Higher Diploma in Primary Education

Name: Cliodhna Ruane

Age: 30

Primary degree: BSc Sports and Exercise Science, UL (2002)

Postgraduate degrees: Higher Diploma in Arts in Primary Education, Hibernia College (2008)

After selling the cafe business I ran with a friend, I took stock of my career options. I had previously taught sports to young children and so went to work as a substitute teacher in a secondary school; based on these experiences I decided to train as a primary school teacher.

Postgraduate study was also a personal choice. I hadn't quite realised my potential at undergraduate level and wanted a second chance to prove to myself that I could do it.

Learning to teach

I chose a part-time distance-learning course as I'd just married and didn't want to study away from home. Each week, one or two lectures would be released online in written and audio form; I'd go through the lecture notes in preparation for an online tutorial and spend perhaps six hours a week on associated reading. Also spread throughout the course were assignments, on site lectures, 14 weeks (three blocks) of intensive teaching practice and three weeks in the Gaeltacht. I felt more prepared and organised at postgraduate level, and achieving a 1.1 was a huge personal accomplishment.

I funded my studies with my savings and by subbing as much as possible. While it was tough to put my life on hold financially, I kept the eventual reward in mind. I became pregnant six months into the course, but decided not to defer. Looking back it was the right thing to do – as a new mother I'm fully qualified and about to start my first teaching role!

Tips for graduates

My tip for graduates considering going onto postgraduate study is to make sure it's what you want. Think long and hard about the pros and cons and whether you can see yourself in your chosen field in five or ten years' time.