Combine Irish with education to maximize your potential
We offer a comprehensive range of modules in Irish and Education which serve a broad and diverse body of students. Irish language and Educational provision and practice amongst staff and students reflects the University’s strong commitment to cultural and linguistic diversity within Northern Ireland and to the ever developing Irish Medium Sector.
Our Irish Language and Education programmes play a vital role in preserving, sustaining and celebrating Ireland’s Gaelic literary and linguistic heritage as well as serving the demands of the Irish language sector within the local job market.
At a personal level our programmes fulfil the needs of individuals who wish to acquire the necessary competence to fully participate in Irish language education as confident and independent users of the language.
Studying Irish in combination with Education is an excellent introduction to a future career in the general education sector. It will provide you with an introduction to the main concepts of educational theory and practice in NI, the UK and internationally.
Each semester students will take two modules in Irish and one in Education.
In this section
This course will provide you with opportunities to learn from two disciplines, Irish and Education. As a result, you will have opportunities to develop a range of graduate qualities which will provide you with flexible and fluid skillsets for future study and employment.
This course is ideal for those who have gained via A-Level or Leaving Cert study a competent level in spoken and written Irish and who wish to pursue a full-time career within Education (either Irish Medium Education or teaching Irish in the English medium sector). This course would also be suitable for anyone wishing to work in the Irish Language sector who wishes to improve their language skills.
Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS
Three years (four years with DPP/DIAS option).
Knowledge and understanding are required through lectures, practical sessions, directed reading, case study work, fieldwork, seminars, tutorials, and primary and secondary data evaluation techniques. Modules are assessed by a combination of coursework and examinations or by coursework only. The assessment methods used in individual modules are specified in the module handbooks. Each module adopts its own assessment strategy and may include one or more of the following: essays; literature reviews; seminar oral presentations; seminar write-ups; class tests; research projects/dissertations and examinations.
The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.
Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:
As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until near the start date and may be subject to change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days of attendance will often be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.
Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10- or 20-credit modules and postgraduate course typically 15- or 30-credit modules.
The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.
Postgraduate Masters courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.
Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.
Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be via one method or a combination e.g. examination and coursework . Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessment. The precise assessment will depend on the module and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification and the assessment timetable. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Normally, a module will have four learning outcomes, and no more than two items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised.
The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6 (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).
Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Masters degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.
All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study. In Masters degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.
Figures correct for academic year 2019-2020.
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (20%) or Lecturers (55%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advanced HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures correct for academic year 2021-2022.
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Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
In this section
Year: 1
Status: C
This module provides an orientation to central educational concepts and values with the intention of providing a critical foundation for later reflection and learning.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module encourages students to reflect on and assess a variety of approaches to teaching and learning in creating effective learning environments. The module offers a theoretical and practical approach to exploring the educational policies and practices that foster the key conditions for creating an effective learning environment.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module covers the acquisition of written communicative skills, enabling the student to express themselves correctly in writing with confidence in a variety of everyday and academic contexts.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module takes students on the course from B2 (Vantage or upper intermediate):
- Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialization.
- Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.
- Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
to C1 (Effective operational proficiency or advanced level):
- Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer clauses, and recognize implicit meaning.
- Can express ideas fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions.
- Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.
- Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
Status: O
Year: 1
This module is optional
This module aims to help students acquire skills and critical acumen in active reading that will be essential for successful progression through the degree program.
Status: O
Year: 1
This module is optional
This module aims to further develop students' skills and critical acumen in active reading, to bring about an awareness of dialect differences, and to expand knowledge of idiom in Irish.
Status: O
Year: 1
This module is optional
This module should consolidate the students' C1 level (Effective operational proficiency or advanced level) (CEFRL):
- Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer clauses, and recognize implicit meaning.
- Can express ideas fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions.
- Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.
- Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
Status: O
Year: 1
This module is optional
This module examines the various political, socio-economic and cultural factors that precipitated the decline of Irish, its revival at the end of the nineteenth century and the emergence of a modern Irish literature in Irish
Year: 2
Status: C
The module offers students an industrial placement (usually in a school context) where they contribute to the development and delivery of the host intuition's project. Students develop their skills at communicating with both staff and learners, contribute to a learning exercise and where appropriate take a lead role in delivering learning to small groups. Students develop their reflective capabilities through a community of practice in the University's VLE. Presentational skills are also developed through the end of semester showcase event summarising the learning journey.
