UG Prospectus 2025

115 DC004 students take an additional qualification in Religious Studies and Religious Education to preparing you to teach the FollowMe programme in schools under Church of Ireland, Methodist, Presbyterian and Society of Friends patronage supported by denominational specialism track module (Religions, Ethics, Morals andValues) and a specialismwhich prepares you to teach in small schools andmulti-level classes, amodule in Irish Language and Literature in Year 1 plus a short intensive course in Irish and a one- week placement in aGaelscoil. Course Structure Our BEd is designed to help you become a skilled and creative teacher. All students study Educationmodules, complete 30weeks’ professional placement and undertake 2 residential Gaeltacht Learning Periods. Youwill also take specialism subjects relevant to teaching. You will be part of a small study group (a tutorial group) and this will give you a chance to share your experiences of professional placement and your thoughts on course content. Youwill spend time in schools each year, with extended placements in Years 3 and 4. Youwill start by observing the class teacher andwill build up gradually to teaching all day. Throughout your placements, you will be supported by both faculty and school staffat your placement school. Themajority of DC003 placements will be in gaelscoilenna, with a particular focus on developing your experience and skills in the classroom. Themajority of DC004 placements will be in schools under Church of Ireland, Methodist, Presbyterian and Society of Friends patronage, with a particular focus on developing your experience and skills for teaching multi-grade classes in small schools. In Years 1 and 2, youwill cover the basics needed for teaching. Youwill come to understand how children think and learn in activeways. Your curriculumcourses will prepare you to teach all the subjects of the primary curriculumusing approaches that develop children’s understanding and motivation. Youwill also takemodules in Psychology, Philosophy, Sociology of Education andHistory of Education. In Year 3, youwill reviewwhat you have learned to date andwill apply it in different situations. Youwill deepen your understanding of classroomcontexts and of how to plan for rich learning experiences. Youwill learn how towork with children inways that are democratic and enable them to engage in an ethical way with theworld. Year 4 focuses on deepening your expertise. It will provide youwith opportunities to think about big ideas in education such as social justice, inclusion andworking in a school community. Youwill also undertake a research project. SpecialismTrackModules The BEd also provides opportunities for students to specialise in key areas of learning. DC002 andDC003: In Year 1, you will select amaximumof 3 options fromGaeilge, Mathematics, Music, Inclusive and Special Education, SPHE andWellbeing, Science Education and Religious Studies. You can continue with one of these as amajor specialism in Years 2 to 4, or may decide to opt for Digital Learning, Drama in Education, Early Childhood Education, HumanDevelopment, Human Rights andCitizenship Education, Literacy Education, Music Education, Physical Education, Science Education, Special and Inclusive Education, Teaching in Small Schools andMulti-level Classes, Maths Education, History Education, Geography Education andVisual Arts Education. (Places on some specialisms are restricted and options are subject to change). DC004: In Year 1 you takemodules in Religious Studies and Irish Language, Years 2 to 4, youmust followa particular specialismwhich prepares you to teach in small schools andmulti-level classes as well as continuingwith Religious Education, preparing you particularly to teach the FollowMe programme. Visit Us Online dcu.ie/DC002 dcu.ie/DC003 dcu.ie/DC004 Contact Details studenthelp@dcu.ie Additional Information This coursewill enable you to register on graduation as a primary teacher with the TeachingCouncil of Ireland (see page 188 for further details). Bachelor of Education (BEd) Primary Teaching Honours Bachelor Degree DC002 / 3 / 4