Key Info
Bachelor of Education in Graphics, Engineering and Technology
Why Study Graphics, Engineering and Technology concurrent with Teacher Education at UL?
UL's School of Education is the largest post-primary teacher education provider in the state and is ranked in the top 100 universities in the world for Education programmes. University of Limerick is also ranked within the top 75 universities in Europe for excellence in teaching and learning.
This degree with specialism in the teaching of Metalwork and Technology, is designed to produce graduates with technological and engineering skills to satisfy the needs of the Irish second level school system in relation to teaching Metalwork, Technical Graphics and Technology at Junior Cycle, and the subjects Technology, Engineering and Design & Communication Graphics at Leaving Certificate.
- The School of Education at UL is one of the largest suppliers of teachers in Ireland - the reputation of our graduates and their tradition of success are well established in schools around Ireland
- You can go straight into teaching after graduation, no further study at postgraduate level is required
- In this program, you will develop a wide range of skills and knowledge that will prepare you to shape the next generation of engineers
- You can avail of dedicated design and manufacturing facilities where you will develop your understanding of teaching in an applied environment, using mechanical design, manufacturing and robotics
- In the ‘Sumo-bot’ module you will design, manufacture, and program a robot to battle other robots
- A recent survey from the Higher Education Authority found that education graduates have the highest starting salary of any group of graduates
Learn more about our courses and upcoming events
What you will study
The programme is four years in duration, and is organised into streams in the following subject areas:
- Education
- Manufacturing Technology
- Technical Graphics
- Design
- Electronics and Information Technologies
- Materials and Engineering Sciences
The material in each stream has been carefully selected to be relevant to the requirements of the Leaving Certificate and Junior Certificate syllabi in the Technology subjects. An element of design is incorporated throughout, with emphasis on design-based activities and independent learning as the course progresses. Pedagogy, the theory of teaching, is incorporated throughout the programme.
Year 1
The first year concentrates on developing essential knowledge and skills in the key areas of Education, Manufacturing Technology, and Technical Graphics, in addition to the related areas of Mathematics, Materials Science, Electrotechnology.
Year 2
The start of year 2 sees preparation for Teaching Practice and introduces the concept of Design. Semester four features six weeks of Teaching Practice preceded by four weeks of preparation.
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 | ||
| PN4023 | Design and Communication Graphics 3 | EN4054 | Understanding Classroom and School Practices |
| EY4013 | Subject Pedagogics 1 (Engineering Technology and Graphics) | TP4024 | School Placement |
| PN4033 | Process Technology 2 | ||
| PN4063 | Classroom Practice in Technology Education | ||
| EN4033 | Planning for Learning |
Year 3
The areas of Materials Technology, Electronics, Automation as well as advanced topics in Manufacturing Technology and Technical Graphics are the focus of Year 3. There is a particular emphasis on design-based learning and problem solving as well as the management of these activities in schools. Education & Society is also explored.
Year 4
In the fourth year of the programme, you will further develop your teaching skills and apply your knowledge and skills in a final year project. Semester seven includes ten weeks of teaching practice. The final semester deals with advanced topics in education and technology. Your final year project will be completed during this semester also.
| Semester 7 | Semester 8 | ||
| TP4027 | School Placement 2 | PN4038 | Design and Communication Graphics 6 |
| PN4068 | Technology Teacher as Researcher | ||
| PN4108 | Manufacturing and Service Systems Design | ||
| ET4006 | Electronics (Ed) | ||
| EN4008 | Teacher as Professional |
Entry requirements
| CAO points history |
399 †
|
|---|---|
| Minimum grades |
Applicants are required to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent) with a minimum of six subjects which must include: Two H5 (Higher level) grades and Four O6 (Ordinary level) grades or four H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English. |
| Subject requirements |
In addition, applicants must hold an O3/H7 grade in Mathematics and an O4/H7 in at least one of the following: Applied Mathematics; Biology; Physics; Chemistry; Construction Studies; Computer Science; Engineering; Physics with Chemistry; Agricultural Science; Technology; Design & Communication Graphics /Technical Drawing. Garda vetting is required. |
| Additional considerations |
We welcome applications from mature students. Mature applicants must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1 February. Application information for mature student applicants QQI Pathways information available here. Note: the University’s Special Mathematics Examination is applicable to this programme. Please note that this course is not available to Non-EU applicants. |
| Non-EU Entry Requirements |
|
How to apply
| Where are you applying from? | How to Apply |
|---|---|
| Ireland | Irish students must apply to UL via the CAO. More information can be found here. |
| The UK | Students who have completed their A-Levels can apply to UL via the CAO. More information can be found on the Academic Registry website. |
| The EU | EU Students can apply to UL via the CAO. More information can be found on the Academic Registry website. |
| Non-EU | Please note that this course is not available to Non-EU applicants. |
Fees and funding
Student course fees are broken into three components - Student contribution, Student Levy and Tuition Fees.
