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

xxXchocolate puppyXxx · 14-12-2010 1:35am

seachto7 wrote: »

I had to ring up the TC to see what the status of my application was. They told me I had to send on some more info, but an email or something would have been nice!!! 200 quid down the drain....

What do you mean 200 down the drain?

seachto7 · 14-12-2010 2:36am

They haven't even processed my application yet until I send them some additional info. I suppose that's just the way it goes....

I have a plan B though. My main aim being to find out the shortfall for my sunject sent (Gaeilge).

xxXchocolate puppyXxx · 14-12-2010 1:35pm

Yeah but the application only cost 45euro...

seachto7 · 14-12-2010 3:35pm

xxXchocolate puppyXxx wrote: »

Yeah but the application only cost 45euro...

to get your subject assessed?

xxXchocolate puppyXxx · 14-12-2010 3:47pm

Oh sorry, I thought you meant just the general application to trinity, didn't know you had to get something assessed

SmashingPilot · 19-12-2010 9:54pm

I'm currently in 3rd year of my first Undergrad degree, studying Physics with Astronomy & Space Science in UCD. I've only really started looking into the process involved for a PGDE and have found the pac website a little confusing.

My main questions at the moment are:

What subjects would I be eligible to teach?

Is there any advantage/disadvantage of leaving college after 3rd year and only coming out with a General Science Degree?

Thanks in advance.

rainbowtrout · 19-12-2010 10:10pm

SmashingPilot wrote: »

I'm currently in 3rd year of my first Undergrad degree, studying Physics with Astronomy & Space Science in UCD. I've only really started looking into the process involved for a PGDE and have found the pac website a little confusing.

My main questions at the moment are:

What subjects would I be eligible to teach?

Is there any advantage/disadvantage of leaving college after 3rd year and only coming out with a General Science Degree?

Thanks in advance.

Check on the Teaching Council's list of recognised degrees and see if your one is there. If it is it will say which subjects you would be qualified to teach.

Would that be an Ordinary Degree you would get after three years. If so, well it would be a disadvantage as most people applying for PGDE would have an Honours degree and plenty have masters.

Also there are no jobs in teaching at the moment. Think very carefully before you spend your €7k on the qualification.

Pee F · 23-12-2010 11:22am

Hi Guys,

Can any one tell me what the interview is like for the Hdip in DCU, got called for one in February and am wondering what to expect. Thanks.:)

littlebluebox · 26-12-2010 1:32pm

Hello and Merry Christmas,

I hope I am posting to the right thread. I have just received an email inviting me for a PGCE Primary Interview at the University of East London. This interview is scheduled for the second week in Jan. I am so thrilled to get the interview but now So Nervous, literally stomach churning as I type. This sounds awful but I feel like I don't know how to prepare for the interview. I did some teaching observation in an Irish primary school last year, but none in a UK school. As part of the interview process there is an exam in English, maths and ICT, then an interview and presentation on a lesson you have planned for year 2 children. I desperately don't want to mess this up. Any advice would be really gratefully appreciated.
:eek::o:confused:

redmons2 · 04-01-2011 12:02am

I am hoping I will get the chance to interview for Trinity in April. As part of the application two references were required which i have submitted. I have also done some extra curricular activities that I have mentioned in the personal statement. Will I need a reference for each of these activities or is the references submitted with the application all that will be required?

Deedsie · 04-01-2011 2:13pm

Hi, any help greatly appreciated here. I am considering applying for the hdip this week. I know I'm late so I'll have to pay €120. Will being late go against me? I was considering teaching biology and geography. Will there be many teaching positions available for the 2011 crop of hdip graduates. I have no experience teaching in schools. No hours gained. Would I have any chance getting a place? Galway, cork or ucd would be my preferences. Do I have to pay to apply to all 3? Or will the €120 cover the three applications?

Toto Wolfcastle · 04-01-2011 2:18pm

Being late should not go against you. If you have good enough results you have a chance of getting a place. You don't need experience. You don't have to pay to apply to all 3. One application and one fee covers the lot. Jobs are scarce and the moment and will be as scarce, if not more so, next year.

You say you're considering teaching Biology and Geography. Do you have a degree in these subjects?

Deedsie · 04-01-2011 2:26pm

janeybabe wrote: »

Being late should not go against you. If you have good enough results you have a chance of getting a place. You don't need experience. You don't have to pay to apply to all 3. One application and one fee covers the lot. Jobs are scarce and the moment and will be as scarce, if not more so, next year.

You say you're considering teaching Biology and Geography. Do you have a degree in these subjects?

