Overview

This is a 4-year teacher training degree, which will qualify second level teachers of Irish/Gaeilge and one other subject selected from Mathematical Studies, French, German, Italian or Spanish.

Garda Vetting

Students, or applicants in receipt of an offer on this programme will be subject to Garda Vetting as relevant. Students will be prohibited from engaging in a relevant work placement unless the vetting process has been cleared. Click here (http://www.ucc.ie/en/study/undergrad/admissionspolicies/) to view UCC's Student Garda Vetting Policy.

Fitness to Practise

This programme will be subject to the University's Fitness to Practise Policy - full details may be found at https://www.ucc.ie/en/academicsecretariat/fitnesstopractise/

Teaching Council Language Proficiency Requirements

In accordance with the requirements set out by the Teaching Council, all prospective post-primary language teachers must demonstrate a minimum level of language proficiency equivalent to B2.2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL), with a minimum achievement threshold of 60% or higher. This applies to those intending to register as teachers of Modern Foreign Languages (German, Spanish, French, Italian) or Irish.

As part of Year 4 of the B.Ed. Gaeilge programme, students enrolled in both Cúrsa A and Cúrsa B will be provided with the opportunity to demonstrate their language competency at the B2.2 CEFR level in the language(s) appropriate to their teaching pathway. This evaluation ensures alignment with the Teaching Council’s registration standards for post-primary subject teaching.

Language competency development and assessment are embedded within the structure of the programme and are supported through designated modules (see module overviews for each course below). This approach ensures that graduates of the B.Ed. Gaeilge programme are well positioned to meet the professional standards required for registration as post-primary language teachers, while also promoting excellence in language teaching and learning.

Cúrsa A:  BEDGA with Language (French, German, Italian or Spanish) 

First Year - Education (Gaeilge)

Students take 60 credits in the form of 20 credits Education, 25 credits Irish/Gaeilge and 15 credits of the second selected subject (French, German, Italian or Spanish).

Second Year - Education (Gaeilge)

No student may register for Second Education (Gaeilge) until the First University Examination in Education (Gaeilge) has been passed.

Students take 60 credits in the form of:

1. 35 credits Education
2. 10 credits Irish/Gaeilge 
3. 15 credits of the second selected subject (French, German, Italian or Spanish), 

At the start of Semester 1, School Placement begins with a two-week block, supporting student teachers in developing foundational Irish teaching skills within a structured, school-based environment.

Third Year - Education (Gaeilge)

No student may register for Third Education (Gaeilge) until the Second University Examination in Education (Gaeilge) has been passed.

Students take 60 credits in the form of:

1. 20 credits Education
2. 20 credits Irish/Gaeilge
3. 20 credits of the second selected subject in Partner University (French, German, Italian or Spanish)

At the start of Semester 1, a three-week block School Placement focuses on teaching a Modern Foreign Language (French, German, Italian, or Spanish), aiming to enhance subject-specific pedagogy through active classroom engagement and professional collaboration. The remainder of Semester 1 is spent in the Gaeltacht, where students take part in a Teaching Council-required residency (Tréimhse Foghlama sa Ghaeltacht), offering a fully immersive experience in Irish language and culture.

In Semester 2, students study at a partner university in Europe, earning 20 credits in their chosen Modern Foreign Language (French, German, Italian, or Spanish). This immersive experience develops language skills, cultural awareness, and personal growth through academic and cultural engagement abroad.

Fourth Year - Education (Gaeilge) 

No student may register for Fourth Education (Gaeilge) until the Third University Examination in Education (Gaeilge) has been passed.

Students take:

1.  45 credits of Education

2.  5 credits of Irish/Gaeilge

3. 10 credits of the second selected language (French, German, Italian or Spanish).

Year 4 School Placement is a year-long immersive experience (August–May) where student teachers teach both subject areas under the guidance of a Treoraí (Cooperating Teacher) It supports the shift to more independent professional practice, with increasing responsibility for planning, teaching, and assessment, while maintaining reflective dialogue and mentorship. The placement nurtures each student’s growth toward confident, reflective teaching in line with Teaching Council standards.

Cúrsa B:  BEDGA with Mathematical Studies

First Year - Education (Gaeilge)

Students take 60 credits in the form of 15 credits Education, 15 credits Irish/Gaeilge and 30 credits Mathematical Studies.

Second Year - Education (Gaeilge)

No student may register for Second Education (Gaeilge) until the First University Examination in Education (Gaeilge) has been passed.

Students take 60 credits in the form of:

1. 30 credits Education.
2. 10 credits Irish/Gaeilge,
3. 20 credits Mathematical Studies

At the start of Semester 1, School Placement begins with a two-week block, supporting student teachers in developing foundational Irish teaching skills within a structured, school-based environment.

