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POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN SPANISH FOR TEACHING AT POST PRIMARY LEVEL
- Qualification
- Postgraduate Certificate
- CAO/MU Apply code
- MHZ60,MHZ61
- Award Type and NFQ level
- Certificate Level 9
- Study Mode
- Full time
- Closing Date
- 31 July 2025
Overview
The Postgraduate 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 30 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 30 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 30 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 | 30 |
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.
Careers
The Postgraduate Certificate in Spanish for Teaching at Post-Primary Level is intended for candidates who already possess at least 30 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 Postgraduate Certificate – with the end goal of becoming fully accredited post-primary teachers of Spanish in Ireland.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must have a recognised primary degree (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent honours degree) which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level. Under normal circumstances, applicants should have a BA involving Spanish Studies or a cognate discipline (e.g. linguistics, literary/cultural studies) with at least a 2.1 degree, or equivalent. 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.
Minimum CEFR Proficiency level of B2.2 in Spanish and C1.1 in English. You will be required to provide one of the following:
a) Documentation from a previous institution/course in which the proficiency acquired is deemed to be commensurate with B2.2
b) Where this is not available, you could complete a “SIELE” exam to confirm level of proficiency. The Cervantes Institute in Dublin, for example, would facilitate these exams.
Minimum English language requirements:
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. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and international applicants.
Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850
How to apply
Online application only. To make an application please click here.
To apply for your chosen postgraduate study at Maynooth University, please ensure you have the following documents to make an application:
- Evidence of your primary degree
- Academic transcripts
- A copy of your passport
- A personal statement
- Evidence of proficiency in Spanish language
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. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.