UCC Postgraduate courses

Spanish for Teachers (Post-Primary)

Learn more about this programme View our FAQ Sign up for Updates
Course Fact File
CodeHDSPT
Duration2 Years Part-time
Teaching ModePart-Time
QualificationsHDip
NFQ LevelLevel 8
EU FeesFully Funded
See Fees and Costs for full details.
Closing DateRolling Deadline. Open until all places are filled. Early application advised.
Start Date9 September 2024

Course Outline

The Higher Diploma in Spanish for Teaching (Post-Primary) is a part-time programme taken over 24 months. It aims to equip registered post-primary teachers with the skills to teach the curricular subject of Spanish at the post-primary level in Ireland after completing 65 credits over 24 months.

This innovative two-year Higher Diploma takes participants from A2 Spanish language level competence to the required B2.2 level under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It ensures that participants complete all curricular subject requirements for the Teaching Council including language, literature, and study abroad, and integrates collaborative and flexible learning models along with a commitment to deep reflective practice.

Modules

Students take 65 credits over two years as follows:

ModuleTitleCredits
Year 1 (30 credits)
HS5010 Spanish Language for Post-Primary Teachers: B1 (CEFR) 15
HS5011 Landmarks in Spanish and Latin American Literature  5
HS5021 Understanding Latin America: Texts and Contexts 5
HS5013 Intensive Spanish Language Consolidation B1 (CEFR) [or] 5 
HS5014 Spanish Translation Project (for students who do not need to complete the study abroad requirement) 5
Year 2 (35 credits)
HS5015 Spanish Language for Post-Primary Teachers: B2 (CEFR) 10
HS5017 Cultural Responses to Global Challenges in the Spanish-Speaking World 10
HS5018  Digital Tools and Content Creation for Spanish Language and Culture 5
HS5020 Iberian Identities: Texts and Contexts 5
HS5019 Intensive Spanish Language Consolidation: B2 (CEFR) [or] 5
HS5023 Applied Project in Spanish and Latin American Studies 5

Learning Outcomes for Higher Diploma in Spanish for Teaching (Post-Primary) (NFQ Level 8, Major Award)

On successful completion of this programme, you should be able to:

  • Demonstrate competence in the Spanish language equivalent to a degree/B2.2 level in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) in all four modes (as per Teaching Council requirements);
  • Analyse a range of literature from different Spanish-speaking countries fulfilling the 15-credit Teaching Council requirements;
  • Compare a range of historical contexts in the Spanish-speaking worlds through literary analysis;
  • Create, evaluate and critique the suitability of learning materials for specific learning purposes and environments;
  • Apply a range of digital tools for the effective creation, management, and presentation of classroom activities. 

Academic Programme Catalogue

See the Academic Programme Catalogue where you can search for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year to year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.

Course Practicalities

This course is designed as a blended programme using technology-enhanced learning as its primary mode alongside four or five in-person Saturday workshops per semester.

As part of the programme, students may avail of two 1-month intensive study abroad programmes in June or July of either, or both, years.

Using UCC’s virtual learning platform, CANVAS, we facilitate online and weekend delivery favouring a flipped classroom approach. We support and encourage a community of practice alongside multi-modal assessment including action research, reflective essays, e-portfolios, oral presentations, peer and self-assessment, as well as a critical engagement with ICT.

Why Choose This Course

  • Are you interested in learning the Spanish language to a level that equips you to be a teacher in the subject?
  • Are you interested in learning about the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world including Spain, Latin America, and the US?
  • Would you like training in digital tools that will help you to create content for your classes?

If the above catches your imagination then apply for this programme and learn from our dynamic team of experts. We will introduce you to the world of language teaching, digital pedagogies, and the cultures and histories of Spain and Latin America.

Requirements

Language Competency Requirements  

Participants require an A2 level of Spanish according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) 

Certification as proof of language level is required. We accept certificates from Universities, Escuelas Oficiales de Idiomas, and internationally recognised accreditation like the DELE and SIELE certificates (see https://dublin.cervantes.es/en/default.shtm for more information). The certificates must state that the applicant has acquired the language level (of A2 or higher); proof of attendance on a course at that level is not sufficient.  

Please note, we can only accept A2 certification that has been acquired within two years of the application deadline. Certification for B1 level speakers or higher may have been acquired prior to this. Candidates presenting B1+ certificates older than 5 years may be invited to meet our team to confirm their language level.

Native speakers of Spanish who have full post-primary registration with the Teaching Council are eligible to apply if they do not already meet the curricular requirements to register as a post-primary Spanish teacher. 

Teaching Council Requirements 

In line with funding terms and conditions from the HEA, applicants must have full Post-Primary (Route 2) registration with the Teaching Council at the time of applicationTeachers with post-primary (VEC ONLY) or post-primary (ETB ONLY) registration are eligible to apply.

Conditional registration for post-primary (route 2), or registration with other routes (i.e. further education, primary) cannot be accepted. Please note, to be eligible to complete this programme, applicants must not meet the Spanish curricular requirements for the Teaching Council with their current qualifications. 

Teaching Council requirements are available here

For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland

Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.

International/Non-EU Applicants

For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.

  • In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.
  • Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.
English Language Requirements

Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Vsit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.

Fees and Costs

The EU fee for this course is Fully Funded.

Postgraduate EU and International Fees 2024/2025

See our Postgraduate EU and Non-EU (International) Fee Schedule for the latest information.

Deposits 

If your course requires a deposit, that figure will be deducted from your second-semester fee payment in January.

Fee payment 

Fees are payable in two equal instalments. First payment is at registration and the balance usually by the end of January.

How can I pay? 

See different options on our How Do I Pay My Fees? page.

Any questions? See the 'Contact Us' section on the Fees Office page.

Fees for this programme are fully funded. A €500 bursary per student per year is provided to support the immersive experience. 

How To Apply

1. Check dates

Check the opening and closing dates for the application process in the fact file boxes at the top of the page.

2. Gather documents

Scanned copies of supporting documents have to be uploaded to the UCC online application portal and include:

  • Original qualification documents listed on your application including transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC.
  • Any supplementary items requested for your course if required.

3. Apply online

Apply online via the UCC online application portal. Note the majority of our courses have a non-refundable €50 application fee.

Any questions? Use our web enquiry form to contact us.

Additional Requirements (All Applicants)

Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include the following:

  • You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. (We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application.)
  • In addition to your previously declared qualifications, please outline any additional academic courses, self-learning and professional training relevant to this programme.
  • Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.

Apply Now

For queries regarding course content or timetables please contact

Top