German for Teaching at Post-Primary Level

The Postgraduate Diploma in German for Teaching at Post-Primary Level is the first programme of its kind in Ireland and is intended for candidates who already possess a Professional Masters of Education (PME), or equivalent (e.g. Lehramt), or those who intend on pursuing a PME upon completion of this postgraduate diploma.



The programme aims to provide domestic and international candidates with an opportunity to engage in an accelerated programme of studies. It has been designed in consultation with the Teaching Council of Ireland and specifically tailored to meeting its requirements for registration as an accredited German teacher at post-primary level. The programme follows a three-pronged approach by offering intensive studies in the areas of German language skills; literary, cultural and film studies of the German-speaking world; and German linguistics and language pedagogy. In doing so, students' knowledge and understanding of important concepts in German language and literature (including their didactic and methodological application), culture and society will be enhanced. The Postgraduate Diploma programme may also serve as an entry route to the MLitt / PhD programmes in Applied Linguistics and Intercultural Studies, and German Studies.



Important: This programme does not involve professional accreditation. It provides its graduates with the requisite 60 ECTS credits configured to meeting current Teaching Council requirements for German. In order to be accredited by the Teaching Council, all graduates of this programme must hold a PME or equivalent (e.g. Lehramt), and will be required to submit themselves for individual evaluation by the Teaching Council of Ireland.

Year 1

GNLF5 - German For Teaching At Post-Primary Level

GNLP5 - German For Teaching At Post-Primary Level



Year 2

GNLP52 - German For Teaching At Post-Primary Level P/T

BA involving German Studies or a cognate discipline (e.g. Lehramt, linguistics, literary cultural studies) with at least a II.1 degree, or equivalent. Applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level.



Minimum CEFR Proficiency level of B2.2 in German and C1.1 in English.



Minimum English language requirements: please visit Maynooth University International Office website for information about English language tests accepted and required scores. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and non-EU applicants.



National University of Ireland Maynooth’s TOEFL code is 8850

Closing Date: 30 June 2024

MH058: 1 year full-time

MH059: 2 years part-time

In general, there are two levels of fees payable. EU students from EU countries including Ireland pay a subsidised level of fees for both taught courses and research programmes. Tuition fees for students from outside the EU are not subsidised and are thus somewhat higher than for EU students.

Career options:

The Postgraduate Diploma in German for Teaching at Post-Primary Level is intended for candidates who already possess a Professional Masters of Education (PME), or equivalent (e.g. Lehramt), or those who intend on pursuing a PME upon completion of this postgraduate diploma with the end goal of becoming fully accredited post-primary teachers of German in Ireland. The Postgraduate Diploma programme may also serve as an entry route to the MLitt / PhD programmes in Applied Linguistics and Intercultural Studies, and German Studies.