British PGCE versus Irish PGDE

sitstill

I am currently studying for the Postgrad Diploma in Education in UCD, however I had also been accepted to study for the Postgrad Certificate in Education in a university in London, but in the end took UCD because some of my friends were going there. My question is though, other than the name, what is the difference? In academic terms, is a Postgrad Diploma worth more than a Postgrad Certificate or vice versa?

kittex

The UK recently overhauled the 'points' awarded to courses at all levels, so people could switch between courses more easily and gain recognition etc.

Under the review, the teaching post grad isn't granted full 'Post grad' status as it's not deemed academic enough to be considered on the same level as say, a masters, which it previously was. It's a professional, rather than an academic qualification, with the standards being set by teaching councils, so the Higher Education authorities deemed the use of the term Post Graduate as being misleading.

So, basically, they are all, gradually, having to change the name of the PGDE to the Professional Graduate Certificate in Education.
Same course that it always was though.

ligertigon

Same same, but the PGCE is possibly recognised more so abroad.

Also, a PGCE is not the final step in the UK, you are termed a NQT (newly qualified teacher) and pending on location Wales/England/Scotland, you must spend an additional 1-3 years professional development on your new job, which includes further assesment and reflection.

If you have a PGCE here, the DES will want you to sit an additional exam on the history of education in Ireland to happy themselves that the Hdip is superior.
Further more, they will unlikely give you honours allowance on your PGCE, no mater how well you did.

Total elitism, but thats Ireland

Spyral

sod ireland the uk will pay you £££ to study teaching in shortage subjects so if you are teaching something like science or maths then go there

kittex

Sorry, I meant to say, I just commented on the meaning of the UK PGCE name difference. I can't comment on the content differences, having only done the UK one.