Third Year - Education (Gaeilge)

No student may register for Third Education (Gaeilge) until the Second University Examination in Education (Gaeilge) has been passed.

Students take 60 credits in the form of:

1. 20 credits Education.
2. 30 credits Irish/Gaeilge,
3. 10 credits Mathematical Studies 

At the start of Semester 1, a three-week block placement focuses on teaching Mathematics, aiming to enhance subject-specific pedagogy through active classroom engagement and professional collaboration. The remainder of Semester 1 is spent in the Gaeltacht, where students take part in a Teaching Council-required residency (Tréimhse Foghlama sa Ghaeltacht), offering a fully immersive experience in Irish language and culture.

Fourth Year - Education (Gaeilge) 

No student may register for Fourth Education (Gaeilge) until the Third University Examination in Education (Gaeilge) has been passed.

Students take:

1.  55 credits Education

2. 5 credits Irish/Gaeilge

Year 4 School Placement is a year-long immersive experience (August–May) where student teachers teach both subject areas under the guidance of a Treoraí (Cooperating Teacher) It supports the shift to more independent professional practice, with increasing responsibility for planning, teaching, and assessment, while maintaining reflective dialogue and mentorship. The placement nurtures each student’s growth toward confident, reflective teaching in line with Teaching Council standards.

Programme Requirements

For information about modules, module choice, options and credit weightings, please go to Programme Requirements. 

Programme Requirements

Examinations

Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards Book and for each module in the Book of Modules.

Programme Learning Outcomes

Programme Learning Outcomes for BEd (Hons) Gaeilge (NFQ Level 8, Major Award)

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Identify the key characteristics of excellent teaching in Irish and their other specialist subject and teach these subjects in an enthusiastic and inspirational manner.
• Display proficiency in the area of grammar and syntax in the writing of Irish and, where another language is selected, in the writing of that other language.
• Demonstrate fluency in spoken Irish and, where another language is selected, fluency in that other language also.
• Articulate a comprehensive understanding of the poetry and prose literatures of Modern Irish and, where another language is selected, a comprehensive understanding of the poetry and prose literatures of that other language.
• Recognise and apply the basic principles of classroom management and discipline.
• Synthesise the various theories of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and apply these theories to develop comprehensive portfolios of lesson plans that are relevant to the curricula of their specialist subjects in the second-level classroom.
• Critically evaluate the effectiveness of their teaching in the second-level school system and develop strategies and skills to enhance their own professional development.
• Display a willingness to co-operate with members of the teaching staff in their assigned school during teaching placement.
• Communicate effectively with the school community and with society at large in the area of the promotion of Irish and their second specialist subject.
• Where Mathematical Studies is the chosen second subject: Apply their knowledge and understanding of the basic concepts, theories, principles and practical methods of the mathematical sciences to analyse and solve theoretical and practical problems.
• Where Mathematical Studies is the chosen second subject: Give clear and organised written and verbal explanations of mathematical ideas.
• Where Mathematical Studies is the chosen second subject: Extend course material to solve original problems.

*** Only for Incoming First Years and Repeat First Years 2024/2025 ***
*** Click here for Marks and Standards for all other years ***

Marks and Standards

These Marks and Standards should be read in conjunction with the Programme Requirements and the Book of Modules.

Fitness to Practise

All students on programmes subject to Fitness to Practise in UCC will be required to comply with the Fitness to Practise Policy and meet the relevant Fitness to Practise standards, in order to progress to the next year of his/her/their programme. Click here for a list of programmes subject to the Fitness to Practise Policy.

Marks and Credits

Students are required to take modules to the value of 60 credits.
Total Marks for year: 1200.

First Year - Pass and Progression Criteria

To pass first year and progress to second year, students must have satisfied the Fitness to Practise requirements and must achieve:

1. An aggregate mark of 40% across all modules, and
2. A pass mark in modules to the value of 60 credits.

In line with the Teaching Council Post-Primary curricular subject requirements, prior to completion of their teacher education studies, students should provide verifiable evidence of an immersive experience in the curricular language (i.e. Gaeilge and Spanish or Italian or French or German) of a minimum of four weeks duration. All applicants must provide evidence of linguistic competence in the language. This can be demonstrated by providing evidence of achieving a minimum level of B2.2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (or equivalent).

Award of Honours in the Degree Award

An honours classification is awarded for the final degree using the final year examination results and marks carried forward from first, second and third year.

