All Primary / Secondary Masters Courses - Post Q's Here Please

evolving_doors · 02-09-2015 9:03pm

barrymanilow wrote: »

HI , I have a B.A degree in Philosophy and Psychology . I went on to do a PGCE Primary in the U.K and have been doing sub teaching/Resource since . I'm looking for a change and think I'd be much happier working in secondary. I never considered it as I didn't think my degree subjects were relevant . I'm wondering now if anything has changed ? I see that a new subject called 'wellbeing' will be introduced to the Junior cert cycle in 2017 . Is there any point in me doing a Hdip or would I even get into one with my subjects ? Are there any other roles in secondary education that my qualifications would be relevant towards ? Thanks in advance .

Quite Simply... no!

Have you considered exploring Educational Psychologist as a career maybe?

cashie88 · 07-09-2015 11:12pm

Anyone know a rough date of when Hibernia's PME starts in the spring? It says March/April but does anyone know what date it started last year so i can get a rough ballpoint? thanks

dubbeat · 08-09-2015 6:44pm

I have an honors degree in Computer Science / Design. I've been working in the industry for 10 years and it's time for me to change career I feel.

I'm seeking a change away from the commercial / hands on coding area and one option on my list of considerations is teaching.

If applying for PDGE would my primary degree limit me to math & science subjects?

I'm wondering if I wanted to teach something that I have a passion for (eg: English) would I need to complete another 3 year degree first.

Thanks,

JohnMearsheimer · 08-09-2015 6:53pm

dubbeat wrote: »

I have an honors degree in Computer Science / Design. I've been working in the industry for 10 years and it's time for me to change career I feel.

I'm seeking a change away from the commercial / hands on coding area and one option on my list of considerations is teaching.

If applying for PDGE would my primary degree limit me to math & science subjects?

I'm wondering if I wanted to teach something that I have a passion for (eg: English) would I need to complete another 3 year degree first.

Thanks,

If you've never studied English at third level then I don't think you can teach English. You need so many credits in a subject to be able to teach it.

Mardy Bum · 08-09-2015 7:46pm

dubbeat wrote: »

I have an honors degree in Computer Science / Design. I've been working in the industry for 10 years and it's time for me to change career I feel.

I'm seeking a change away from the commercial / hands on coding area and one option on my list of considerations is teaching.

If applying for PDGE would my primary degree limit me to math & science subjects?

I'm wondering if I wanted to teach something that I have a passion for (eg: English) would I need to complete another 3 year degree first.

Thanks,

You are probably not even qualified to teach math and science let alone English. Look at the Teaching Council website to see if your degree is recognised.

mtoutlemonde · 08-09-2015 8:38pm

dubbeat wrote: »

I have an honors degree in Computer Science / Design. I've been working in the industry for 10 years and it's time for me to change career I feel.

I'm seeking a change away from the commercial / hands on coding area and one option on my list of considerations is teaching.

If applying for PDGE would my primary degree limit me to math & science subjects?

I'm wondering if I wanted to teach something that I have a passion for (eg: English) would I need to complete another 3 year degree first.

Thanks,

I have a similar degree and was only registered to teach ICT which is worthless. I had to add on another subject at night. If you want to teach Maths/Science, you will have to get your qualifications assessed by the Teaching Council but I can tell you now, you will have to do some more study. Before committing to the PGDE, would there be any training roles in your industry?

lexa15 · 09-09-2015 10:16pm

Hi guys.. What's the best route to go down to do the Post Grad in Primary Education? I have an honours degree in Business Management. Graduated a couple of years ago and primary teaching is something I've always wanted to do. Thinking of applying for next year.

The Hibernia online course or through a uni in Ireland that offers the course? Has anyone completed theirs in Scotland?

