Qualification
Professional Certificate (Level 8)
CAO/MU Apply code
MHM62,MHM63
Award Type and NFQ level
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE
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 be informed of application dates.

This programme is offered on both a full time and part time basis.

The Professional Certificate in French 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 French as an additional subject to their skillset; it will also be of interest to international candidates (including native speakers of French), who have completed their teacher education, have had it approved by the Teaching Council but require up to 20 ECTS credits in French 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 French teacher at post-primary level. The programme follows a three-pronged approach by offering intensive studies in the areas of French language skills; literary, cultural and film studies of the French-speaking world; and French linguistics and language pedagogy. In this way, it aims to enhance students’ knowledge and understanding of important concepts in French language and literature, culture and society, including their didactic and methodological application.

IMPORTANT: This programme does not involve professional accreditation. It allows applicants to register for up to 20 ECTS from a range of French-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 French. In order to be accredited by the Teaching Council, all graduates of this programme must hold a PME or equivalent 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 French 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

FRLRF1 - French For Teaching At Post Primary Level

Credits: 20  |  Not compulsory

FRLRP1 - French For Teaching At Post Primary Level (Part Time)

Credits:   |  Not compulsory

Year 2

FRLRP2 - French For Teaching At Post Primary Level (Part Time)

Credits:   |  Not compulsory

Careers

The Professional Certificate in French for Teaching at Post-Primary Level is intended for candidates who already possess at least 40 ECTS of subject-specific credits in French and a Professional Masters of Education (PME) or equivalent – or those who intend on pursuing a PME upon completion of this Professional Certificate – with the end goal of becoming fully accredited post-primary teachers of French in Ireland.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have a recognised primary degree (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent honours degree) which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level. Under normal circumstances, applicants should have a BA involving French Studies or a cognate discipline (e.g. linguistics or literary/cultural studies) with at least a 2.1 degree (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent honours 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 French.

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.


This table displays the requirements for Leaving Certificate applicants.

Entry requirements table

Subject

Required

Ordinary Level Grade

Higher Level Grade

Irish

No

N/A

N/A

English

Yes

N/A

N/A

Language

No

N/A

N/A

Mathematics

No

N/A

N/A

Science

No

N/A

N/A

* This course requires 0 additional subjects.


How to apply

Applications for this programme are due to open in February 2027. Register your interest to be 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 proficiency in French

If English is not your first language, you may be required to upload evidence of English language proficiency. For information please click here.

Got a question about this course?

Programme Director Dr. Julie Rodgers

Tel +353 (0)1 7083663

Email french@mu.ie Website: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/french

Address School of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare