Overview

Applications will be accepted until the quota has been reached (PLEASE NOTE WHEN APPLYING FOR THIS PROGRAMME DO NOT USE THE GOOGLE CHROME BROWSER)

Professional Diploma in Mathematics for Teaching / Dioplóma Gairmiúil sa Mhatamaitic don Mhúinteoireacht

Epi•Stem,  The National Centre for STEM Education formerly NCE-MSTL at the University of Limerick is pleased to announce that a fifth cohort for the two year part-time Professional Diploma in Mathematics for Teaching (Level 8)/Dioplóma Gairmiúil sa Mhatamaitic don Mhúinteoireacht has been approved by the Department of Education and Skills.

The Teaching Council has confirmed that teachers registered under route 2 post-primary Regulation Four of the Teaching Council (Registration) Regulations 2009 successfully completing the diploma will meet the Teaching Council’s post-primary curricular requirements for mathematics.

The aims of the programme are to ensure that successful candidates:

• acquire the extensive and complex integrated knowledge base including mathematical and pedagogical knowledge that is necessary for effective mathematics teaching at post-primary level with special reference to Project Maths
• demonstrate an ability to integrate this mathematics knowledge for teaching into professional practice as mathematics teachers
• develop a high standard of practical competence in mathematics teaching as reflective practitioners during their programme of study

We are happy to report that the Teaching Council has confirmed that teachers registered under route 2 post-primary Regulation Four (Post-primary) successfully completing the Diploma will meet the Council’s requirements for Mathematics.

The programme is free to eligible post-primary teachers and fully funded by the Department of Education and Skills as part of the national strategy to support the implementation of Project Maths and improve standards in mathematics education in post-primary schools by up skilling out-of-field teachers of mathematics.

Contact:

Course Director:
Professor Paul Conway
Department of Education and Professional Studies / Staidéir Oideachais agus Gairmiúla
Faculty of Education and Health Sciences / Dámh an Oideachais agus na nEolaíochtaí Sláinte
University of Limerick/ Ollscoil Luimnigh

National Programme Co-ordinator:
Aoife Smith
EPI*STEM
National Centre in STEM Education
University of Limerick

Contact:
Email:    pdmt@ul.ie

Graduate Profile

Click here to see a video about our graduates

Programme Content

A 6-week session structure is superimposed on the academic and calendar years to facilitate teachers in work, during school breaks and summers. This structure offers additional possibilities for participants to complete the programme who may be experiencing difficulties with individual modules. However, all elements of the programme must be completed within 3 years for the award of the qualification. The programme structure is presented in the table below.

Table 1:  Programme Structure

Cohort 5 (Start September 2016/End June 2018)

Cohort 6 (Start September 2017/End June 2019)

Programme content comprises mathematics modules and pedagogical modules.  An outline of the programme content is given in Tables 2 and 3.
Content modules with relevant methodology workshops will be offered in 6-week blocks during the academic year and 2-week intensive blocks during the summer.

Table 2: Outline of Mathematics Content

Note: All modules are electives and will run subject to demand and resources.

Table 3: Indicative Programme (Pedagogy Modules)

Schedule Information

All sessions will be held outside school hours on evenings and occasional Saturday mornings. There will also be a summer school commitment. The programme is organised in six week sessions, 2 evenings a week and one Saturday morning per session. One content module is delivered per session. Maths content modules will be assessed by coursework (c.40%) and module exam (c. 60%). Pedagogy modules will be assessed by essays, portfolios, project work etc.

Content of modules can be found by using the search option on the book of modules.

Entry Requirements

Eligible teachers may apply online. Prospective applicants may check their eligibility by clicking on Terms and Conditions.
Please note that quotas apply for each lot/region. In the event that quotas are exceeded applicants will be required to reapply for the following year.

What to Include with your Application Form

• A copy of your birth certificate/passport (evidence of your legal name).
• 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 (and English language translation if applicable).
• Your signed Declaration Form
• Recognised Prior Learning Application

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of either prior successful completion of a degree qualification taught through the medium of English or meet one of the criteria below (no longer than two years prior to application):

Acceptable English Language qualifications include the following:

• Matriculation examinations from European countries where English is presented as a subject and an acceptable level is achieved
• Irish Leaving Certificate English –Ordinary Level Grade D or above
• TOEFL – 580 (paper based) or 90 (internet based)
• IELTS – Minimum score of 6.5 with no less than 6 in any one component.
• English Test for English and Academic Purposes (ETAPP) – Grade C1
• GCE ‘O’ level English Language/GCSE English Language – Grade C or above
• University of Cambridge ESOL –Certificate of Proficiency in English - Grade C / Certificate in Advanced English Grade A
• GCE Examination Boards – Oxford Delegacy of Local Examinations – Grade C / Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate – School Certificate Pass 1-6 / University of London Entrance and School Examinations Council – School Certificate Pass 1-6

Results in examinations other than those listed above may also be accepted as meeting our English language requirements. Contact the International Education Division for advice.