I have a B.Sc in Marine biology and an MA in Coastal management and GIS so I have degrees related to biology and geography. Results would not be top of the class if I'm honest. 2.1

I do also have four years full time work experience. Is that taken into account?

spurious · 04-01-2011 5:48pm

Deedsie wrote: »

I have a B.Sc in Marine biology and an MA in Coastal management and GIS so I have degrees related to biology and geography. Results would not be top of the class if I'm honest. 2.1

Check are those degrees recognised by the Teaching Council before you spend any money.

Deedsie · 04-01-2011 8:30pm

spurious wrote: »

Check are those degrees recognised by the Teaching Council before you spend any money.

Undergrad is anyway. I just checked there

UnLuckyAgain · 04-01-2011 8:40pm

Deedsie wrote: »

Undergrad is anyway. I just checked there

Then you should be fine if you do indeed go for the PGDE this year. The majority consensus is that there are little or no jobs now for teachers, and the situation may be worse next year!

You can always not accept your PGDE place if you do get in to it this year.

ElleEm · 09-01-2011 12:46pm

Does a PGDE entitle you to work in adult learning? FETAC courses etc.? I have a degree in Social Care and would love to teach it.

dory · 09-01-2011 4:42pm

ElleEm wrote: »

Does a PGDE entitle you to work in adult learning? FETAC courses etc.? I have a degree in Social Care and would love to teach it.

No you have to have a school subject for the PGDE. Most people I know who teach at that level have a postgrad done in the subject along with work experience.

Ross O D · 11-01-2011 6:55pm

Im in the same situation, have my interview on the 27th. I have a friend in uel doing the course at the moment, he is sending on information for the interview so il pass it on!

polikmu · 14-01-2011 1:07am

I emailed the teaching council to get confirmation on what subjects i would be able to teach with my degree. I did a BA in computer science and geography. The geography is the same as what any other arts student would have done for 3 years. And i got a 2.1. I didnt do my final 4th year in computer science and left with a pass.

I emailed thinking that being able to teach geography was a no brainer, and that i was more querying would i be able to teach maths with my comp science.

They got back to me saying that "your undergraduate qualification is not automatically recognised you will have to apply for recognition by completing the Post Primary Qualifications Assessment Form".

Surely i should be able to apply for the hdip to teach geography, because this just sounds like a big money making scam for the TC, €200 to get a degree assessed?

Any one else experience this?

UnLuckyAgain · 14-01-2011 6:00pm

I know that for Geography, there are specifications as to what modules you must take as part of your undergraduate degree. As far as I know, it is something along the lines of an equal mix of both Human and Physical Geography. Maybe this is what they have some contention with.

Pee F · 16-01-2011 8:52pm

Hey guys,
I know Ive asked this before but I got no reply, just wonder has any one done the DCU interview before for the Hdip? If so what can I expect - seriously nervous..

Thanks

polikmu · 16-01-2011 11:17pm

Thanks Unluckyagain.

Yeh i just applied for my modular breakdown anyway from UCD. But i have a Msc in Environmental Development, which has alot of social and physical stuff too, so i think when they get back to me in 18 weeks it will be fine!

xxXchocolate puppyXxx · 23-01-2011 7:37pm

Pee F wrote: »

Hey guys,
I know Ive asked this before but I got no reply, just wonder has any one done the DCU interview before for the Hdip? If so what can I expect - seriously nervous..

Thanks

I have been called for interview as well! Can't seem to find anyone who has done it. My one is on the Friday 11th feb

:/:/

Iangolf · 25-01-2011 12:02pm

Just wondering has anyone heard back from Trinity re interviws for the PGDE in 2011/12, or if anyone has a rough idea of when they will contact people in relation to the interviews.

I hope it's soon, I hate waiting.

Sabscababs · 26-01-2011 4:35pm

Iangolf wrote: »

Just wondering has anyone heard back from Trinity re interviws for the PGDE in 2011/12, or if anyone has a rough idea of when they will contact people in relation to the interviews.

I hope it's soon, I hate waiting.

I'm in the same situation, but all I've been sent so far is that "changed application status" email from PAC, informing me that my application is currently being reviewed. They say you'll be contacted in the spring, which is a pretty wide window, so I'd say just sit tight for now and bear with the wait. It's a pain, but of the few people I know who are applying, it's the same for everyone. I read somewhere that the UCD offers are made in April or thereabouts, so it's a long aul slog with both of those systems. Ho hum!

