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POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN GERMAN FOR TEACHING AT POST PRIMARY LEVEL
- Qualification
- Postgraduate Certificate
- CAO/MU Apply code
- MHO60,MHO61
- Award Type and NFQ level
- CERTIFICATE LEVEL 9
- Study Mode
- Full time
- Closing Date
- 27 August 2027
Overview
Applications for this programme are due to open in February 2027. Register your interest to stay informed of application dates.
This programme is offered on both a full time and part time basis.
The Postgraduate Certificate in German for Teaching as Post-Primary Level aims to provide domestic and international candidates with an opportunity to complete the subject-specific credits they require in order to be able to submit themselves for accreditation through the Teaching Council of Ireland. It is particularly suitable for holders of a BA and HDip/PME who already teach in the post-primary system and want to add German as an additional subject to their skillset; it will also be of interest to international candidates (including native speakers of German), who have completed their teacher education, have had it approved by the Teaching Council, but require up to 30 ECTS credits in German to register as teachers of the language.
This programme has been specifically tailored to meeting the Teaching Council of Ireland’s requirements for registration as an accredited German teacher at post-primary level. The programme follows a three-pronged approach by offering intensive studies in the areas of German language skills; literary, cultural and film studies of the German-speaking world; and German linguistics and language pedagogy. In this way, it aims to enhance students’ knowledge and understanding of important concepts in German language and literature, culture and society, including their didactic and methodological application.
Prospective candidates may qualify for partial funding of this programme through the Post-Primary Languages Initiative (PPLI). See here for further details.
IMPORTANT: This programme does not involve professional accreditation. It allows applicants to register for up to 30 ECTS from a range of German-specific credits. Applicants can choose from these modules to put together a programme that complements their existing qualifications and thus allows them to meet the current Teaching Council requirements for German. In order to be accredited by the Teaching Council, all graduates of this programme must hold a PME or equivalent (e.g. Lehramt) and will be required to submit themselves for individual evaluation by the Teaching Council of Ireland.
Course structure
Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Prospective candidates who are undertaking the programme in order to meet the Teaching Council requirements for German are strongly advised to consult with the Teaching Council regarding the number and type of credits that they must complete.
Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually.
Important: The information on this page is for prospective students, MU current students and staff should use Programme Directory.
Year 1
Year 2
Careers
The Postgraduate Certificate in German for Teaching at Post-Primary Level is intended for candidates who already possess at least 30 ECTS of subject-specific credits in German and a Professional Masters of Education (PME) or equivalent (e.g. Lehramt) – or those who intend on pursuing a PME upon completion of this Postgraduate Certificate – with the end goal of becoming fully accredited post-primary teachers of German in Ireland.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent honours degree). Under normal circumstances, applicants should have a BA involving German Studies or a cognate discipline (e.g. Lehramt, linguistics, literary/cultural studies) with at least a 2.1 degree, or equivalent. Applicants whose previous history of education does not fit this profile are invited to contact the Programme Director to enquire about their eligibility to apply for the programme.
Minimum CEFR Proficiency level of B2.2 in German.
English Language Requirements
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here.
How to apply
Applications for this programme are due to open in February 2027. Register your interest to stay informed of application dates.
Applications must be made via the MU Apply portal. Please click here to start your application.
When making your application, please ensure you prepare any documents listed below. You may be required to submit documents in two stages. You will be required to upload and submit the following documents with your application:
- Full academic transcripts for all semesters/ years completed to date
- Graduation Certificate if you have graduated
- A copy of your passport
- Up to date CV
You will be required to upload the following documents after you submit your application:
- Evidence of profiency in German
If English is not your first language, you may be required to upload evidence of English language proficiency. For information please click here.