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PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE IN SPANISH FOR TEACHING AT POST PRIMARY LEVEL
- Qualification
- Professional Certificate (Level 8)
- CAO/MU Apply code
- MHZ62,MHZ63
- Award Type and NFQ level
- PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE
- Study Mode
- Full time
- Closing Date
- 27 August 2027
Overview
The Professional Certificate in Spanish for Teaching at 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 Spanish as an additional subject to their skillset; it will also be of interest to international candidates (including native speakers of Spanish), who have completed their teacher education, have had it approved by the Teaching Council, but require up to 20 ECTS credits in Spanish to register as teachers of the language.
This programme has been specifically tailored to meet the Teaching Council of Ireland’s requirements for registration as an accredited Spanish teacher at post-primary level. The programme offers intensive studies in the areas of Spanish translation, literary/cultural studies of the Spanish-speaking world, and Spanish language pedagogy. In this way, it aims to enhance students’ knowledge and understanding of important concepts in Spanish 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 20 ECTS from a range of Spanish-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 Spanish. 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
Applicants can choose up to 20 ECTS from the following modules:
| Module code | Module title | Semester 1, 2, or full year | New or existing module | Compulsory or optional module | Credit weight |
| SPA638 | Border Crossers and Borderlands: Mexican and Chicana/o Studies | 1 | New | Optional | 10 |
| SPA644 | Narratives of Conflict—Spain | 1 | New | Optional | 10 |
| SPA646 | Methodologies for Teaching Spanish module as a Foreign Language | 1 | New | Optional | 10 |
| SPA622 | Advanced Translation I | 1 | Existing | Optional | 5 |
| SPA641 | Advanced Translation II | 2 | Existing | Optional | 5 |
| SPA637 | Crime Narrative and Globalisation in the Americas | 2 | New | Optional | 10 |
| SPA643 | Narratives of Conflict—Latin American Documentary Film | 2 | New | Optional | 10 |
| Year | Total credits for the year | 20 |
NB: prospective candidates who are undertaking the programme in order to meet the Teaching Council requirements for Spanish 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 Professional Certificate in Spanish for Teaching at Post-Primary Level is intended for candidates who already possess at least 40 ECTS of subject-specific credits in Spanish 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 Spanish in Ireland.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must hold a minimum of a Bachelor Honours degree (NFQ Level 8) or equivalent with a minimum of Second-Class Honours, Grade 1 (2:1) in Spanish Studies or a cognate discipline such as linguistics and literary/cultural studies. Applicants are required to have a minimum CEFR proficiency level of B2.2 in Spanish and provide evidence of this. 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.
A B2.2. CEFR Level is required for Spanish. Proficiency can be evidenced by:
- Applicants can evidence this in their transcripts (please note that module descriptions indicating the CEFR level may be requested during the review process), or
- Spanish Proficiency Test Certificate, such as the DELE or SIELE.
- The DELE or SIELE certificate can be obtained through the Instituto Cervantes (Spanish evaluation and certification - Instituto Cervantes Dublin). Applicants are advised to allocate sufficient time to organise this certification.
- DELE or SIELE Certificates must be dated within the 2 years prior to registration.
If you do not meet the standard entry requirements then you may be eligible to apply under the University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy. Please click here for further information.
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.
|
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 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:
- Spanish Proficiency Certificate
- If English is not your first language, you may be required to upload evidence of English language proficiency. For information please click here.