What will I learn?
This innovative four-year BEd programme prepares students to become qualified post-primary teachers of Irish, combined with a second subject, French, Spanish, German, Italian, or Mathematical Studies. Responding to a critical national shortage of teachers in Gaeilge, modern languages, and Mathematics, the programme ensures a consistent supply of highly skilled, professionally qualified graduates. Aligned with Ceim: Standards for Initial Teacher Education (2020), the programme develops strong professional values, pedagogical knowledge, and teaching practice. It also addresses the complexities of teaching through Irish, especially in immersion settings such as Gaelcholáist, Scoileanna Gaeltachta, and Aonaid Lán-Ghaeilge. Students receive intensive instruction in Irish and their second subject, with a strong emphasis on immersive learning. A semester in the Gaeltacht enables students to advance their linguistic skills and connect with Irish culture and heritage. Those studying a second language also benefit from an Erasmus semester abroad, enhancing proficiency and intercultural competence. Over four years, students complete at least 200 hours of structured school placement in diverse educational settings. This practical, inquiry-led experience fosters reflective, flexible, and effective teaching. The BEd Gaeilge programme, therefore, offers a unique and timely pathway to teaching in high-demand areas, empowering graduates to teach Irish, through Irish, and a second subject in varied school contexts. Based on their subject selection, students will take either Cúrsa A (French, German, Spanish, Italian) or Cúrsa B (Mathematical Studies).