Junior D · 13-09-2015 1:55pm

Hi guys,

If I have a basic degree in science and a dentistry degree, would this allow me to undertake a HDip to teach science subjects?

evolving_doors · 15-09-2015 9:43pm

Junior D wrote: »

Hi guys,

If I have a basic degree in science and a dentistry degree, would this allow me to undertake a HDip to teach science subjects?

have a look and see if your science degree is on the TC list (pdf on their site somewhere) and it should say what subjects it covers. The dentistry might enable you extra subject (biology maybe !) but it would probably have to be assessed by tc...
give them a ring and get anything in writing.

Dog95 · 23-09-2015 12:32am

Hi everyone,

I have just started my third year of an Arts degree at NUIM (english and geography) and I plan on applying for a PME in the next few weeks. I am going to be applying for it in NUIM and UCD as they are the ones closest to where I live.

I know that if I apply this year I will be applying with my second year results, and when looking at the points that were needed for last year, I would have missed out by .2% at NUIM, but I would have got a place at UCD. Is there any chance points will go down this year? I cant seem to be able to find the points for any of the previous years, so I am not sure if there is any pattern.

I hope to do a lot better in my third year results (naturally) and was wondering do PAC go by your second year results and them only, or is it possible that if you are in or around the number of points, they will provide a place which then depends on your third year results. I am guessing that isn't the case and that I would need to wait until next year, but just wanted to make sure.

Also, if I were to not get offered a place, would my best option be to do a masters, and then re-apply for the PME next year? I have read that if I am awarded a grant for a masters, I will not be able to receive a grant if I chose to also do a PME, is that correct? I am not sure I would be able to afford the fees in that case.

Any advice or answers would be appreciated.

Alqua · 23-09-2015 2:20pm

Dog95 wrote: »

Is there any chance points will go down this year? I cant seem to be able to find the points for any of the previous years, so I am not sure if there is any pattern.

Someone else may know more on this - but I think points have already gone down? Maybe a year or 2 ago? So they are probably unlikely to go down more? Could be wrong on that though! Very difficult to know how they will go, it only changed to a 2 year course last year, but they usually stay in or around the same.

Also, if I were to not get offered a place, would my best option be to do a masters, and then re-apply for the PME next year?

Don't see the logic in this tbh - I would say do a masters if you want to, but not as something to do for the sake of it just to fill the year..

I have read that if I am awarded a grant for a masters, I will not be able to receive a grant if I chose to also do a PME, is that correct? I am not sure I would be able to afford the fees in that case.

Is it not the case that all grants for post grad courses have been abolished? That would mean you won't get a grant for either course - I think if you previously qualified for the grant during your undergrad, you would still get a set sum towards expenses for a postgrad - but course fees will not be covered. Unless that has changed in the past year?

If you do end up having to fork out for the PME, make sure it is something you really want to do - jobs/hours are scarce and English and Geography would be quite an oversubscribed combination (have a read of some of the other threads on this). Someone else may have more information for you. Best of luck!

Andre 3000 · 04-10-2015 11:26pm

Hi all.

Can someone explain the whole primary teaching dip to me?

I am currently in college doing the B.Ed and I am thinking about the future. What is the process and what does it entail? Is it as paperwork heavy and "cut down all the trees" mantra like as the Teaching Practices in college?

D4RK ONION · 05-10-2015 4:04pm

Basically you have to do an evening course (I think it's mandatory now?) and you will have to have pristine notes for a year. You'll be inspected a minimum of two times, for a good section of the day.

Quick google brings up this: http://www.lec.ie/faqs-probation.html

Dickie10 · 05-10-2015 10:07pm

i heard the new pme (hdip) is quite heavy going , a lot more than it used to be under the heading of h dip? i was told it is a lot more work than any degree, how true is this?

mtoutlemonde · 05-10-2015 10:56pm

Dickie10 wrote: »

i heard the new pme (hdip) is quite heavy going , a lot more than it used to be under the heading of h dip? i was told it is a lot more work than any degree, how true is this?

It's not a hdip anymore - its a professional masters in education and is level 9.

