Politics and Society for Teachers (Level 8)- Professional Diploma

During this programme, you will: 

• Gain subject-specific knowledge in politics, sociology, and education 

• Learn how to teach Politics and Society using inclusive, participatory methods 

• Explore themes such as human rights, democracy, sustainability, and diversity 

• Engage in reflective practice through journal entries and portfolio development 

• Participate in an in-person 2-3 day summer school focused on practical teaching strategies 

• Receive regular feedback and support from experienced faculty 

Key Information:

• Complete part-time over two years 

• Delivered fully online, with online weekly in-person tutorials and a 2-3 day on campus Summer School 

• Modules taught during autumn, spring, and summer semesters 

• Programme Portfolio that invites integration of learning across the 2 years. 

You will learn through a blend of: 

• Online lectures, workshops, and hands-on activities 

• Reflective practice and guided research 

• Regular feedback from faculty and peers 

Year 1 

Autumn Semester 

• Education, Schooling and Society: Foundational Perspectives (EN4061) will equip participants with the theoretical understanding and practical skills necessary to become effective democratic educators. 

• Government and Politics in Ireland (PO4061) will introduce students to the study of the government and politics in Ireland. 

Spring Semester 

• Globalisation in the 21st Century (SO4062) provides a comprehensive introduction to the various discourses of globalisation. 

• Modern European Political Thought (PO4142) will introduce you to some of the main arguments in the western tradition of political thought. 

Summer School (In-person 2–3-day) 

• Politics and Society for Teachers Summer School (EN4073) this serves as a pivotal experience, synthesising the content and learning from the first year while fostering participants' development as reflective teachers of Politics & Society. 

Year 2 

Autumn Semester 

• Integration, Inequality and Inclusion–Exclusion (SO4103) will examine the social dynamics of social and economic difference and how these shape large scale patterns of social equality/inequality and inclusion/exclusion. 

• International Relations (PO4053) will outlines the major theories that can be used to analyse and understand international politics, including realism, liberalism, Marxism, constructivism, and feminism. 

Spring Semester 

• Sociology of Sustainable Development (SO4024) introduces students to sociological approaches to recent global transformations with systemic environmental and economic effects in society. 

• Government and Politics of the EU (PO4014) will provide students with a comprehensive introduction to the EU. 

Books and journal articles needed for the course will be available online through the UL Glucksman Library.  

For more information on each module, you can search the faculty, school and module code on UL’s Book of Modules 

• You must be a qualified post-primary teacher fully registered with the Teaching Council (Route 2) 

• Priority is given to teachers currently teaching Politics and Society out-of-field 

Checklist of Documents: 

• *Academic transcripts and certificates
  • UL graduates only need to provide their student ID.
• Copy of your birth certificate or passport
• Marriage certificate/deed poll (if applicable)
• Certificate of your Teaching Council Registration
• English translation of your qualifications and transcripts
• Copy of your CV
• Subject Declaration Form 

English Language: 

• English Language Competency certificate
• For details on accepted language qualifications visit English Language Requirements 

Guidelines on Completing your Application   

• To make sure we can review your application quickly, please:
  • Upload all documents. Your application can’t be reviewed until we have all the documents on the checklist.
  • Title the documents you are uploading. For example, "Personal Statement", "Undergraduate Transcript", "Postgraduate Transcript", "English Language Certificate" etc.
• *If you are waiting to graduate, submit your application with the documents you have to date, you don’t need to have finished final exams before applying. 

EU - €3,750

Non-EU €3,750

This programme is free to eligible post-primary teachers and is fully funded by the Department of Education. 

This diploma prepares you to teach Politics and Society at second level and supports your professional development as a reflective, inclusive educator. 

Graduates often go on to: 

• Teach Politics and Society in Irish post-primary schools
• Lead citizenship education initiatives
• Contribute to curriculum development and educational policy
• Pursue further study in education, politics, or sociology 

Still Curious?  

The team regularly host and take part in webinars to support future students. If you would like to learn more or ask questions at an online information session, click below.     

Online Information Sessions