| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-01-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Professional Diploma in Teaching Physics is a two-year, part-time program designed to upskill post-primary teachers to meet the Teaching Council's highest level subject requirements in Physics. This free program, fully funded by the Department of Education & Skills, equips participants with the theoretical, experimental, and pedagogical knowledge necessary for effective physics teaching. Graduates will be qualified to teach post-primary physics at the highest level.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Professional Diploma in Teaching Physics is a two-year, part-time program designed to upskill post-primary teachers to meet the current Teaching Council subject requirements in Physics at the highest level. This program is approved by the Department of Education & Skills and delivered by DCU in collaboration with the University of Limerick & NUI Galway.
Objectives:
The program aims to:
- Equip participants with the theoretical and experimental knowledge of physics necessary for effective physics teaching at post-primary level.
- Foster a deep understanding of the connection between physics content modules and the school physics curriculum.
- Develop high standards of practical competence in physics teaching amongst participants through reflective practice.
Description:
This program is free to eligible post-primary teachers and is fully funded by the Department of Education and Skills. Participants who successfully complete the program will be deemed to meet the Teaching Council's post-primary curricular subject requirements for Physics.
Outline:
Content:
The program covers a comprehensive range of physics topics, including:
- Mechanics
- Waves/Light/Modern Physics
- Thermal Physics
- Electricity
- Environmental Physics
- Semiconductor Devices
- Life, the Universe and everything
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Optics
Structure:
The program consists of:
- 10 Physics lecture-based modules (5 ECTS each):
- Delivered in a hybrid format with 24 hours of online asynchronous lectures and 24 hours of online synchronous tutorials for each module.
- Timetabled on Mondays and Wednesdays, 6pm-8pm.
- Year 1: Spring Semester - Mechanics, Waves/Light/Modern Physics & Thermal Physics
- Year 1: Autumn Semester - Electricity, Modern Physics
- Year 2: Spring Semester - Environmental Physics, Semiconductor Devices & Life, the Universe and everything
- Year 2: Autumn Semester - Electricity and Magnetism & Optics
- 10 ECTS of experimental-based modules:
- Delivered through laboratory investigations facilitated on campus in Dublin/Limerick/Galway for three Saturdays during each academic term.
- 15 ECTS credits of physics pedagogy modules:
- Comprising participation in two weeks of summer schools in Year 1 and coursework submissions in July 2024.
- Requiring an inquiry on personal teaching practice throughout Year 2, online workshops, and a 1-day summer school in May 2025.
- Pedagogy summer schools in June 2024 (online, 9:30am - 4:00pm daily):
- PS473: 4-day Summer School: 10-13 June 2024
- PS474: 5-day Summer School: 17-21 June 2024
Assessment:
Assessment methods:
All modules are assessed through 100% continuous assessment.
Assessment criteria:
Assessment criteria will be specific to each module and will be provided to participants in advance.
Teaching:
Teaching methods:
The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures: Delivered online in an asynchronous format.
- Tutorials: Delivered online in a synchronous format.
- Laboratory investigations: Facilitated on campus.
- Summer schools: Focusing on pedagogy.
- Online workshops: Supporting inquiry on personal teaching practice.
Faculty:
The program is taught by experienced and qualified academics from DCU, University of Limerick, and NUI Galway.
Unique approaches:
The program offers a unique blend of online and on-campus learning, allowing for flexibility and accessibility.
Careers:
Career paths:
Graduates will be qualified to teach post-primary physics at the highest level.
Career opportunities:
- Post-primary physics teacher
- Science curriculum coordinator
- STEM education specialist
- Educational researcher
Outcomes:
The program aims to equip participants with the knowledge, skills and experience to become highly effective and confident physics teachers.
Other:
Application deadlines:
- Closing date for applications is 7th January 2024.
Application requirements:
- An honours undergraduate degree at level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), or equivalent.
- Minimum H4 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics (or equivalent) OR 5 ECTS credits in mathematics at NFQ level 6 or above, if not already demonstrated at at NFQ level 8 or equivalent / greater.
- Full current registration as a post-primary teacher with the Teaching Council for Education Sector = Route 2 Post Primary.
- A completed self-declaration form.
Fees:
The program is free to eligible post-primary teachers and is fully funded by the Department of Education and Skills.
