Bachelor of Technology (Education) in Materials and Architectural Technology
NFQ Level 8 major Award Honours Bachelor Degree
† Indicates that students admitted to the programme are required to undergo a Garda Vetting process.
Tel: 00 353 61 202015
Queries: www.ul.ie/admissions-askus
About You
If you are interested in teaching design-based activities within the technological subjects Materials Technology (Wood), Design and Communication Graphics and Construction Studies, and enjoy working with people, then this course may be for you.
Key Fact: As a STEM (Science, Technology etc) programme, graduates are accredited by the Teaching Council of Ireland to teach Technology subjects at second level.
Why Study Technology Education in Materials and Architectural Technology at UL?
UL's School of Education is the largest post-primary teacher education provider in the state and is ranked in the top 150 universities in the world for Education programmes. University of Limerick is also ranked within the top 75 universities in Europe for excellence in teaching and learning.
This is a teacher education programme which aims to provide you with the opportunity to become a successful teacher of technology subjects at second level. These subjects include;
Junior Certificate
- Materials Technology (Wood)
- Technology
- Technical Graphics
Leaving Certificate
- Construction Studies (Architectural Technology)
- Design & Communication Graphics
The programme is four years in duration and includes a number of school based teaching practice placements. These include a six week placement in the spring semester of year two and a further ten week placement in autumn semester of year four. These placements are designed to provide you, the student teacher, with a genuine opportunity for professional development under the supervision of faculty members of the University.
There are four streams of learning in the programme. These streams address the key knowledge areas for initial teacher education in this field. These streams are;
- Education
- Technology
- Design & Communication Graphics
- Wood/ Architectural Technology
Throughout the programme, your knowledge, skills, values and attitudes in each of these areas are continually developed while placing a strong emphasis on your development as a critical, reflective and skilled teacher. The module content has been carefully selected to be relevant to the requirements of the Leaving Certificate and Junior Certificate syllabuses in the Technology subjects.
The first two years of study provide a foundation in Design, Problem solving, Education, Materials processing, Technical Graphics, and Mathematics. In Year three and four you will continue to study Education as well as Architectural Technology, and Design and Communication Graphics. You will also complete a research-driven module, which gives you an opportunity to reflect on your School Placement experiences and propose how to develop an aspect of your discipline or you as a professional.
To find more go to https://www.ul.ie/dmt
| Year 1 | Semester 1 | Credits | Semester 2 | Credits | ||
| PN4011 | Design and Communication Graphics 1 | 6 | PN4012 | Design and Communication Graphics 2 | 6 | |
| PN4021 | Process Technology 1 | 6 | WT4002 | Wood Technology & Design 1 | 6 | |
| MA4701 | Technological Maths 1 | 6 | WT4102 | Wood Science 1 | 6 | |
| ET4003 | Electro Technology (Ed) | 6 | EN4022 | Educational Technology for Teaching and Learning | 6 | |
| EN4041 | Contemporary Understandings and Thinking on Education | 6 | EN4032 | Understanding Young People and how they Learn | 6 | |
| Year 2 | Semester 3 | Credits | Semester 4 | Credits | ||
| PN4023 | Design and Communication Graphics 3 | 6 | WT4024 | Preparation & Planning for Technology Teaching (LM094) | 6 | |
| EY4003 | Subject Pedagogics 1 (LM094) | 6 | TP4014 | School Placement | 18 | |
| WT4013 | Wood processing Practice and Safety | 6 | EN4034 | Preparation for School Placement | 6 | |
| EN4043 | Understanding Classroom Practices | 6 | 6 | |||
| EN4033 | Planning for Learning | 6 | 12 | |||
| Year 3 | Semester 5 | Credits | Semester 6 | Credits | ||
| PN4025 | Design and Communication Graphics 4 | 6 | PN4036 | Design and Communication Graphics 5 | 6 | |
| WT4015 | Architectural Technology 1 | 6 | EY4066 | Subject Pedagogics 2 (LM094) | 6 | |
| WT4025 | Wood Technology and Design 2 | 6 | WT4026 | Architectural Technology 2 | 6 | |
| EN4015 | Curriculum and Policy Studies | 6 | WT4036 | Architectural Technology 3 | 6 | |
| EN4025 | Inclusive Education 1: Contemporary Perspectives | 6 | EN4026 | Inclusive Education 2: Special Educational Needs | 6 | |
| GA4006 | Optional - An Ghaeilge Ghairmiuil | 6 | ||||
| (Optional) | ||||||
| Year 4 | Semester 7 | Credits | Semester 8 | Credits | ||
| TP4017 | School Placement | 24 | PN4038 | Design and Communication Graphics 6 | 6 | |
| EN4017 | Understanding Schools | 6 | PN4048 | Technology Teacher as Innovator | 9 | |
| WT4028 | Wood Technology and Design 3 | 6 | ||||
| WT4048 | Health and Safety | 3 | ||||
| EN4008 | Teacher as Professional | 6 |
Applicants are required to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent) with a minimum of six subjects which must include: Two H5 (Higher level) grades and Four O6 (Ordinary level) grades or four H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English.
