Program Overview

Spanish for Teachers (Post-Primary)

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:

• Year 1 (35 credits)
  • HS5010: Spanish Language for Post-Primary Teachers: B1 (CEFR) (15 credits)
  • HS5011: Landmarks in Spanish and Latin American Literature (5 credits)
  • HS5021: Understanding Latin America: Texts and Contexts (5 credits)
  • HS5018: Digital Tools and Content Creation for Spanish Language and Culture (5 credits)
  • HS5013: Intensive Spanish Language Consolidation B1 (CEFR) 1 (5 credits)
  • HS5014: Spanish Translation Project (5 credits)
• Year 2 (30 credits)
  • HS5015: Spanish Language for Post-Primary Teachers: B2 (CEFR) (10 credits)
  • HS5017: Cultural Responses to Global Challenges in the Spanish-Speaking World (10 credits)
  • HS5020: Iberian Identities: Texts and Contexts (5 credits)
  • HS5019: Intensive Spanish Language Consolidation: B2 (CEFR) (5 credits)
  • HS5023: Applied Project in Spanish and Latin American Studies (5 credits)

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.

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 only accept certificates from Universities, Escuelas Oficiales de Idiomas, and internationally recognised accreditation like the DELE and SIELE certificates.

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 DES, applicants must have full Post-Primary (Route 2) registration with the Teaching Council at the time of application. Teachers 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.

Fees and Costs

The EU fee for this course is Fully Funded (however a €250 refundable deposit is required to accept a place).

How To Apply

1. Check dates
2. Gather documents
3. Apply online

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.
• 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.