Program Overview

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Religious Education and English

Course Details

CAO Code: DC010

Course Type: Undergraduate

NFQ Level: 8

Placement: Yes

Delivery Mode: Full-time

Minimum Points: 420

Duration: 4 years

Phone: +353 (0) 1 700 5000

Email: admissions@dcu.ie

Overview

This course gives you a pathway to a rewarding and varied career in post-primary teaching, qualifying you to teach Religious Education and English to Honours Leaving Certificate Level.

As well as learning the skills you need to be an effective teacher, you will also immerse yourself in the ideas and theories of theology, religious studies and ethics; and explore the rich and fascinating world of English literature.

You’ll learn how to think intelligently, imaginatively, and independently about storytelling and song-making in civilization, from classical texts to contemporary pop culture. In addition to teacher education, you’ll develop your skills in teamwork, leadership, communication and creativity.

Why DCU

• Education at DCU ranks among the top 150 education courses globally (QS World University Rankings)
• DCU Institute of Education has the highest graduate employment rate in DCU (99% graduates are in employment or further education six months after graduation)
• Institute of Education has the highest Undergraduate student completion rate in DCU (87% complete their course in four years, with 93% completing their course in five years)
• There are almost 4,000 students in DCU Institute of Education

Careers & Further Options

Careers

This course is fully recognised by the Teaching Council of Ireland, and upon graduation, you can register as a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) and apply immediately for employment in second level schools.

Career Areas:

• Government Departments
• International Development Agencies
• Media
• Post Primary Schools
• Private Sector

Career Titles:

• Broadcaster
• Chaplaincy
• Consultant
• Education Leadership
• Educational Administrator
• Journalism
• Parish Ministry
• Poetry
• Principal
• Second Level Teacher

Career Prospects

• Second Level Teachers
• Principals
• Educational Leaders
• Educational Administrators
• Consultants
• Broadcasters
• Journalists
• Chaplains
• Parish Ministers

Entry Requirements

General Entry Requirements:

• There are no additional entry requirements for this programme apart from the general entry requirements for admission to the university.

Leaving Cert:

• There are no additional entry requirements for this programme apart from the general entry requirements for admission to the university.

GCE A Level:

• There are no additional entry requirements for this programme apart from the general entry requirements for admission to the university.

FET Level 5:

• Please visit our Admissions webpage for details on course requirements or how to apply to DCU.
• Please visit our QQI FET webpage for details on DCU courses, open days, campus tours or school visits.

Mature Applicants:

• Mature entry is a competitive process. Applicants must demonstrate:
  • a genuine interest in the programme(s) they are applying for
  • academic experience and competency in their chosen field of study
  • an ability to engage and succeed on the programme

All applicants must complete a statement of interest to be considered for the mature application route.

International Applications:

• International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.

Course Structure

Throughout the course you’ll cover four integrated areas:

• Foundational and Professional Studies in Education
• Teaching, Including School Placements
• Theology, Religious Studies and Ethics
• English

Fees and Funding

Fees

• Full-time: €3,043 per annum (Student Contribution), €6,679 per annum (EU Status Fee), €16,400 per annum (Non EU Fee)

How To Apply

Applicants presenting EU school leaving examinations (EU, EFTA & UK):

• Apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1st February or 1st May

Applicants presenting examinations from outside the EU:

• Candidates should apply directly here.
• Please provide:
  • Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation, if applicable.
  • If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements.

Mature Applicants:

• All mature applicants apply through the CAO by 1st February.
• For further guidance on the mature application process please see the CAO Website
• After completing the CAO application, applicants may be invited to an interview.

Life On Campus

Life on Campus:

• At DCU, our students can expect a unique campus experience.
• We are known for our excellent teaching and learning facilities, our active clubs and societies, and our great social and sporting facilities.

DCU has three academic campuses; Glasnevin, St. Patrick’s and All Hallows (both in Drumcondra), all close to Dublin City centre.

• They can be reached by public transport, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann, with our Drumcondra campuses a ten minute walk from Drumcondra Train Station. Glasnevin is a 20 minute walk from St Patrick’s and All Hallows. They are also linked by Dublin Bus.

Each campus has a library (O’Reilly, Cregan and Woodlock Hall), study spaces, restaurants, and on-campus residencies. There are sports facilities on Glasnevin and St. Patrick’s, and there is a dedicated sports campus, St Claire’s, located near Glasnevin on the Ballymun Road.

Exceptional Facilities:

• DCU’s 19,000 students have access to exceptional teaching and learning facilities across our three academic campuses.
• These include modern learning theatres, research centres, a new media and TV studio, radio/podcast studios, computer suites and advanced labs in the areas of Languages, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry and Biotechnology, as well as a Sports Performance centre and a training hospital ward.

Campus Life:

• Studying in DCU isn’t just about course work.
• The university is rich in student life and activities.
• There are more than 140 clubs and societies for students in DCU, with ‘Clubs & Socs’ days taking place on both the Glasnevin and Drumcondra campuses at the start of the academic year.
• They span everything from rugby to rock climbing, anime to jazz.

Accommodation:

• Information about accommodation each of our three campuses can be accessed here.

Student Supports:

• We have a number of academic, professional and social supports for students.
• Student Advice & Learning Skills Centre - Offers a wide range of supports and services to students and advice
• The Writing Centre - drop-in writing workshops for students through the academic year
• Maths Learning Centre - provides maths support for students of all ability levels with maths modules
• Student Learning - facilitate the transition from passive to active learning for students at DCU, by teaching study skills, nurturing critical thinking and building student confidence.

work with students to help them on their professional journey into graduate employment.

Our student support team offers a comprehensive support programme, helping students make that all important transition into university life and focusing on building confidence and skills which are key to success at third level.

FAQs

Faculty FAQs:

• What courses are offered by the DCU Institute of Education?
  • DCU Institute of Education brings together students of education and provides a rich menu of undergraduate courses across all sectors from early childhood, to primary and post-primary and further and higher education. We offer a range of taught and research postgraduate courses at doctoral, masters, diploma and certificate level and have a distinguished record in providing continuing professional development.
• Is there Garda vetting for students who study DCU Institute of Education courses?
  • Garda vetting is required for all students who have unsupervised access to children and vulnerable adults as part of their studies at DCU. Applicants must successfully pass the Garda vetting process in order to complete the registration process.
• What are the potential teaching pathways for primary, post-primary and further education and training offered by DCU?
  • Primary Teaching Pathways:
    • Undergraduate:
      • Bachelor of Education - DC002 | DC003 | DC004
    • Postgraduate:
      • Professional Master of Education (Primary Teaching) - DC970
  • Post-Primary Teaching Pathways:
    • Undergraduate:
      • Bachelor of Religious Education & English or History or Music - DC010 | DC011 | DC012
      • Bachelor of Education in Gaeilge and French or German or Spanish - DC013
      • Bachelor of Education in Technology, Engineering and Graphics - DC015
      • Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Science Education - DC203
      • Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Physical Education with Biology - DC205
      • Bachelor of Science in Physical Education with Mathematics - DC206
    • Postgraduate:
      • Professional Master of Education (Post-Primary Teaching) - DC905
  • Further Education and Training Teaching Pathways:
    • Undergraduate:
      • BSc (Hons) in Education and Training (Further, Adult and Continuing Education) - DC235

Have You Considered?

• DC011: Religious Education and History
• DC012: Religious Education and Music
• DC009: Arts: Joint Honours (Humanities)