UnLuckyAgain · 26-01-2011 5:05pm

Sabscababs wrote: »

I'm in the same situation, but all I've been sent so far is that "changed application status" email from PAC, informing me that my application is currently being reviewed. They say you'll be contacted in the spring, which is a pretty wide window, so I'd say just sit tight for now and bear with the wait. It's a pain, but of the few people I know who are applying, it's the same for everyone. I read somewhere that the UCD offers are made in April or thereabouts, so it's a long aul slog with both of those systems. Ho hum!

Yes, the NUI offers (UCD, NUIM, UCC, NUIG) are all made on April 1st (or close to it). As far as I know, the Trinity interviews are usually late February? Although i'm open to correction.

happygolucky90 · 31-01-2011 4:44pm

hey i'm currently in 2nd yr of a B.A degree in irish and geography in St Patricks drumcondra. I know its early days as regards applying for my hDip but can anyone tell me if it is easier to get in if you teach irish? i've heard this but kinda doubt if its true...

thanks : )

TheBody · 01-02-2011 2:33pm

xxXchocolate puppyXxx wrote: »

I have been called for interview as well! Can't seem to find anyone who has done it. My one is on the Friday 11th feb :/:/

I've my interview on Friday the 11th too!! No idea what to expect or what they are looking for in possible student. Any idea when the DCU offers are made after the interview?

sjms · 01-02-2011 11:06pm

UnLuckyAgain wrote: »

Yes, the NUI offers (UCD, NUIM, UCC, NUIG) are all made on April 1st (or close to it). As far as I know, the Trinity interviews are usually late February? Although i'm open to correction.

Late February and early March - from my own experience anyway!

dimples06 · 02-02-2011 2:00pm

Just wondering if everyone elses application status is the same as mine?? Worrying incase they havent received all my documents!

"Your application has been received. Please ensure that all supporting documents are submitted within 7 days of making your application, with your PAC Application Number clearly marked on all documents. Any documentation received after this date will be deemed late and will not be considered for assessment purposes under any circumstances. You will not receive points for any portion of your application form not fully supported by the relevant documentation and submitted in accordance with the aforementioned deadlines."

UnLuckyAgain · 02-02-2011 4:32pm

dimples06 wrote: »

Just wondering if everyone elses application status is the same as mine?? Worrying incase they havent received all my documents!

"Your application has been received. Please ensure that all supporting documents are submitted within 7 days of making your application, with your PAC Application Number clearly marked on all documents. Any documentation received after this date will be deemed late and will not be considered for assessment purposes under any circumstances. You will not receive points for any portion of your application form not fully supported by the relevant documentation and submitted in accordance with the aforementioned deadlines."

Mine says the same, so we must have done something right!

dno7239 · 03-02-2011 12:22am

Hey mine said that too so I called PAC. The lady assured me that it is a generic response, and that if you are missing anything that they will be in contact with you. So if ya havent heard I guess your fine! I know, I had a slight panic attack also!

UnLuckyAgain · 03-02-2011 12:38am

dno7239 wrote: »

Hey mine said that too so I called PAC. The lady assured me that it is a generic response, and that if you are missing anything that they will be in contact with you. So if ya havent heard I guess your fine! I know, I had a slight panic attack also!

Thanks for that info dno7239, it's a load off of my mind! Now to say a few prayers that my 44 points will be enough!

Sachor · 04-02-2011 1:14am

polikmu wrote: »

I emailed the teaching council to get confirmation on what subjects i would be able to teach with my degree. I did a BA in computer science and geography. The geography is the same as what any other arts student would have done for 3 years. And i got a 2.1. I didnt do my final 4th year in computer science and left with a pass.

I emailed thinking that being able to teach geography was a no brainer, and that i was more querying would i be able to teach maths with my comp science.

They got back to me saying that "your undergraduate qualification is not automatically recognised you will have to apply for recognition by completing the Post Primary Qualifications Assessment Form".

Surely i should be able to apply for the hdip to teach geography, because this just sounds like a big money making scam for the TC, €200 to get a degree assessed?

Any one else experience this?

I did maths part time in UCD. I did all the same subjects as the full time BA students but because it was part-time it wasn't on the 'recognised degree' list and so had to pay €200 to get it accredited. My second 200 btw, had to pay for my social science degree to be accredited for teaching CSPE! Was sick having to pay the money again!

Sabscababs · 04-02-2011 7:06pm

Hey all,

I've just read through all these posts, so apologies if I'm searching in the wrong thread, but given that some of us here seem to be awaiting the golden email from PAC/Trinity about an interview, I thought I'd check if any former PGDE peeps might be able to tell us a bit about the interview process.