A number of illustrative examples of fees for this course based on the current fee levels have been set out in the tables below.
An explanation of the components, how to determine status and the criteria involved is provided below the examples as is a list of possible scholarships and funding available.
EU Students with Free fees status in receipt of a SUSI grant
| HEA pays | Tuition Fees | €4,762 |
| SUSI pays | Student contribution | €2,500 |
| Student pays | Student Levy | €104 |
| Total | €7,366 |
EU Students with Free fees status not in receipt of a grant
| HEA pays | Tuition Fees | €4,762 |
| Student pays | Student contribution | €2,500 |
| Student pays | Student Levy | €104 |
| Total | €7,366 |
Students with EU fee status not in receipt of a grant
| Student pays | Tuition Fees | €4,762 |
| Student pays | Student contribution | €2,500 |
| Student pays | Student Levy | €104 |
| Total | €7,366 |
Non-EU Students
| Student pays | Tuition Fees | €22,596 |
| Student pays | Student Levy | €104 |
| Total | €22,700 |
Student course fees are comprised of the following components:
Student Contribution
Annual charge set by the government for all full-time third level students. All students are liable unless they have been approved for a grant by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). Please refer to https://www.studentfinance.ie to determine your eligibility for a grant and for instructions on how to apply. The current student contribution is set at €2,500.
Student Levy
All students are liable to pay the Student Levy of €104. Please note the Student Levy is not covered by the SUSI Grant.
Tuition Fees
These are based on Residency, Citizenship, Course requirements.
Review the three groups of criteria to determine your fee status as follows
-
Residency
- You must have been living in an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland for at least 3 of the 5 years before starting your course
-
Citizenship
- You must be a citizen of an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland or have official refugee status
-
Course Requirements
(all must be met)
- You must be a first time full-time undergraduate (Exceptions are provided for students who hold a Level 6 or Level 7 qualification and are progressing to a Level 8 course in the same general area of study).
- You must be undertaking a full-time undergraduate course of at least 2 years' duration
- You cannot be undertaking a repeat year of study at the same level unless evidence of exceptional circumstances eg serious illness is provided (in which case this condition may be waived)
Depending on how you meet these criteria your status will be one of the following -
- Free Fee Status: You satisfy all three categories (1, 2 and 3) and therefore are eligible for the Higher Education Authority’s Free Fees scheme.
- EU Fee Status: You satisfy both the citizenship and residency criteria but fail to satisfy the course requirements and are liable to EU fees.
- Non EU Fee Status: You do not meet either the citizenship or residency criteria and are therefore liable to Non EU fees.
More information about fees can be found on the Finance website
These scholarships are available for this course
| Title | Award | Scholarships Available |
|---|---|---|
| Johnson and Johnson WiSTEM2D Programme |
These scholarships are available for all courses
| Title | Award | Scholarships Available |
|---|---|---|
| All Ireland Scholarships - sponsored by J.P. McManus | €6,750 | 125 |
| Bursary for my Future Scholarship | €2,750 one off payment | 4 |
| Civic Engagement Scholarship | €1500 | 1 |
| Cooperative Education Award | 1 medal per faculty | |
| Elaine Fagan Scholarship | €1,500 | |
| Hegarty Family Access Scholarships | €5,000 for one year | 2 |
| Higher Education Grants & VEC Grants | ||
| Irish American Partnership Access Scholarships | €5,000 | 2 |
| Love Actually Charity (LAC) Scholarship | €1,000 | 3 |
| Paddy Dooley Rowing Scholarship | €2,500 | |
| Plassey Campus Centre Scholarship Programme | ||
| Provincial GAA Bursaries Scheme | €750 | |
| Stuart Mangan Scholarship | ||
| The Michael Hillery and Jacinta O’Brien Athletics Scholarship | Various benefits equating to over €7,000 in value | |
| UL Sports Scholarships | Varies depending on level of Scholarship | Multiple |
Your future career
As a teaching degree, graduates of this programme are eligible for appointments to all second level schools (vocational, secondary, community and comprehensive schools) and for admission to the open register for Secondary Teachers. The graduates of the programme will be able to teach Engineering, Design and Communications Graphics & Technology.