Dickie10 · 05-10-2015 10:57pm

was the h dip not level 9?

mtoutlemonde · 05-10-2015 10:59pm

Dickie10 wrote: »

was the h dip not level 9?

No level 8.

Corkgirl18 · 05-10-2015 11:07pm

Dickie10 wrote: »

i heard the new pme (hdip) is quite heavy going , a lot more than it used to be under the heading of h dip? i was told it is a lot more work than any degree, how true is this?

I just finished a course (B.Ed) where the dip is built into the 4 year degree (so I didn't have to do the PME) but we had basically all our classes with the PME students. We had the same basic workload as the PME's but we had more hours and placement than they did. The PME's spent 6 weeks observing in schools so their course took a slower pace.

I wouldn't say the PME is more intense. I'd nearly the opposite as it is stretched over 2 years. It definitely calls for serious hard work though.

Dickie10 · 05-10-2015 11:10pm

oh right so why would new teachers need to be educated to a higher standard than those pre 2013? do teachers need to upskill that didnt do a level 9 qualification? was there something lacking in teachers education or competancy that they had to move it to a level 9, 2 year course? and just one more question, is there a better chance of getting a job with a level 9 masters than those with level 8 h dip, i would imagine people with the level 9 would get the nod before people with the level 8 or is there any differnece or why was this done at all if not? dont mind the spelling dunno if theres spell chk on this

mtoutlemonde · 05-10-2015 11:34pm

Dickie10 wrote: »

oh right so why would new teachers need to be educated to a higher standard than those pre 2013? do teachers need to upskill that didnt do a level 9 qualification? was there something lacking in teachers education or competancy that they had to move it to a level 9, 2 year course? and just one more question, is there a better chance of getting a job with a level 9 masters than those with level 8 h dip, i would imagine people with the level 9 would get the nod before people with the level 8 or is there any differnece or why was this done at all if not? dont mind the spelling dunno if theres spell chk on this

Money, money, money

The PME costs €12000+ and the students don't even attend university most of the time due to teaching practice.

From what I hear from present dip students there is a lot of observation involved.

Getting a job will be difficult with whatever qualification you have. I'm sure the etb's would probably use a level 9 qualification essential and use it as a shortlisting criterion but on the flip side, someone who qualified before the PME and have been working continuously would be far be the better candidate due to experience.

Are you thinking of doing the PME?

Dickie10 · 05-10-2015 11:39pm

yes i prob will doing a bit of observation and teaching and love it! im looking forward to doing more, but just wasnt sure what was involved , i hope its not too boring the ed part, but id love the subject based work , i got a 1.1 in my degree last year and some dept people were trying to tell me to do a masters in either history or geography but i really didnt feel the love for doing one in those subjects. some amount of negativity about teaching but i think i should still follow my heart and do it when im enjoying it so much, im single so i can travel if needs be and im fairly fre from ties

mtoutlemonde · 06-10-2015 12:08am

Dickie10 wrote: »

yes i prob will doing a bit of observation and teaching and love it! im looking forward to doing more, but just wasnt sure what was involved , i hope its not too boring the ed part, but id love the subject based work , i got a 1.1 in my degree last year and some dept people were trying to tell me to do a masters in either history or geography but i really didnt feel the love for doing one in those subjects. some amount of negativity about teaching but i think i should still follow my heart and do it when im enjoying it so much, im single so i can travel if needs be and im fairly fre from ties

Just be aware that history/geography is a very common combination which will make it even more difficult to find work. Also with the introduction of the new JC (whenever it happens and whatever way it is implemented), history/geography will be combined and will not be compulsory.

Jamfa · 06-10-2015 12:17am

mtoutlemonde wrote: »

Just be aware that history/geography is a very common combination which will make it even more difficult to find work. Also with the introduction of the new JC (whenever it happens and whatever way it is implemented), history/geography will be combined and will not be compulsory.

