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Routes to qualifying as a secondary school teacher
In Ireland, secondary education is referred to as post-Primary Education. There are many routes to becoming a secondary school teacher in Ireland. The School of Education at UCC can help you achieve your goal of becoming a post-Primary teacher through one of its undergraduate or graduate courses.
The Teaching Council is the independent body that oversees the registration of primary, secondary and further education teachers in Ireland. Their website contains lots of essential information for registration.
What cost is involved?
Undergraduate Programmes
Professional Masters of Education (PME)
You pay the usual student contribution for undergraduate programmes. Full details are available on the Fees Office website.
If you are undertaking an undergraduate degree, you may also qualify for financial support through one of our scholarships. You can find more information about our scholarshipson the Start Your Journey in Education page.
The fees for year 1 and year 2 of the PME may be found on the Fees Office website.
Note: The undergraduate route to qualifying as a secondary school teacher is often called the concurrent model for training teachers because you study your specialist teaching subjects at the same time as Education during the four years of the programme.
The PME route to qualifying as a secondary school teacher is often called the consecutive model for training teachers because you study Education for two years after you have completed your undergraduate degree.
If you are interested in a career as a secondary school teacher, you can apply for an undergraduate degree leading to a qualification as a secondary school teacher.
If you are over the age of 23 and interested in qualifying as a teacher, you can apply to CAO for entry to a programme leading
to a qualification as a teacher.
If you are under the age of 19 and do not have an undergraduate degree, then you can apply for one of UCC’s undergraduate education degrees through the CAO.
If you have an undergraduate degree in subjects recognised by the Teaching Council, you can apply to study the Professional Masters in Education (PME) with the School of Education at UCC.
If your undergraduate degree is in Science, you can also apply for Direct Entry to third year of the B.Sc. Science Education programme
If you do have a graduate degree but no teaching qualification, you can apply for the Professional Masters in Education (PME) at UCC. It is important to check that your undergraduate degree meets the requirements for the Teaching Council.
I am a prospective international student
If you are under the age of 19 and do not have an undergraduate degree, then you can apply for one of UCC’s undergraduate education degrees through the CAO.
If you do have a graduate degree but no teaching qualification, you can apply for the Professional Masters in Education (PME) at UCC. It is important to check that your undergraduate degree meets the requirements for the Teaching Council.
Quercus Scholars
It is an active, engaging, and challenging degree, that allows you to investigate a variety of different areas of human interaction.
The B.Ed. Gaeilge programme is quite unique, in that it allows students to qualify as post-primary teachers of Gaeilge and another subject after just four years
I came through the ruby schools system in Presentation Brothers Cork which culminated in me joining the Munster Academy in 2012. This would be the year I also made my Munster ‘A’ debut and the following season I made my full Munster senior team debut against Zebre in Italy. I made the jump to the Munster senior squad in 2013 and this is where I remained until 2017 when I retired from professional rugby. On retirement, I returned to UCC to study a BEd in Sports Studies and Physical Education while committing to play rugby for the college. This provided me with the opportunity to continue to play rugby at a highly competitive level while also allowing me to study for a degree that I had wanted since my school days.
Why did you choose the programme?
The practical nature and high quality of educators in the Sports Studies programme was the driving force of choosing this degree. It is an active, engaging, and challenging degree, that allows you to investigate a variety of different areas of human interaction. Furthermore, there are many transferable skills that are acquired in the course that can benefit your own personal health and open up other job opportunities.
Why did you choose UCC?
UCC is a standard setter in academic and human performance. The alternative would have been studying in the University of Limerick, but the quality across the board in UCC was too good to turn down.
Describe your Quercus experience
The Quercus programme is highly specialized in facilitating excellence in both academia and the given discipline of any individual. It is a community that looks after one another, with both Michelle and Elaine being a constant presence that allows you to flourish. There was always a solution found to any problem, no matter how big or small, both in the lecture hall and in my case, out on the rugby pitch. The strength and conditioning supports are vital for athletes and the standard to which these are provided in the programme is at an elite level.
