To become a further education teacher in Ireland, there are two options to choose from:
The first option is to complete an undergraduate degree or equivalent at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) which has an ECTS credit weighing of at least 180 ECTS credits, OR
Complete a Level 7 undergraduate degree or equivalent on the NFQ which has an ECTS credit weighing of at least 180 ECTS, AND provide evidence of either:
a) an appropriate additional qualification, OR
b) a minimum of three years of post-qualification experience in a workplace or instructional setting which is relevant to your qualification.
AND complete a Teaching Council accredited Further Education teacher education qualification (TEQ).
The second option is to complete an undergraduate teacher education qualification in Further Education, which is accredited by the Teaching Council. These degrees are currently offered by DCU and SETU.
Two options to choose from
Option 1
- Level 8 degree with 180 ECTS or more, OR
- A Level 7 with 180 ECTS or more, and either
- An appropriate additional qualification, OR, three years of post-qualification experience in a workplace or instructional setting which is relevant to the qualification(s)
- Complete a Teacher Education Qualification (see page 3)
- Full registration with the Teaching Council
Option 2
- Complete an accredited undergraduate teacher education programme
Currently offered by DCU and SETU (see page 3) - Full registration with the Teaching Council
Accredited programmes of teacher education qualification (further education)
Dublin City University
Marino Institute of Education
Mary Immaculate College (Limerick)
Maynooth University
National College of Ireland
South East Technological University
University College Cork
Points to consider
- Make sure to check the website of each provider to understand their application process.
- As with all courses, you need to meet all the entry requirements set by the provider in your year of entry. Before applying, make sure to check the full list of entry requirements, as they may vary between the providers.
- For the purpose of registration, you must ensure that you meet all qualification requirements as outlined on page 2 of this leaflet. For further information, see www.teachingcouncil.ie
Programme for Access to Higher Education (PATH) is a funding programme designed to support and provide increased access to programmes of initial teacher education for certain groups of people. For more information, see www.studentfinance.ie.
Where do I look for employment?
Details on the recruitment and employment of teachers can be found on the
Department of Education and Youth’s website: www.gov.ie/TeachingTransforms
Financial supports
The main financial support available for eligible students attending full-time further and higher education courses is the student grant, which may include a maintenance grant or a fee grant, depending on eligibility.
Further information on bursaries and other financial supports and the criteria for the Free Fees Scheme are available at studentfinance.ie.
Other useful links:
- Information on other scholarship and bursary programmes can be found on gov.ie/dfheris
- The Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI), Ireland’s national awarding authority for all higher and further education grants.
- The Programme for Access to Higher Education (PATH) is a dedicated fund, broken into three strands, committed to increasing participation by under-represented groups in higher education.
Where can I find further information?
The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science provide useful information on their website. See www.gov.ie
SOLAS manage a range of Further Education and Training programmes which enable learners to succeed in the labour market and thrive in society. See www.solas.ie
The Teaching Council website provides information on registration.
See www.teachingcouncil.ie
The Teaching Council and Department of Education and Youth staff regularly attend career fairs in colleges and universities. Keep an eye on social pages for updates on events: @teachingcouncil / @Education_Ire
You can contact the Teaching Council by emailing info@teachingcouncil.ie
or calling 01 651 7900.