History & Geography will not be combined in the new JC but they won't be compulsory. However given that students will still do up to 10 subjects for state certification many schools will continue to offer both.

Dickie10 · 06-10-2015 2:39pm

like i say i think il follow my heart and do it. perhaps when the economy turns and population still increasing a few more secondary schools will be built and jobs become more common, im hearing of new secondary schools being built beside me where there nver was a secondary school, one in Enfield and another in new one in dunshuglin

slingerz · 08-11-2015 1:04am

Hi all

How do I get my undergrad & or postgrad recognised for the purposes of undertaking the postgrad for secondary teaching?

evolving_doors · 08-11-2015 11:46am

slingerz wrote: »

Hi all

How do I get my undergrad & or postgrad recognised for the purposes of undertaking the postgrad for secondary teaching?

contact teaching council ... your course might be on their list already though.

Copa Mundial · 11-11-2015 6:48pm

Quick question regarding PAC points calculation:

I'm in final year of a Liberal Arts degree, studying Irish and English. My current QCA (2.78) leaves me with 2.2 degree. Looking at this table on the PAC website, that gets me 39 points (assuming mine is a degree where honours are available?).

The tables here say that the 2015 points were from 37 to 42, depending on the college. Does that mean that my academic records are worth 39 points of that requirement? Or could someone explain the system if they're not, thanks

Easca Peasca · 09-12-2015 1:45am

I'll be applying for the PME at a number of colleges after Christmas. Do your subjects take any affect on how your application is viewed?

For arguments sake, would an applicant with Maths and Irish be viewed in a better light than one with the same qualification and credentials but comparatively common subjects, maybe English and History?

Dickie10 · 09-12-2015 10:46pm

no if your degree is good , say a good 2:1 or 1:1 then you will be accepted. it goes on points like the cao, it all depends on how many are applying like supply and demand, the last two years demand for teaching has gone down a good bit, so points will prob be not as high. should be good news for all unemployed teachers out there that there seems to be very few applying.

Easca Peasca · 10-12-2015 1:48am

Dickie10 wrote: »

no if your degree is good , say a good 2:1 or 1:1 then you will be accepted. it goes on points like the cao, it all depends on how many are applying like supply and demand, the last two years demand for teaching has gone down a good bit, so points will prob be not as high. should be good news for all unemployed teachers out there that there seems to be very few applying.

Not so bad, thanks for clearing that up!

spurious · 11-12-2015 11:36pm

AFAIK there is a quota on Business graduates.

Ciaran795 · 23-12-2015 11:07pm

Hi guys,

I was wondering if anyone could offer me a bit of advice in relation to the PME and the Subject Declaration Forms in being eligible to teach subjects.

I'm thinking of applying for the PME and, from looking into the process, I have to declare the subject(s) I intend to teach upon application. I'm in my final year of my undergrad, studying a double honours Chemistry and Statistics degree, and hoped to be able to put down Chemistry and Maths as these subjects.

However, I found from looking at the relevant Subject Declaration Forms that, whilst I can teach LC Chemistry, I cannot teach JC Science as I have not done Biology at any point in my degree. To my amazement, I also found myself just short of the requirements to teach Maths despite having studied it for 4 years, as I haven't done any specific module related to Geometry (there was only one I could have done (in 4th year), but as I chose the Statistics pathway in my degree it was never open for me to take).

Whilst I would like to teach, I feel I would be pretty unemployable if I was only officially registered with the Teaching Council to teach LC Chemistry if I pursued the PME! Is there any way around this issue? I've heard of teachers before taking on subjects they're not registered to teach before but I've been told that that's being pretty much closed off now. Any information or advice would be appreciated....Thanks!

Dickie10 · 23-12-2015 11:24pm

id definitly look into you would imagine you are very close to having the full deck with maths bar geometry, perhaps you may have to take a geometry module and biology module or two next year then go for pme again.

evolving_doors · 25-12-2015 8:30am

Dickie10 wrote: »

id definitely look into you would imagine you are very close to having the full deck with maths bar geometry, perhaps you may have to take a geometry module and biology module or two next year then go for pme again.

