What is New Avenues to Teaching (NAT)?
New Avenues to Teaching (NAT) is an initiative that aims to increase the diversity of the Irish teaching force.
We want to encourage and support students from groups that are currently considered to be under-represented in teaching to achieve their goal of becoming a post-primary teacher with the School of Education in UCC.
This includes students on the following courses:
- Professional Master in Education (PME)
- PME (Art & Design)
- BEd Gaeilge
- BEd Science Education
- BEd Physical Education, Sports Studies & Arts
Eligibility Criteria for NAT Support
NAT aims to support students from groups who are currently considered 'under-represented' in teaching.
Target Groups for NAT
- Students with a Disability (or Disabilities)
- Students from Ethnic Minorities
- Students from the Traveller Community
- QQI Entry Route
- Students who are Lone Parents
- HEAR-eligible students
- Students who were or are in the Care of the State/Direct Provision/Supported Accommodation
- DEIS Second Level School Attendance
- Mature Students (in undergraduate programmes only)
Want to know more?
Further details on NAT eligibility criteria
NAT Bursaries (23/24)
Applications for the NAT Bursaries are now closed - the closing date for applications was Friday, 27th October 2023.
Important Note:
Bursaries are awarded on a yearly basis so even if you have previously recieved a NAT Bursary you must still re-apply by submitting an application for this year's bursary.
Information on other financial supports available to students can be found on the Student Financial Supports and Advice website.
Students experiencing financial difficulty are encouraged to contact the Student Budgetary Advisor by either:
- emailing studentbudgetingadvice@ucc.ie
or
- making an appointment through the online Student Budgetary Appointment Request form
NAT Workshops and Events
Visit our NAT Workshops and Events page for further information on:
- workshops for students
- events for UCC staff
- community outreach events
As well as the supports offered by NAT, students can avail of other supports offered by the University as appropriate.
Access UCC
Visit Access UCC to find out more about a broad ranges of supports that may be available to students including:
Academic Supports
The Skills Centre offers a wide range of opportunities to enhance study and writing skills.
Online Supports
The Student Experience Office has a list of supports for students that are available online.
Financial Supports
Information on other financial supports available to students can be found on the Student Financial Supports and Advice website.
Students experiencing financial difficulty are encouraged to contact the Student Budgetary Advisor by either:
- emailing studentbudgetingadvice@ucc.ie
or
- making an appointment through the online Student Budgetary Appointment Request form
How to Contact Us
If you have a question or would like to have a chat with a member of the NAT Team you can:
- email us at nat@ucc.ie
- request an online Teams meeting by emailing nat@ucc.ie
- visit the NAT Office during our open office hours
NAT Open Office Hours (NAT Office)
Our NAT Open Office hours for Semester 1 (2023) are currently:
- Tuesday afternoons between 3pm - 5pm
How to find us
The NAT Office is located on the top floor of 1 Lucan Place on Western Road (Room 2.02).
This is Building No 58 on the UCC CAMPUS MAP (PDF) (Grid D5).
Accessibility Requirements
If you have specific accessibilty requirements or preferences just let us know by email.
Please note the NAT office is on the top floor of the building and is only accessible by stairs. If this is an issue please email us to request an in-person meeting and we will arrange a suitable location to meet with you.
If you have a query about your eligibility for the NAT Bursaries please contact the New Avenues to Teaching (NAT) Team at:
If you have a query about the application process or the Student Assistance Fund please contact the Student Assistance Fund Team at:
