Professional Diploma in Education (PDE)
| Title | Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) |
| Course Code | GDHSC001 |
| Major Code | W010 |
| Duration | 1 Year Full-Time |
| Closing date of Entry | 1st December |
| Contact | education@ucd.ie 01-7167965 |
| Director |
The Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) is a one-year, full-time (60 credits), intensive programme of study designed to prepare student teachers for entry to the teaching profession as a secondary school teacher. The course is a research-informed, academically challenging, developmental programme in the area of initial teacher education. It is recognised and accredited by the Teaching Council, the regulatory body for the teaching profession in Ireland, as well as being widely accepted in other countries as signifying qualified teacher status. The course is divided into two main areas: teaching placement and university experience. Students typically teach each morning in a recognised secondary school and attend lectures, tutorials and workshops in the university each afternoon. It is the responsibility of the student to secure a teaching placement and schools must be within a 25 km radius of UCD.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding that is founded upon the subjects undertaken at primary degree level and develop the knowledge and pedagogical skills to teach the subject specialisms they have taken at primary degree level.
- Apply their knowledge, understanding, and problem-solving abilities in new or unfamiliar environments, within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts, but which include reflecting on social and ethical responsibilities linked to the application of their knowledge and judgments in broader or unfamiliar environments within the profession of teaching.
- Have the ability to integrate knowledge and handle complexity, while reflecting on the wider professional, social and ethical responsibilities linked to the application of their knowledge and judgments, particularly in classroom contexts.
- Communicate their conclusions, and the knowledge and rationale underpinning these, to specialist and non-specialist audiences clearly and unambiguously.
- Possess the learning skills to allow them to continue to study or develop professionally in a manner that is largely self-directed or autonomous.
Assessment Procedures
Assessment is by on-site teaching placement supervisions (seven in total) across the academic year; the submission of a reflective teaching portfolio; and by a series of examinations and continuous assessment assignments.
