51ÉçÇø

To reflect the values of the Politics & Society curriculum—human dignity, equality, justice, and democracy—the upskilling programme will foster these principles among teachers. It will encourage and facilitate reflective practices to help educators model inclusive, equitable, and participatory approaches in their classrooms. Special focus will be given to promoting intercultural understanding, respect for diversity, and a commitment to sustainable development, equipping teachers to nurture similar dispositions in their students (Politics & Society Curriculum Specification). The upskilling programme will prioritise active and participatory learning methodologies. Teachers employing a variety of teaching tools, including digital media (to enhance learning and connection with contemporary political and social issues); citizenship projects (emphasising community engagement and reflective practices (Politics & Society Curriculum Specification) will be enabled to facilitate discussion, debate, and inquiry-based learning, empowering students to critically analyse diverse perspectives, interpret qualitative and quantitative data, and draw evidence-based conclusions (Politics & Society Curriculum Specification). Teachers shall be supported to integrate assessment methods that balance formative and summative approaches, including project reports and written examinations, aligned with the curriculum’s objectives (Politics & Society Curriculum Specification 

The programme is delivered over 2 academic years corresponding to four semesters in the 51ÉçÇø that will accredit the programme. The overview outlined below is based on a student beginning their studies in September and completing the final semester in May (21 months later). Participants will take two modules in each semester (accounting for 15 ECTs per semester) and engage with a Summer School at the end of Year 1.  

The structure of the programme allows teachers to develop the required specific knowledge domains whilst concurrently developing their identity as a teacher/educator through modules in Politics and Sociology content and related pedagogy, reflecting a focus on PCK, which, when combined, facilitates the acquisition and application of different dimensions of subject specific knowledge and skills and analysis of these in a pedagogical context. Participants will also be invited to share reflective journal entries to collate their learning journey across the programme for inclusion in their Portfolio. 

The programme has a spiral dimension in that themes introduced in the first semester are revisited in more depth in subsequent modules along with new content in order to provide an integrative learning experience.  

Participants must be a qualified post primary teacher fully registered with the Teaching Council Registration and Teaching in a second level school in the Republic of Ireland at time of enrolment. Priority will be given to applicants teaching Politics & Society out-of-field at time of enrolment (Desirable rather than essential). Applicants must also satisfy the English Language Requirements of the University. 

NB: What to Include with your Application Form

• A copy of your birth certificate or passport
• Your marriage certificate/deed poll certificate if your name on your qualifications is different to that on your application.
• Qualification transcripts and/or certificates/awards
• If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice
• If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided:
• English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts AND
• English language competency certificate
• Please click here for Further Information on English Language Requirements

Guidelines on Completing your Application

• To ensure a speedy assessment of your application, please upload the above documents with your application form – your application cannot be assessed until relevant documentation is uploaded

• Please title appropriately any documents you are uploading with the application form, for example "Supporting Statement", "51ÉçÇø Transcript", "Postgraduate Transcript", "English Language Certificate" etc.

The programme is free to eligible post-primary teachers and fully funded by the Department of Education and Skills.