You can apply for the PME regardless (they'll be happy to take your money!). But first I would check it out with the teaching council like Dickie10 says, just ring them up and find out what modules you would have to do as it would seem on the face of it that it is pretty close to chemistry and maths.

It only takes 1 subject to 'register' with the teaching council then it's up to the school to put you in where they need a teacher. In the space of 2 years during the PME you could get the extra modules (although with science subjects like biology I'm not too sure if you would have to do labwork so it might clash with times on the PME course.).

Anyway, I wouldn't give up just yet if it's something you're really keen on. It just might mean a bit more extra study (and cost!). Maybe prioritise the maths first if needs be as that's a core subject with a higher chance of getting sub work.

Now that you're in college is there the possibility of sitting any geometry modules in the next term?

EveT · 12-01-2016 4:40pm

Hi there,

is there any info on the hibernia interview available?

rossoc · 15-01-2016 7:18pm

Hi guys,

I'm about to apply for the PME in primary education (Sept 2016) in Mary I and also Hibernia, anyone have any tips for the interviews, what sort of things I should zone in on etc? I've been really lucky to do a bit of work experience in various school and worked with a lot of different types of SEN, class sizes, nationalities etc.. is this something I will get to talk about or is more so why I want to be a teacher?

Also anyone in galway or limerick, did you avail of any classes for irish in prep or grinds?

Any information would be great.

Thanks a million in advance,

Ross

rossoc · 15-01-2016 8:08pm

Hi guys,

I'm about to apply for the PME in primary education (Sept 2016) in Mary I and also Hibernia, anyone have any tips for the interviews, what sort of things I should zone in on etc? I've been really lucky to do a bit of work experience in various school and worked with a lot of different types of SEN, class sizes, nationalities etc.. is this something I will get to talk about or is more so why I want to be a teacher?

Also anyone in galway or limerick, did you avail of any classes for irish in prep or grinds?

Any information would be great.

Thanks a million in advance,

Ross

GraceM1 · 18-01-2016 12:03pm

Has anyone sent in their application to Hibernia and received no call for their interview? I'm waiting two weeks now!

Easca Peasca · 19-01-2016 3:36am

Exam results out Friday, will be applying for the Post Primary PME through Pac and Hibernia. Hopefully I've done enough to get the 2.1

Easca Peasca · 26-01-2016 8:15pm

Could someone shed some light on the 2 month Gaeltacht requirement for the Teaching Council? A few questions:

Do you have to be working in the Gaeltacht, or just living there?
What are your options for verifying it? Utility bills? An employers or landlords reference?

CM24 · 29-01-2016 5:42am

Just wondering about a few things.

- does the job situation in Ireland look like it might improve in the next say, 5-10 years for NQT's?

- What's the reason for the number of people applying to the PME going down the last few years?

The late application deadline for the PME is February 17 and I'm considering applying to all of the Uni's offering it. I have an Arts degree from UCD with a Major in English and a Minor in Film Studies.

I have been working in the fitness industry and doing a lot of travelling in the years since I graduated and never really did anything related to my degree. My GPA just about qualifies me to get on the PME.

Is there any point applying though? English is the only subject I really want to teach (And PE but my fitness qualifications don't count for anything there). I hear teachers with just one subject find it pretty hard to get hired.

I imagine I'd struggle to get onto the course, then even if I do, I'd struggle to find any meaningful employment after the two years. I'm kinda sick of living abroad at this stage and doing teaching in Dubai/ Asia or somewhere doesn't really appeal to me.

Any advice would be great, even if it's negative!

spurious · 29-01-2016 8:26pm

CM24 wrote: »

- does the job situation in Ireland look like it might improve in the next say, 5-10 years for NQT's?