Summary:
The Professional Diploma in Teaching Physics is a comprehensive and rigorous program that provides participants with the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to become highly effective and confident physics teachers. The program is designed to meet the current Teaching Council subject requirements, and participants who successfully complete the program will be deemed to meet these requirements. The program is free to eligible post-primary teachers and is fully funded by the Department of Education and Skills.
Dublin City University (DCU)
Overview:
Dublin City University (DCU) is a leading young university in Ireland, committed to transforming lives and societies through education, research, and innovation. It focuses on delivering real impact and addressing global challenges in collaboration with partners and stakeholders.
Services Offered:
DCU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Student Advice and Learning Skills Centre (SAL) provides guidance on academic matters, learning skills, and international student support.Student Support & Development:
Counselling & Personal Development, Student Health Service, Financial Assistance Service, Chaplaincy, House of Accessibility, and Disability & Learning Support Service.Career Services:
Careers Service assists students with career planning, job searching, and internship opportunities.Student Life:
DCU Students Union provides a platform for student engagement through clubs, societies, and events.Accommodation:
DCU Accommodation offers on-campus housing options for students.Research:
DCU is renowned for its research activities, with dedicated offices and institutes focusing on various fields.Global Engagement:
DCU Global promotes international collaborations and opportunities for students and staff.Student Life and Campus Experience:
DCU offers a vibrant campus experience with a diverse student body representing 135 nationalities. Students can participate in various clubs and societies, engage in social events, and enjoy the facilities of the campus, including The Helix, a performing arts venue.
Key Reasons to Study There:
High Graduate Employment Rate:
DCU is ranked #1 in Ireland for Graduate Employment Rate and #23 globally.World-Class Research:
DCU is recognized for its cutting-edge research, contributing to positive societal transformation.INTRA Work Placement:
80% of DCU courses offer INTRA, providing paid, relevant work experience or work placement opportunities.Diverse and Inclusive Campus:
DCU fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment for students from all backgrounds.Strong Academic Programs:
DCU offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various faculties.Academic Programs:
DCU has six faculties:
- DCU Business School
- DCU Institute of Education
- Faculty of Engineering & Computing
- Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences
- Faculty of Science & Health
- DCU Connected
Each faculty offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, with strengths in areas like business, education, engineering, humanities, social sciences, science, and health.
Other:
DCU has three academic campuses:
- St. Patrick's Campus
- Glasnevin Campus
- All Hallows Campus
The university also has a strong commitment to sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.
If the information is outdated or incomplete, the actual entry requirements may differ.
EU Applicants:
- An honours undergraduate degree at level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), or equivalent.
- Minimum H4 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics (or equivalent) OR 5 ECTS credits in mathematics at NFQ level 6 or above, if not already demonstrated at NFQ level 8 or equivalent / greater.
- Full current registration as a post-primary teacher with the Teaching Council for Education Sector = Route 2 Post Primary.
- A completed self-declaration form confirming that your existing qualifications are not sufficient to meet Teaching Council criteria for the purposes of teaching physics at post-primary level.
- If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements.
International Applicants:
- An honours undergraduate degree at level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), or equivalent.
- Minimum H4 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics (or equivalent) OR 5 ECTS credits in mathematics at NFQ level 6 or above, if not already demonstrated at NFQ level 8 or equivalent / greater.
- Full current registration as a post-primary teacher with the Teaching Council for Education Sector = Route 2 Post Primary.
- A completed self-declaration form confirming that your existing qualifications are not sufficient to meet Teaching Council criteria for the purposes of teaching physics at post-primary level.
- If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements.
- Please be aware that if you are a non-EU student and require a study visa, you are not eligible to apply for part-time programmes as study visas are only granted for full-time programmes.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
EU Applicants:
- No specific language proficiency requirements are mentioned for EU applicants.
International Applicants:
- Evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements is required.
- For details on specific tests and required scores, please refer to the DCU website.
Additional Information:
- The application deadline is January 7th, 2024.
- The programme will commence in January 2024.
- For EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/eu-postgraduate-taught-admissions or email postgraduateadmissions@dcu.ie.
- For more information about the programme, please refer to the DCU website.
Please note that these are the requirements as of October 26, 2023. It is important to check the DCU website for the most up-to-date information.