What did you enjoy most about your UCC/Quercus experience and what was your most memorable experience/ achievement in UCC?
The most enjoyable aspect of my Quercus experience was the ability to navigate through a four year degree with the comfort that there was always somebody to help when needed. I never felt alone at any stage and this was vital in allowing me the opportunity to excel both on and off the field. The stand out moment for me would be the promotion of UCC senior rugby to the first division in Irish Rugby for the first time in the colleges history. At my age, there aren’t many opportunities to be a part of a group that achieves something for the first time – so this was very significant for me.
Any advice for incoming Quercus students?
Always ask for help, no matter how big or small the task may be.
Honesty is the best policy – be open and honest to your lecturers, the Quercus staff, and yourself, and you can navigate through any situation.
You are in an incredibly privileged position, and privilege attracts pressure. Use it to fuel you and allow yourself to thrive, that’s why you’ve been chosen for the Quercus programme, because you are that good.
Siobhán Cronin
Biography
My name is Siobhán Cronin, and I am a Quercus University (Academic) Scholar. I am currently in my second year of the Education Gaeilge programme, with German being my second subject. I attended Millstreet Community School and Coláiste Íde, Dingle in my transition year. I play fiddle and piano and love to sing, particularly in the Sean-Nós style, and I have competed in many competitions such as Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann and An tOireachtas. I’m an avid debater and this year, I was a member of the UCC team that won the Gael-Linn 3rd Level Debating Competition at Oireachtas na Samhna. Drama is also a great love of mine and this year, I am secretary of An Cumann Drámaíochta in UCC. So far, I have directed several of our sketches and I am really looking forward to the society’s production of “An Triail” later in the semester.
Why did you choose the programme?
I have always loved languages, particularly Irish and German, and this really inspired me to choose the Education Gaeilge programme. After seeing the course listed on the UCC website back in 2020, I instantly knew that it was for me. As well as having a great love for languages, I have always wanted to become a teacher. The BEd Gaeilge programme is quite unique, in that it allows students to qualify as post-primary teachers of Gaeilge and another subject after just four years. Therefore, there is no requirement to complete the Professional Master of Education (PME) afterwards, saving both time and money.
Why did you choose UCC?
UCC is a truly excellent university, and I am so happy that I chose to study here. My three siblings have all studied at UCC and after hearing about their positive experiences, I knew that it was the place for me. As well as the wide range of both undergraduate and postgraduate courses offered, there is a choice of over 150 different clubs and societies, meaning there is something for everyone. There is always a fantastic atmosphere around campus, and of course UCC offers the Quercus Talented Students’ Programme.
Describe your Quercus experience
My experience of Quercus so far has been exceptional, and I am so honoured to be a University Scholar on the programme. The scholarship has a magnificent list of benefits, including a fee waiver, campus accommodation and bursary, allowing me to be free of financial pressure. The mentoring side of Quercus is another aspect that has really benefitted me. I am so lucky to have an academic mentor who guides me with my studies. I am also offered life coaching as part of the Quercus scholarship. I must commend the Quercus team - John, Michèle and Elaine who are so supportive and do everything they can to help me along the way.
What do you enjoy most about your UCC/Quercus experience and what was your most memorable experience/achievement in UCC?
I am thoroughly enjoying the UCC and Quercus experience, and I am really excited for the coming semester. It is almost surreal to be on campus with my friends, and I’ll never take the in-person lectures for granted! UCC has such a beautiful campus and I am so lucky that I have the chance to study here. The Quercus Induction Day was such an excellent opportunity to meet my fellow scholars, and to put faces to names. The Student Led Quercus Lecture Series also gave a fascinating insight into the lives and work of the other scholars. If I were to give advice to incoming Quercus students it would be to say yes to every opportunity that comes your way. It is a privilege to be a Quercus scholar and it opens the door to endless possibilities.
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