About This Course
This programme is a pre-university primary teaching and post primary teaching course and is particularly aimed at those who want to pursue a career as a primary or a post primary teacher. This course is also ideally suited to mature students who are changing their career path to teaching. The course prepares students on their educational journey to become caring and inspirational teachers and educators.
This programme is a pre-university primary teaching and post-primary teaching course and is particularly aimed at those who want to pursue a career as a primary or post-primary teacher. This course is also ideally suited to mature students who are changing their career path to teaching.
The course prepares students for their educational journey in becoming caring and inspirational teachers and educators. Their pursuit of excellence in teaching, in learning and in research is the cornerstone upon which the holistic education of children and of young people in a changing Ireland is based.
This pre-university primary and post-primary teaching course provides students with a diverse range of modules which optimise their opportunities to apply for and progress to a broad range of Level 8 concurrent and non-concurrent education degree programmes in Irish universities and in universities in the UK and the EU. In so doing, students are provided with an all-embracing and firm foundation upon which to start their third-level qualification in primary teaching or in post-primary teaching.
Students complete a two-week work placement in a primary school, in a post-primary school or in an adult education, community education/workplace setting. Past graduates and a number of guest speakers, including teachers and principals, discuss their experiences with students on the course. Students have an opportunity to visit the Gaeltacht. Participation in outdoor recreation activities, along with the development of research and academic writing skills are key features of the course.
Further Study:
In Ireland
Primary Teaching
Higher Education
Please note that while there is no direct link from a QQI Level 5 course into primary teaching in Ireland, there is another well-defined route into primary teaching for graduates. Upon successful completion of this course, students are eligible to apply for a Level 8 degree programme, which is then followed by a Level 9 Professional Master of Education course (Primary teaching), which leads to a career in primary teaching. Please refer to the relevant university websites for further information.
Post Primary Teaching
Upon successful completion of the course, students are eligible to apply to a range of 4-year concurrent education degree programmes through the CAO (Central Applications Office), Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS) and the Mature Entry Route, which lead to a post-primary teacher qualification in their chosen subject areas. Please refer to the relevant university websites for further information. Students are also eligible to apply to a broad range of level 8 degree programmes, which are then followed by a Level 9 Professional Master of Education course in Post Primary Teaching, which leads to a post-primary teaching qualification.
In the United Kingdom
Upon successful completion of this course, students are eligible to apply through UCAS for a range of primary and post-primary teaching degree programmes in the United Kingdom. Students who successfully complete this course are eligible for entry to the Bachelor of Arts in Primary Education at the University of Sunderland. Recognition of qualifications is granted by the Teaching Council. It is subject to the fulfilment of any shortfalls, including competencies in Irish that are required for registration by the Teaching Council.
In the European Union
Under EU Directives 2005/36/EC and 2013/55/EC, people who qualify as primary teachers in one EU member state are entitled to have their teaching qualifications recognised in all other EU member states. This recognition is granted by the Teaching Council. It is subject to the fulfilment of any shortfalls, including competencies in Irish that are required for registration by the Teaching Council.
There are several four-year International Bachelor of Education programmes which are taught through English which graduates of this course can be considered for entry. Upon successful completion of this course, students are eligible for entry to the International Bachelor of Education in Stenden University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands.



Course Content
Concepts in Education and Training
Interpersonal and Group Behaviour
Irish
Communications
Word Processing
Work Experience
Team Working
Adventure Activities
Folklore and Ethnology

Progression
Please note that what follows here are some of the many progression routes available:
Education - Home Economics + another subject - St Angela’s College, Sligo
Post Primary Teacher - Religion + another subject - DCU
Education, Maths & Gaeilge - Mary Immaculate (Thurles)
Bachelor of Arts, Maynooth University, followed by a Level 9 Professional Master of Education course (Primary Teaching) or Professional Master of Education (Post Primary Teaching)
BA Theology, Maynooth University, followed by Professional Master of Education (Primary/Post Primary Teaching)
BA(Hons) in Primary Teaching with QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) - University of Sunderland, UK
Early Childhood Education - Marino Institute of Education



Entry Requirements
Leaving Certificate or Leaving Certificate Applied or LCVP or QQI Level 4 award. Applications are particularly welcome from mature applicants (those aged over 23) and from individuals who come from groups that are currently underrepresented in the teaching profession. Consideration will be given to mature applicants and to other applicants who do not meet these entry requirements.
Course Fees
At Cavan Institute, we believe that quality education should be within everyone's reach. That's why all our courses have a single, affordable fee of just €200 in total. No hidden costs, no complex fee structures. Just straightforward, accessible learning to help you achieve your goals. We're proud to offer a diverse range of courses at a price that sets us apart from other colleges with high fees.
Do you have a Medical Card? Your medical card will exempt you from the €50 QQI exam fee, resulting in a reduced fee of €150.



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Contact Us
If you have any questions, please get in touch. You can apply online through our website. We have an FAQ page, and course fees are easily accessible.