Year: 2
Status: C
The module provides an elucidation of important aspects of Irish folklore, oral tradition and literary heritage.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module builds on an Ghaeilge Scríofa 1 and covers the acquisition of written communicative skills, enabling the student to express themselves correctly in writing with confidence in a variety of everyday and academic contexts.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module will equip students with the skills and understanding to collaborate online with other students, focusing on the application of ICT in teaching and learning at macro and micro levels. They will be required to assess their own personal style of learning and discuss the implications for online learning. They will also develop their research and information seeking skills, as well as their written and communication skills, enabling them to present assessed work to an appropriate standard.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
The module will introduce students to an appropriate range of theory connected to physical health and well-being in the context of children and young people's education. Students will have the opportunity to explore issues through practical based workshops where the emphasis will be on applying theory to practice. Assessment will comprise of one written assignment and one individual presentation.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module examines various diachronic aspects of the Irish language.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module explores the literary tradition of 18th and 19th century Ireland. It examines both poetry and prose texts of various genres from this period, places them in their historical and cultural context and further develops methods of practical criticism.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module involves an in-depth study of modern Irish poetry from the beginning until the end of the twentieth century. The module aims equally to increase students' competence in the area of literary analysis and structured response.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module will allow students to enhance their understanding of the Irish language sector in a broader professional context whilst absorbing experiences gained within a work-based environment and/or scenario. This Level 5 Semester 2 module may also serve as a precursor to a placement inspired Research Project in year 3.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module is about exploring inclusive education in a world that is ever increasing in diversity. It focuses on practical and theoretical knowledge in inclusive education settings. The module makes links between marginalised groups, society, education and culture. It explores theories about inclusive societies and education to promote understanding and respect. It explores pedagogies and approaches to supporting the teaching and learning of people in genuinely inclusive educational settings.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module is about exploring learning and teaching in a world of increasing linguistic and cultural diversity. It focuses on practical and theoretical knowledge in multilingual and multicultural education settings. The module makes links between language, culture and identity; it explores theories about intercultural competence, multilingual learning processes and identifies and evaluates pedagogies and approaches to supporting the teaching and learning of people in multilingual and multicultural educational settings.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
The module provides an opportunity to undertake an extended period of study outside the UK. Students will develop an enhanced understanding of the academic discipline of Celtic Studies whilst generating educational and cultural networks.
Year: 4
Status: C
This module provides the student with the opportunity to select any topic from the area of Irish Studies/Irish Language and Literature on which he/she may undertake an individual research project
Year: 4
Status: C
This module examines various synchronic and diachronic aspects of the Irish language.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module introduces students to Classical Irish and the Irish of the seventeenth century. It examines Bardic poetry, learned love poetry and key prose texts of the period.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module analyses modern prose and drama in Irish, with a particular focus on the novel.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module will introduce students to the study of grammar, syntax and phonology in Irish translation. Students will also study of the discourse of contemporary Irish translation and engage critically with key concepts in translation.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module seeks to build on the language skills gained in all previous modules. Students will be given the chance to further develop their written and oral proficiency by completing a range of tasks. Detailed comprehension exercises in Irish will enable students to perfect their knowledge of Irish grammar. Extended debates and presentations will help students speak Irish with confidence and complete accuracy.
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
In this section
Grades CCC to include Irish.
Applicants may satisfy the requirement for an A level C grade by substituting a combination of alternative qualifications to the same standard as defined by the University.
If you do not meet the requirement for a qualification in Irish, please contact us and we can discuss how we might recognise your prior experience in the area in assessing your application.
*** To note that only qualifications defined as “Applied General” will be accepted for entry onto any undergraduate course at Ulster University.***
BTEC Awards
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2012 Suite)
Award profile of Distinction Merit Merit
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2016 Suite)
Award profile of Merit Merit Merit
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma (2012 Suite)
Award profile of Distinction Merit plus A Level Grade C or award profile of Distinction Merit plus A Level Grade C
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma (2016 Suite)
Award profile of Merit Merit plus A Level Grade C
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Introductory Diploma (2012 Suite)
Award profile of Merit plus A Level Grades CC
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Certificate (2016 Suite)
Award profile of Merit plus A Level Grades CC
Diploma, National Diploma and Subsidiary Diploma applicants may satisfy the requirement for an element of the offer grade profiles (equating to the final A-level grade stated in the standard 3A level offer profile - grade C) by substituting a combination of alternative qualifications to the same standard as defined by the University.
Candidates must fulfill the subject requirement for Irish (A level Grade C or equivalent) via other qualifications. If you do not meet the requirement for a qualification in Irish, please contact us and we can discuss how we might recognise your prior experience in the area in assessing your application.
96 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at higher level) to include English at H6 if studied at Higher level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.
This course also requires you to achieve H4 or above in Irish.
If you do not meet the requirement for a qualification in Irish, please contact us and we can discuss how we might recognise your prior experience in the area in assessing your application.
The Scottish Highers requirement for this course is to include CCCCC.
Candidates must fulfill the subject requirement for Irish (A level Grade C or equivalent) via other qualifications.
If you do not meet the requirement for a qualification in Irish, please contact us and we can discuss how we might recognise your prior experience in the area in assessing your application.
