
Course Details
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Express Interest
Register your interest here for more information or to be notified when applications are open.
Brief Description
“For September 2023 intake we are currently at capacity for this course, for all centres. However, we are operating a reserve panel should a place become available".
The Postgraduate Diploma in School Leadership (PDSL)/ Dioplóma Gairmiúil i gCeannaireacht Scoile (DGCS) is designed for aspiring school leaders. The programme supports participants to progress their careers through a variety of learning experiences that include a robust mix of academic and practical learnings. Students can engage in professional development in a flexible format as the course is delivered both online and in regional centres across the country and is also available tri ghaeilge.
This programme is managed and coordinated by the UL School of Education, a QS Ranked Top 100 worldwide (School of Education), and the Graduate & Professional Studies Department at the University of Limerick.
The Postgraduate Diploma in School Leadership (PDSL) / Dioplóma Gairmiúil i gCeannaireacht Scoile (DGCS) is designed to prepare aspiring leaders with the knowledge, skills, confidence and qualifications for senior school leadership positions.
The programme themes will initially focus on acquiring key knowledge, reflexivity and skills in the area of Personal Growth and Development and Leading Learning in the Irish Context before progressing to explore issues related to Managing the Organisation and Mentoring and Coaching.
Building on this knowledge, the final modules focus on capacity building and leading development.
The Professional Diploma in School Leadership is a part‐time, 18 months postgraduate course. The programme will consist of six taught modules and two leadership visits, over three semesters.
Year 1 | Module Title |
Autumn | |
EN5211 | Induction, University of Limerick (dates to be confirmed) |
EN5221 | Leading Learning and Teaching in the Irish Context |
Professional Growth Development |
Year 1 | Module Title |
Spring | |
EN5322 | Leading School Transformation: Looking in Our Schools |
EN5332 | Mentoring and Coaching |
Leadership Visit 1 | This leadership visit, completed in the second semester aims to enable participants to shadow a senior leader in an organisation outside of the education sector to develop their insights with regard to leadership in contexts outside of the school setting (duration 5‐10 hours). |
Year 2 | Module Title |
Autumn | |
EN5231 | Leading School Development: Continuity, Change and Capacity Building |
EN5241 | Building Culture, Capacity and Teams |
Leadership Visit 2 | This leadership visit comprises of a visit to a school other than the participant's own. Through the lenses acquired in previous semesters, the visit affords the opportunity to observe and analyse leadership in the school setting through a wide variety of perspectives. |
For more information on the programme, click here.
Applicants for this programme must meet the following eligibility criteria and provide all required information
Academic Entry Requirement - NFQ 8 (Hons) and Teacher Education Qualification.
Registration Status - This course is open to all qualified teachers who hold a recognised post in a recognised primary or post primary school, and who are fully registered with the Teaching Council under the appropriate Teaching Council Registration Regulation i.e. Regulation 2 or 4 of the Teaching Council (Registration) regulations 2009 up to 25th July 2016 or Route 1 or 2 of the Teaching Council (Registration) Regulations 2016 and The Teaching Council (Registration) (Amendment) Regulations 2016 thereafter.
Position & Experience - Applicants must have a minimum of 5 years’ post qualification experience in a school and must have a teaching position in a primary or post primary school recognised by the Department of Education and Skills.
What to Include with your Application
Delays in receiving these documents will affect the progress of your application.
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Photo or scanned original copy of your transcripts for all years of study. (Graduates of UL need only provide us with their Student ID number.)
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Photo or Scanned copy of passport to verify ID and full legal name
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Certificate of your Teaching Council Registration: Contact Teaching Council for proof of registration
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Evidence in writing from the principal of the participant’s school confirming the school is in receipt of Department funding, that the teacher (at the time of application) holds a teaching position in the school and is not on secondment; Please note if you are a teacher, you only need your Principal to sign the form. If you are the principal, you need the Chairperson of the school to sign the letter. Please use template: Click here to download the declaration letter.
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Applicants who do not have English as their first language may satisfy English Language requirements:
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. English language competency certificate
For more information Click Here
Developed and delivered in partnership with National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG), University College Dublin (UCD) and jointly awarded by NUIG, UCD and UL, this programme is funded by the Department of Education and Skills (DES) through the Centre for School Leadership (CSL).
EU - €2,000
Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie.)