German for Teaching at Post Primary Level

The Postgraduate Certificate in German for Teaching as Post-Primary Level aims to provide domestic and international candidates with an opportunity to complete the subject-specific credits they require in order to be able to submit themselves for accreditation through the Teaching Council of Ireland. It is particularly suitable for holders of a BA and HDip/PME who already teach in the post-primary system and want to add German as an additional subject to their skillset; it will also be of interest to international candidates (including native speakers of German), who have completed their teacher education, have had it approved by the Teaching Council, but require up to 30 ECTS credits in German to register as teachers of the language.

This programme has been specifically tailored to meeting the Teaching Council of Ireland's 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 this way, it aims to enhance students' knowledge and understanding of important concepts in German language and literature, culture and society, including their didactic and methodological application.

Prospective candidates may qualify for partial funding of this programme through the Post-Primary Languages Initiative (PPLI).

Important: This programme does not involve professional accreditation. It allows applicants to register for up to 30 ECTS from a range of German-specific credits. Applicants can choose from these modules to put together a programme that complements their existing qualifications and thus allows them to meet the 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.

Applicants can choose up to 30 ECTS from the following Optional modules:
Semester 1
GN611 Translation: German to English (5 ECTS)
GN616A New Trends in German Literature (10 ECTS)
GN319A Deutschsprachiger Film der Gegenwart (5 ECTS)
GN618A Introduction to German Linguistics (10 ECTS)
GN612A Introduction to Intercultural Studies (5 ECTS)

Semester 2
GN621A Translation: English to German (5 ECTS)
GN321B Engaging with German-Language Culture 3B (5 ECTS)
GN622A Methodologies for Teaching German as a Foreign Language (10 ECTS)
GN627 Narratives of Conflict in German Culture (5 ECTS)

NB: Prospective candidates who are undertaking the programme in order to meet the Teaching Council requirements for German are strongly advised to consult with the Teaching Council regarding the number and type of credits that they must complete.

Applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level. Under normal circumstances, applicants should have a BA involving German Studies or a cognate discipline (e.g. Lehramt, linguistics, literary/cultural studies) with at least a 2.1 degree, or equivalent. Applicants whose previous history of education does not fit this profile are invited to contact the Programme Director to enquire about their eligibility to apply for the programme.

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 2025

MHO60: 1 year Full-time
MHO61: 2 years Part-time

The Postgraduate Certificate in German for Teaching at Post-Primary Level is intended for candidates who already possess at least 30 ECTS of subject-specific credits in German and a Professional Masters of Education (PME) or equivalent (e.g. Lehramt) – or those who intend on pursuing a PME upon completion of this Postgraduate Certificate – with the end goal of becoming fully accredited post-primary teachers of German in Ireland.