Physics - Teaching Physics

The Professional Diploma in Teaching Physics is designed to upskill post-primary teachers to meet current Teaching Council subject requirements in Physics at the highest level. This programme is approved by the Department of Education & Skills and this Award is delivered by DCU in collaboration with the University of Limerick & NUI Galway. The programme is free to eligible post-primary teachers and is fully funded by the Department of Education and Skills. Registered post-primary teachers who successfully complete the Professional Diploma in Teaching Physics (PDITP) will be deemed to meet the Teaching Council’s post-primary curricular subject requirements for Physics.

Entry requirements

For admission to the Professional Diploma in Teaching Physics programme, successful applicants must have:

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.

Application dates

This programme will remain open to applications until December 6th OR until all places are full. Offers to complete and eligible applications will be made on a first come first served basis until the programme reaches capacity. All required documentation must be submitted before the application can be reviewed.

Closing date for applications is 17th December 2023.
The programme will align to DCU academic calendar and commence in January 2024.
Please note 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.

To apply for this programme:

All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal which is available at the link below.

When applications open you will need to provide:

Academic Transcripts, NFQ Level 8 or equivalent / greater, for each and every year of study. (These should demonstrate mathematics requirement if not demonstrated at Leaving Certificate level, include English language translation, if applicable).

Copy of passport.

Leaving Certificate Results or equivalent indicating a minimum of H4 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics (or equivalent) for 5 ECTS credits in mathematics at NFQ Level 6 or above, if not already demonstrated at at NFQ level 8 or equivalent / greater.

Proof of full current registration as a post-primary teacher with the Teaching Council for Education Sector = Route 2 Post Primary, dated within 2023. (To do this you need to logon to the Teaching Council Portal and download your current registration certificate.) Candidates who have conditional Teaching Council registration e.g. Droichead or pending completion of the History of Irish Education Module do not meet the programme requirements, and any offer made will be conditional pending receipt of proof of full registration no later than December 31st 2023.

Please upload a completed Professional Diploma in Teaching Physics 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. Completed and signed Self Declaration Form

If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements. Please see link http://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml.
Once your application form is complete please submit, you will then be prompted to upload supplementary documentation which you must do before your application can be reviewed.

Please be aware that if you have uploaded supplementary documentation previously as part of an earlier application then it will be considered unless you choose to replace it with a more recent version via the application portal.
Application Deadlines

Application Review Process

Completed applications will be reviewed as received and offers will be issued up to the closing date or until the programme is at capacity.
In line with the terms of the HEA funding, candidates who meet any of the following criteria will be prioritised for admission

those undertaking the full award
those teaching physics out of field
unemployed teachers
those not in full employment

Candidates who do not meet the criteria above will be considered after the closing date if places are still available

All candidates will be informed of the outcome of their application through the DCU applications system.

Only completed application forms with all supporting documents received will be considered.

Queries
Queries from applicants should be directed to postgraduateadmissions@dcu.ie.

Duration

2 years part-time.

Enrolment dates

The programme commences in January 2024.

Post Course Info

Graduates will be qualified to teach post-primary physics at the highest level.

More details
  • Qualifications

    Higher Diploma (Level 8 NFQ)

  • Attendance type

    Part time

  • Apply to

    Course provider