Program Overview

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Program Overview

The Professional Diploma in Politics and Society for Teachers is designed to support qualified post-primary teachers in gaining the subject knowledge and pedagogical skills needed to teach Politics and Society at second level.

Brief Description

This programme encourages reflective practice and supports teachers in becoming socially conscious educators who can confidently engage with contemporary political and social issues. It is fully funded by the Department of Education and offers a flexible, online learning experience tailored to the needs of busy teachers.

Programme Content

During this programme, teachers will:

• Gain subject-specific knowledge in politics, sociology, and education
• Learn how to teach Politics and Society using inclusive, participatory methods
• Explore themes such as human rights, democracy, sustainability, and diversity
• Engage in reflective practice through journal entries and portfolio development
• Participate in an in-person 2-3 day summer school focused on practical teaching strategies
• Receive regular feedback and support from experienced faculty

Key Information

• Complete part-time over two years
• Delivered fully online, with online weekly in-person tutorials and a 2-3 day on-campus Summer School
• Modules taught during autumn, spring, and summer semesters
• Programme Portfolio that invites integration of learning across the 2 years

Year 1

Autumn Semester

• Education, Schooling and Society: Foundational Perspectives (EN4061) will equip participants with the theoretical understanding and practical skills necessary to become effective democratic educators.
• Government and Politics in Ireland (PO4061) will introduce students to the study of the government and politics in Ireland.

Spring Semester

• Globalisation in the 21st Century (SO4062) provides a comprehensive introduction to the various discourses of globalisation.
• Modern European Political Thought (PO4142) will introduce students to some of the main arguments in the western tradition of political thought.

Summer School (In-person 23-day)

• Politics and Society for Teachers Summer School (EN4073) serves as a pivotal experience, synthesising the content and learning from the first year while fostering participants' development as reflective teachers of Politics & Society.

Year 2

Autumn Semester

• Integration, Inequality and InclusionExclusion (SO4103) will examine the social dynamics of social and economic difference and how these shape large-scale patterns of social equality/inequality and inclusion/exclusion.
• International Relations (PO4053) will outline the major theories that can be used to analyse and understand international politics, including realism, liberalism, Marxism, constructivism, and feminism.

Spring Semester

• Sociology of Sustainable Development (SO4024) introduces students to sociological approaches to recent global transformations with systemic environmental and economic effects in society.
• Government and Politics of the EU (PO4014) will provide students with a comprehensive introduction to the EU.

Entry Requirements

• You must be a qualified post-primary teacher fully registered with the Teaching Council (Route 2)
• Priority is given to teachers currently teaching Politics and Society out-of-field

Checklist of Documents

• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Copy of your birth certificate or passport
• Marriage certificate/deed poll (if applicable)
• Certificate of your Teaching Council Registration
• English translation of your qualifications and transcripts
• Copy of your CV
• Subject Declaration Form

English Language

• English Language Competency certificate
• For details on accepted language qualifications, visit English Language Requirements

Fees

• EU: 3,750
• Non-EU: 3,750
• This programme is free to eligible post-primary teachers and is fully funded by the Department of Education.

Graduate Profile

This diploma prepares teachers to teach Politics and Society at second level and supports their professional development as reflective, inclusive educators. Graduates often go on to:

• Teach Politics and Society in Irish post-primary schools
• Lead citizenship education initiatives
• Contribute to curriculum development and educational policy
• Pursue further study in education, politics, or sociology