Teaching and education

Postgraduate study in teaching and education

Job prospects

For most teaching jobs in the Republic and Northern Ireland, you will need to have a teaching qualification; this normally means undertaking a postgraduate conversion course. Competition for permanent positions is very strong and newly qualified teachers generally take substitute and temporary positions to build up experience. 

For primary level teaching in the Republic of Ireland, you will need a Bachelor of Education (BEd) or a postgraduate teaching qualification. For second level teaching you will need a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (previously known as the Higher Diploma in Education). It is compulsory to have a recognised teacher training qualification in order to gain a permanent teaching post in primary or secondary schools in Northern Ireland. 

All teacher training qualifications awarded in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are recognised in the European Union. 

How to become a teacher

Republic of Ireland 

You will need a Postgraduate Diploma in Education to qualify for second level teaching. Before applying, you need to ensure you have a suitable teaching subject as a major component of your undergraduate degree. These subjects are set by the Teaching Council: a list of ‘degrees for eligibility’ is available on the websites www.teachingcouncil.ie and www.pac.ie, and your careers service will also have a copy. For primary level you will need to undertake the 18-month Graduate Diploma in Education. 

Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, postgraduate students can undertake a relevant Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at either Primary or Secondary level. This is known as initial teacher training (ITT). More information is available from the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (www.gtcni.org.uk).