In addition, applicants must hold an O3/ H7 grade in Mathematics and an O4/ H7 grade in at least one of the following: Applied Mathematics; Biology; Physics; Chemistry; Construction Studies; Engineering; Physics with Chemistry; Agricultural Science; Computer Science; Technology; Design & Communication Graphics /Technical Drawing.
The University’s Special Mathematics Examination is not applicable to this programme.
We welcome applications from mature students. Mature applicants must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1 February.
As a teaching degree, graduates of this programme are qualified for appointment to all second level schools (vocational, secondary, community and comprehensive schools), and for admission to the open register of the Registration Council for Secondary Teachers.
Follow-On Study
Graduates from the programme have the opportunity to pursue further study in the disciplines of Education and Applied Technologies. There are a number of taught masters degree programmes in UL that can be taken by graduates of the programme. In addition, graduates achieving the required standard can register for higher degrees by research.
Want to find out more about possible careers with this degree? Click Here
Student Profile - Sean O’ Riordan
During secondary school, my two favourite subjects by far were woodwork and technical graphics. This continued after my Leaving Cert where I worked as a carpenter for 3 years - this experience gave me valuable practical skills which have helped me to date in this course. What I noticed after school is how much I enjoyed working with people so the idea of being able to work with students by teaching my favourite subjects is what helped me in deciding to return to college.
Throughout the course, the emphasis is always brought back to teaching which is so very relevant to the course. There is a good mix of practical and theory and the coursework really helps to develop you as a student teacher. Teaching placement gives you the opportunity to grow in confidence and develop your teaching skills in the classroom. UL has an excellent atmosphere with brilliant support available for students from the course lecturers and tutors. I would recommend anyone considering this course to visit the campus and maybe get in touch with current students or graduates of the programme. If you have a flair for practical/design-based subjects and want to teach, then Technology Education at UL might be the course for you.
Student Profile - Fiona Lafferty
When I came to UL for the open day, I loved the fact that all the facilities were on the one campus. This course provided me with the most direct route to becoming a second level teacher of Technology subjects. At second level, I discovered I had a flair for craft, design, working with my hands and interacting with young adults.
Most of the course is practical, with lots of marks allocated to projects. There is an excellent mix of subjects. I love the practical elements of the course where we are encouraged to express ourselves creatively. The lecturers are very approachable and helpful.
I spent sixteen weeks on teaching practice placement, which was great in developing my teaching skills. This experience will benefit me greatly as I embark on a career as a second level teacher of technology subjects.
Student Profile - Joseph Lyster
I am currently employed as a teacher at a secondary school in Co. Kildare. Teaching presents many challenges on a daily basis. The pace of life can be hectic and generally speaking I’m very busy teaching throughout the school day from 9am to 4pm. It is important to be prepared for each class, which can be demanding in itself. The challenges that students provide vary considerably; however, dealing with such challenges is often the most rewarding aspect of teaching and this is evident in each class every day.
I graduated from the Materials and Architectural Technology Teacher Education programme in 2008. UL provided me with the opportunity and experience to develop myself both personally and professionally. I have no doubt that the beliefs and values attained from my UL experience have fuelled my passion for teaching, helping me to contribute towards the academic and personal development of young people.
Student Profile - Patrick Kelly
I developed a great interest in technology subjects from an early stage in school. I really loved Materials Technology Wood and drawing, but I also enjoyed working with other students and teachers, so I felt that this course would be a good option for me. The course itself is fast-paced and challenging, but very enjoyable and rewarding. There is a great mix of practical and project work throughout the four years. The lecturers are very helpful and supportive and are always ready to lend a hand.
Design and creativity are strongly encouraged throughout the course, along with an emphasis on teaching and learning. All aspects of the course are linked to education; during the teaching placement, one gets a great chance to experience school life and teaching in front of a class. I feel that I have been given a great chance to develop as a professional and as a person before starting out in my teaching career.