Applicants may satisfy the requirement for an element of the offer grade profiles (equating to the final A-level grade stated in the standard 3A level offer profile - Grade C ) by substituting a combination of alternative qualifications to the same standard as defined by the University.
The Scottish Advanced Highers requirement for this course is grades DDD.
Candidates must fulfill the subject requirement for Irish (A level Grade C or equivalent) via other qualifications. If you do not meet the requirement for a qualification in Irish, please contact us and we can discuss how we might recognise your prior experience in the area in assessing your application.
Applicants may satisfy the requirement for an element of the offer grade profiles (equating to the final A-level grade stated in the standard 3A level offer profile - Grade C ) by substituting a combination of alternative qualifications to the same standard as defined by the University
Overall International Baccalaureate profile minimum 24 points to include 12 at higher level. Candidates must fulfill the subject requirement for Irish (A level grade C or equivalent) via other qualifications.
If you do not meet the requirement for a qualification in Irish, please contact us and we can discuss how we might recognise your prior experience in the area in assessing your application.
For Access qualifications validated by Ulster University or QUB the entry requirement is:
An overall mark of 55% (120 credit Access Course) (NI Access course)
Candidates must fulfill the subject requirement for Irish (A level Grade C or equivalent) via other qualifications.
Overall profile of 45 credits at Merit (60 credit Access course) (GB Access course)
Candidates must fulfill the subject requirement for Irish (A level Grade C or equivalent) via other qualifications.
If you do not meet the requirement for a qualification in Irish, please contact us and we can discuss how we might recognise your prior experience in the area in assessing your application.
For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above English Language.
Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Communication will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE English.
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
International Admissions Office
E: internationaladmissions@ulster.ac.uk
Applicants holding a HND should achieve an overall Merit with distinctions in 15 Level 5 credits. Candidates must fulfill the subject requirement for Irish (A level grade C or equivalent) via other qualifications.
Applicants holding a HNC with overall Merit with distinctions in 45 Level 4 credits. Candidates must fulfill the subject requirement for Irish ( A level grade C or equivalent) via other qualifications.
Foundation Degree - an overall mark of 40% in Level 5 modules for Year 1 entry. Candidates must fulfill the subject requirement for Irish (A level grade C or equivalent) via other qualifications.
If you do not meet the requirement for a qualification in Irish, please contact us and we can discuss how we might recognise your prior experience in the area in assessing your application.
Applicants who hold the Ulster University Diploma in Irish Language will be considered for Year 1 entry.
The University will consider applications on the basis of experiential learning for those who do not hold the normal entry qualifications. Those applicants seeking entry with advanced standing, (eg. Transfer from another institution) will be considered on an individual basis .
Most students enter Year 1. However, if you can provide evidence of previous relevant study, you may be considered for entry to later years.
In this section
Students who study Irish with Education secure employment in several fields. Roles within the Irish language profession such as interpretation,community development and education are natural progression routes . Many graduates also pursue further study with formal educational roles such as a PGCE in Irish or Primary Education.
It is estimated that the number of students in Irish Medium Education will double in the next decade. A report published in June 2020 by leading language experts from the Council of Europe has stated that should be more education in Irish and there is a need to train more Irish-speaking teachers. This course answers that need.
Students will have the Option in Year Two of this course to study An Ghaeilge Ghairmiúil which will offer them an opportunity to gain valuable experience in an Educational setting.
You also have the option to undertake a one-year work placement (in Year 3) with an industry partner leading to the award of Diploma in Professional Practice (DPP). These work placements can be at home or abroad in an organization (company, local or central government or voluntary organization), and you will work under the supervision of an Industrial Supervisor, supported by the DPP Co-ordinator and an Academic Supervisor from within the University.
In addition to this, all students on the programme will take the module EDU308 Industrial Educational Placement. This will span one semester and provide you with industry experience (one day a week) whilst you study your other modules for that semester. This can be in a formal educational context such as a school, FE college or nursery setting. However, it can also be in industry with a training or educational role such as local government, NGOs or commerce.
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition feesWhere a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them. These may include residential visits, field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering)vaccinations , security checks, computer equipment, uniforms, professional memberships etc.
We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free wifi are also available on each of the campuses.
There will be some additional costs which cannot be itemised and these will be different for each student. You may choose to purchase your own textbooks and course materials or prefer your own computer and software. Printing and binding may also be required. There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines. Additional costs vary from course to course.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs as well as tuition fees.
Please contact the course team for more information.
Course Director: Dr Peter Smith
T: +44 (0)28 7167 5334 E: pj.smith@ulster.ac.uk
Education: Dr Aideen Hunter: ak.hunter@ulster.ac.uk
Admissions Office - Claire Tinkler/Karen Gibson
T: +44 (0)28 7012 3895 or +44 (0)28 701 24353
E: cm.tinkler@ulster.ac.uk or ki.gibson@ulster.ac.uk
