Religious Studies

In making appointments, Catholic school management boards will normally require the CRS as a condition of employment. As well as being recognised as a qualification to teach Religious Education in Irish Catholic primary schools,the CRS is also accepted by some of the Catholic elementary school systems in the UK, North America and Australia.

The aim of the programme is to equip teachers with the necessary knowledge and skills to teach religious education in Catholic primary schools.

Requirements
Entry to the part time Certificate in Religious Studies is open to any teacher with a recognised qualification (Level 8, Pass Degree / Third Class degree from Ireland or elsewhere) to teach in a primary school in Ireland.

Application Deadlines
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or until the following dates:
EU Applicants
• Online applications open on 1st November 2022
• Closing Date for EU applications is 7th July 2023

Non EU Applicants
• Online applications open on 1st November 2022
• Closing Date for non EU applications is 7th July 2023

If you require a study visa and are a non EU student, you are not eligible to apply for part-time programmes, as study visas are only granted for full-time programmes.

All entry requirements should be met before the commencement of the programme.

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

Queries from non EU applicants should be directed to international.office@dcu.ie

To apply for this programme:
• All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal.

All Applicants must submit:
• Confirmation of your Teaching Council registration. If however your Teaching Council registration has expired or you are awaiting confirmation of same, you must submit certified academic transcripts for each and every year of study.
• Personal Statement of 250 words maximum outlining your reasons for applying

1 year part-time.

Careers
Teachers applying for positions in Catholic primary schools in Ireland are required to hold a qualification equipping them to teach religion according to the tenets of the Catholic faith.

The Certificate in Religious Studies (CRS) offered by DCU meets the requirements of the Irish Episcopal Conference in this regard and graduates have been successful in obtaining positions in Catholic primary schools.