I have a friend who did it last year and got a place on the waiting list (she did, however, get a place in the UCD course, and went there in the end), but if anyone here has also gone through the process, perhaps they could tell us a little about it? My friend mentioned that there were questions about the secondary school course (this, of course, makes sense, given that it's something teachers would get to know very well), but can anyone offer any more information on what to expect?

Thanks. "smiley face"

mike2084 · 07-02-2011 8:34pm

Has anyone got any idea what way the points are going this year, are they predicted to rise, fall or stay the same? I'm on 47 points with a business degree so I'm getting nervous.

Also I found this schedule on the NUI Galway website but I take it this does not apply to the PGDE?

http://www.nuigalway.ie/postgrad/closingdates/

Sabscababs · 07-02-2011 9:51pm

Nope, that's not for the PGDE (it's listed as an exception to that date in the box below on that page you linked to). Early April, from what I've heard. As regards the points for this year, I haven't heard anything.

Denerick · 13-02-2011 9:30pm

Hi,

I have a 2:1 in history from TCD which had a very strong emphasis on modern Irish history. I've looked around but cannot find an answer to this question. Can you apply to as many courses in different institutions as you like? I'm going to have to wait until next year to apply, and would be gutted if I were rejected next year and told to reapply, wasting an entire year in the process.

delta_bravo · 13-02-2011 9:56pm

Denerick wrote: »

Hi,

I have a 2:1 in history from TCD which had a very strong emphasis on modern Irish history. I've looked around but cannot find an answer to this question. Can you apply to as many courses in different institutions as you like? I'm going to have to wait until next year to apply, and would be gutted if I were rejected next year and told to reapply, wasting an entire year in the process.

Yep, apply away. Its all covered through PAC now. For the NUI colleges its similar to a CAO points system where you give 1st,2nd,3rd preferences. TCD is an interview. Deadline is usually December

smcmaths · 13-02-2011 11:54pm

I have also applied for the PGDE for UCC and I have 44 points. What do people reckon the points will be this year?

Denerick · 14-02-2011 12:18am

How are points calculated? Will my 2:1 be the norm? I'm sorry for all the stupid questions.

smcmaths · 14-02-2011 1:13am

points are calculated on your overall percentage mark for your degree and on additional certificates/diplomas and number of years teaching experience you have.

Sabscababs · 14-02-2011 6:49pm

Well, the Trinity interview places are obviously being dished out at the moment - got the notice today. Didn't get one, but ah well! Best of luck to all!

Heydeldel · 14-02-2011 7:38pm

Ah, pity. Maybe next year for you?

I'm waiting to hear. Did you get an email or something like that?

PeeWe · 14-02-2011 8:39pm

You get an email from PAC telling you your status has been updated

Heydeldel · 15-02-2011 1:19pm

Thanks PeeWee, unfortunately I was unsuccessful. Oh well.

PeeWe · 15-02-2011 10:36pm

chin up - you will get there

spjhalion · 16-02-2011 12:39am

Hi all. Tried scrolling throught this forum for about 8 pages to see if my Q was already asked and couldn't see it so... I've applied to do my H.Dip in Education in Trinity and all four of the NUI. I think im right on the mark points wise for the PAC system and I've a diploma for teaching drama and have taught English grinds for just over a year. Today I was told I would not be offered an interview with Trinity so am now worrying about the NUI applications. I know there are courses in St. Patricks, Thurles that offer secondary school teaching courses in subjects such as Business and Religion but I was wondering if anyone knew of any other such courses? Ideally teaching history, english or religion. Sorry for the long post but basically any other secondary teaching courses available other than the Trinity and NUI courses I've applied to. Thanks.

UnLuckyAgain · 16-02-2011 2:11am

spjhalion wrote: »

Hi all. Tried scrolling throught this forum for about 8 pages to see if my Q was already asked and couldn't see it so... I've applied to do my H.Dip in Education in Trinity and all four of the NUI. I think im right on the mark points wise for the PAC system and I've a diploma for teaching drama and have taught English grinds for just over a year. Today I was told I would not be offered an interview with Trinity so am now worrying about the NUI applications. I know there are courses in St. Patricks, Thurles that offer secondary school teaching courses in subjects such as Business and Religion but I was wondering if anyone knew of any other such courses? Ideally teaching history, english or religion. Sorry for the long post but basically any other secondary teaching courses available other than the Trinity and NUI courses I've applied to. Thanks.

Don't worry yet - wait until the NUI offers come out in April. No one can really predict which way the points are going to go so you might just get lucky

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

Comments