Can't honestly see why it would, every year hundreds more get added to the gang 'waiting on things to improve'.

CM24 wrote: »

- What's the reason for the number of people applying to the PME going down the last few years?

People finally realising the reality of the jobs situation/worsening of teachers' conditions (and pay) generally.

Dickie10 · 29-01-2016 10:31pm

with just one subject prob wouldnt be worth it for the money thats involved plus two years. people prob apply because they love the subjects and career and working with young people things will prob improve in a few years, but its really about being in with schools more than anything to get jobs part time, if your happy enough to do subbing or other adult ed contract work from time to time to fill gaps then you could go for it. im not reliant on getting a full time number for a few years so it suits me and my lifestyle

confusedcar · 03-02-2016 12:10pm

I'm just about to apply for PAC PME's now as well as to Hibernia and possibly Trinity and UL even though I only have a third class honours degree.

Since last September and until this May, i have been working in a school doing one to ones, having my own resource classes etc, but for a period of about 16-17 weeks a teacher was out sick and as it was only week to week cover ( and the fact it was mainly Irish classes and thats one of my subjects), the principal and vice principal asked me to cover those classes (2X 1st year/2nd year/3rd year/TY/5th year and 6th years).

Would this experience give me a better and more realistic chance of getting a PME in a university? or would i still need at least a 2.2 to have a chance?

Any advice would be great!!

Mardy Bum · 03-02-2016 8:46pm

confusedcar wrote: »

I'm just about to apply for PAC PME's now as well as to Hibernia and possibly Trinity and UL even though I only have a third class honours degree.

Since last September and until this May, i have been working in a school doing one to ones, having my own resource classes etc, but for a period of about 16-17 weeks a teacher was out sick and as it was only week to week cover ( and the fact it was mainly Irish classes and thats one of my subjects), the principal and vice principal asked me to cover those classes (2X 1st year/2nd year/3rd year/TY/5th year and 6th years).

Would this experience give me a better and more realistic chance of getting a PME in a university? or would i still need at least a 2.2 to have a chance?

Any advice would be great!!

No it wouldn't. It doesn't count for the Nui entries. Hibernia will take anyone though so it should help with it.

Boeing777 · 03-02-2016 9:46pm

Does anybody have any tips on how to prepare for the Irish interview specifically for primary PME applications? Is a fluent standard expected or can you get by with a reasonable/good level of Irish? Thanks

Easca Peasca · 04-02-2016 7:11pm

Boeing777 wrote: »

Does anybody have any tips on how to prepare for the Irish interview specifically for primary PME applications? Is a fluent standard expected or can you get by with a reasonable/good level of Irish? Thanks

I know people who're applying to the Mary I Primary PME. They say that it's expected you'd have a pretty solid standard of Irish. Not fluent, but something above basic.

lexa15 · 15-02-2016 8:58pm

Is the closing date for the PME Primary not the 11th of March? I see someone has mentioned Feb 17th?

Which college do people recommend for the PME? St Pats, Marino or Froebel?

Lani · 15-02-2016 11:17pm

Would someone new able to advise me here?

I am thinking of applying to do the Masters in Post Primary Education through Hibernia. I have an Arts Degree in English and Geography.
I'm unsure how to fill in my subject declaration form. Due to illness I missed a couple of my exams and stupidly never did the repeats however I still got a 3rd class honours degree.
If I have the number of ECTS necessary for the teaching council would they consider my absent exams as a pass by compensation?
I have been on to both the teaching council and Hibernia about this but neither will help me.

Dickie10 · 16-02-2016 11:54am

if you have the ects credits to fulfill the requirements you should be ok. make sure to read subject requirements on website teaching council like geography needs at least 15 human and 15 physical, but i would say your covered. it would be quite hard to get into any courses bar maybe hibernia with a 3rd class degree though, but depends on numbers applying, i believe their down quite a bit this year

All Primary / Secondary Masters Courses - Post Q's Here Please

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