Follow-On Study
Graduates from the programme have the opportunity to pursue further study in the disciplines of Engineering or Education. There are a number of taught masters degree programmes in UL that can be taken up by graduates of the programme. In addition, graduates can register for higher degrees by research in either engineering or education that lead to masters or PhD qualifications.
Student Profiles
Adam Brennan
Adam Brennan is a graduate of Education in Graphics, Engineering and Technology. He now teaches Engineering and Graphics at Heywood Community School, County Laois, and also provides Learning Support classes.
While working in the area of Special Educational Needs teaching, and having been introduced to the process of 3D printing at UL, Adam saw the potential to create 3D-printed sensory toys to help students with ADHD focus and regulate their emotions. The positive response from students inspired him to set up his own business, Sona Sensory.
Adam says: “The structure of the Bachelor of Education in Graphics, Engineering and Technology really helped us transition smoothly from being students to becoming teachers. The balance between theory and practical experience, especially the teaching placements, gave me confidence walking into a real classroom for the first time.
"This course is an excellent choice for anyone interested in Engineering and Design. Although it’s primarily a teaching degree, many graduates go on to build careers beyond education - including roles in engineering, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship. Personally, I’ve found that the fundamental skills developed through teaching - such as organisation, time management, and diligence translate seamlessly into running a business.”
Chloe Harnett
One of my favourite parts of this course is the hands-on learning experience that it offers. This course lets you further your own knowledge of engineering, from creating projects like simple candleholders to robotic sumo bot wrestlers and line followers. This course not only teaches you how to create and manufacture these projects yourself but also how to teach your students. I did not study graphics or DCG at post primary level and was worried that I may not be able to keep up in DCG modules however the teachers (and technicians) in both the engineering and DCG disciplines offer so much help that I have never felt worried about the subject or left behind, due to their help and support I now have the confidence to teach Graphics/DCG at junior and senior cycle level.
This course not only allows you to learn about different ways of teaching and learning but it also helps you to develop your own unique style of teaching. You also get the opportunity to go out and teach in a secondary school twice while studying this course, and the experience that you get in the classroom is like no other as you get to learn not only from other experienced teachers but also from the students themselves. One of the main things that I have learned from studying this course is that as a teacher you are developing every day.
Studying this course has helped me to develop not only my patience and knowledge but also my confidence.
David Callaghan
Since I was a teenager, I knew I wanted to be a teacher and felt that it was something I would be good at. I’ve always been passionate about helping people, from my peers in school to my local community - I always found the experience to be very rewarding. Despite this, I was quite nervous applying for this course, as I had never studied Graphics or DCG in secondary school. I was anxious that I wouldn’t understand what was going on and that I’d be “left behind” with no support.
This couldn’t be further from reality though. It was a learning curve, but I never felt like I was falling behind. From day one everyone was built up from the basics, and we each developed our skills from there. And now? I’m on my 4th Year placement where I am teaching 5th Years both DCG and Engineering.
This course has taught me skills I never dreamed of achieving: learning how to code, using CAD and CAM software, manufacturing projects with precision, developing teaching and learning strategies - They’ve all been invaluable to my development as a teacher.
Modules cover a wide range of content, from educational theory to practical learning. On a given day you could go from a DCG drawing lab to creating a teaching resource or coding your sumo robot - all to prepare you to walk into a classroom full of students as a master of your subject disciplines.