Honours will be awarded as follows:

1. First Class Honours: ≥ 70%
2. Second Class Honours, Grade I: ≥ 60% and <70%
3. Second Class Honours, Grade II: ≥ 50% and <60%
4. Pass: ≥ 40% and <50%

Award of Honours when a student undertakes Study Abroad
When students study abroad as part of his/her/their degree programme, the calculation of the final degree award is based on modules in the Book of Modules only.

Examination Boards

• Provisional marks for Semester 1 examinations are released in January/February of each year. These marks are subject to approval at the University Examination Board.
• Marks for all modules taken in Semester 1 and 2, including those wholly assessed by Continuous Assessment, will be presented to the University Examination Board at the end of Semester 2.

Supplemental Examinations and Assessment

• Students who fail to achieve the progression standard for the year at the Summer Examination Board must complete Supplemental Examinations and/or Continuous Assessment for those specific module(s), where there is provision to do so.
• Please refer to the Book of Modules for requirements governing the Supplemental Examination and Assessment for individual modules. Note: For some modules there is no Supplemental Examination and Assessment.
• The marks achieved in the Supplemental Examinations and/or Continuous Assessment of a repeat module are considered at the Autumn Examination Board.
• The actual mark achieved by the candidate in the Supplemental or Repeat Year Examination will be recorded on the student record (Academic Transcript).
• The maximum mark that will be taken into account for aggregation and progression purposes is a pass level, unless the student has been granted a cap waiver or deferral by the University Mitigation Committee, or a University Examination Board, or has been approved to defer the previous attempt by the University Mitigation Committee.
• At the Autumn Examination Board, marks from all passed modules approved at the Summer Examination Board are carried forward and are combined with the marks achieved in Supplemental Examinations and/or Assessments. The pass and progression criteria are applied to the aggregate mark achieved.

Note: The mark achieved at the last examination/assessment attempt is the mark that is included in the calculation of the aggregate mark for pass and progression purposes.

Study Abroad

• When students study abroad as part of his/her/their degree programme, they will be assessed by his/her/their host university.
• To pass the study abroad period and progress to the subsequent year, a student must achieve a pass standard as applied by the host institution.
• A Pass/Fail judgement will be presented to the UCC Examination Boards:
  • At the Summer Examination Board for students spending Semester 1 abroad.
  • At the Autumn/Winter Examination Board for students spending the full academic year abroad or Semester 2 only.
• For students failing to achieve a pass mark, Supplemental Assessment will be prescribed by the School in UCC, and these results will be presented at a Winter Examination Board.

Exemptions

All passed modules carry an exemption, which is limited to a period of five academic years (or two in the case of Computer Science modules) subsequent to the award of the exemption.

Repeat Year Examinations

Students repeating the year may do so choosing one of the following mechanisms:

1. Students retain module exemptions, if any, and must repeat all failed/absent modules, including those modules where the failing mark previously achieved was greater than the level of compensation (≥ 30%) but who failed to achieve the progression standard for the year (see above). The pass and progression criteria are then applied to the combination of full marks achieved in modules passed at the first attempt, plus capped marks achieved in modules in the Repeat Year Examinations.​

Note: For students selecting different modules not previously taken, there are no restrictions on the marks awarded for those modules at the first attempt in a repeat year. The selection of different modules by the student means that the student foregoes any previous marks achieved in the original modules (including previously passed modules).

2. Students may forego all module exemptions achieved and repeat the year choosing modules to the value of the full 60 credits. In determining pass and progression, there is no restriction on the marks awarded for modules taken at the first attempt of the Repeat Year. Modules taken at the subsequent Supplemental Examination and Assessment are capped at the pass mark.

Subject to capacity, all students - whether they have failed or passed - are allowed to choose this second option, in an attempt to improve his/her/their grade.

Students repeating the final year are eligible for the award of Honours in the first Repeat Year only. Final year students wishing to repeat the year with a view to improving his/her/their degree result may do so only if they have not been conferred.

Three Year Rule

Students must pass/progress within three academic years of the date of first registration for a year, otherwise they cannot continue in the programme.

Terms and Definitions

Programme Description

• The programme description is outlined in the Programme Requirements tab.

Module Descriptions/Assessment

• Module descriptions, including the pass standard for a module, special requirements to pass a module, and assessment elements and their weightings, are contained in the Book of Modules.

Marks and Credits

• A maximum of 100 marks may be awarded for every five credits of a programme.
• Some modules are assessed on a Pass/Fail basis only, i.e. marks are not awarded.

Pass and Progression

• Progression is defined as the permission granted to a student to register in the subsequent academic year for the next set of modules within his/her/their programme of study.
• Compensation is defined as the process by which a student, who fails to satisfy some of the regulations for credit in a specific module, is nevertheless recommended for credit to be awarded on the grounds that the failure is offset by his/her/their performance in the other modules on his/her/their programme of study.