helps you to understand how children learn, and gives you the tools to motivate your students in the classroom. As well as learning how to teach the subjects on the primary school curriculum, your knowledge and understanding of the world will deepen through great interactive lectures.

DCU People

Careers & Further Options

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Careers

The Bachelor of Education degree is not only a gateway to the primary teaching professions, but also to a number of careers as outlined below 

  • Development Agencies
  • Government Departments
  • National Voluntary Organisations
  • Primary Schools
  • Statutory Bodies
Educational Administrator
Teacher Educator
School Inspector
Principal
Educational Policy Maker
Consultant
Content Writer
Researcher

DCU graduates are highly sought after by employers. Our Graduates work in environments ranging from large multinationals to SMEs, family businesses and start-ups across every sector.

DCU Careers Service has a number of learning and development initiatives in place for our students, giving them the skills they need for a successful career path.

Go to our Careers site to find out more about career planning, our mentorship programme, skills development and online resources for students when working on CVs and making applications.

 

Entry Requirements

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In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply: Minimum of H5 in no fewer than three subjects and a minimum of O6 or H7 in three other subjects, to include minimum of H4 in Irish; O4 or H7 in English; O4 or H7 in Mathematics.  

To view DES entry requirements for non-mature applicants click here. Irish language version click here

In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply: Six subjects must be presented, at least three at GCE A Level with the remaining subjects at GCE AS or GCSE Level.   Applicants must present the following subject requirements: GCSE Level C in both English and English Literature or GCSE Level B in either English or English Literature.  GCE A Level C in Irish; GCSE Level D in Additional Mathematics or GCSE Level C in Mathematics; GCE A Level C in two further subjects; GCSE C in one other subject. 

To view DES entry requirements for non-mature applicants click here. Irish language version click here

No Entry Path

DC002 and DC003: Requests will be considered from students who are about to complete or have recently successfully completed the first year of a full-time BEd degree course or its equivalent in a recognised third level institution nationally. Applicants must meet the entry requirements of the class to which they are requesting transfer, normally including the CAO points requirement. Applicants who entered their current course on mature grounds must satisfy the course entry requirements for mature students. Applicants may be required to attend for interview. Advanced Entry to year two is subject to availability of places.

International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. For further information on international applications click here.

Course Structure

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In Years 1 and 2, students cover the basics needed for teaching.

You will come to understand how children think and learn in active ways. Your curriculum courses will prepare you to teach all the subjects of the primary curriculum using approaches that develop children’s understanding and motivation.

You’ll also take modules in Psychology, Philosophy Sociology of Education and History of Education.

 

In Year 3, you will review what you’ve learned to date and will apply it in different situations.

Your understanding of classroom contexts and of how to plan for rich learning experiences will be enriched.

You’ll learn how to work with children in ways that are democratic and enable them to engage in an ethical way with the world.

 

Year 4 focuses on deepening your expertise. It will provide you with opportunities to think about big ideas in education such as social justice, inclusion and working in a school community. You will also undertake a research project.

 

Learners spend time in schools in each year, with extended placements in Years 3 and 4. You will start by observing the class teacher and will build up gradually to teaching all day. You will also visit the Gaeltacht for four weeks.

Specialise

The BEd also enables you to specialise in key areas of learning. 

In Year 1 you’ll select a maximum of three from English, Gaeilge, Geography, History, Mathematics, Music, and Religious Studies. You can continue with one of these as a Major Specialism in Years 2 to 4.

Alternatively, you may decide to opt for Early Childhood Education, Digital Learning, Science Education, Human Development, Physical Education, Literacy Education, Geo Learning, or Special and Inclusive Education. (The number of places on some specialisms is restricted and options are subject to change).

 


For more information on the course structure click here

Fees and Funding

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Fees

Student Contribution
€3,043 per annum
EU Status Fee
€5,607 per annum
Non EU Fee
€14,500 per annum
Material Charge
€175 Year 1 only

How To Apply

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Applicants presenting EU School Leaving examinations: Apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1st February or 1st May

Candidates should apply directly to DCU on an ongoing basis up to 1st July.  Candidates are advised to apply early as places are limited. Please ensure you meet the entry requirements before applying.

Apply through the CAO by 1st February. In March, those meeting the eligibility criteria; those intending to sit the Leaving Certificate and applicants presenting GC(S)E in 2023 will be sent an email by the CAO (to the email account registered to their CAO account) with instructions for completing and submitting a supplementary form. Candidates will then be invited to attend a general interview and oral Irish examination. Date is set for 2nd May.  

Applicants sitting examinations in 2023 will be included in this invitation provided they meet the minimum entry requirements or are intending to sit Leaving Certificate/GC(S)E examinations before August 2023.

Applicants will be offered places in order of merit. There is a common order of merit list for St Patrick's Campus, DCU, Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education, NUI Maynooth and Marino Institute of Education. Candidates who have failed the interview on two previous occasions are not eligible to reapply.

Please note that mature applicants can apply either on mature grounds or on points alone or both.

Information regarding the DES 2023 Mature Entry requirements are available here, Irish language version click here

Applications are made via the CAO Advanced Entry route which will open on the 1st December to 1st July.

Candidates required to apply through the CAO can apply online at www.cao.ie
 

Life On Campus

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DCU St Patrick's Campus

FAQs

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