Higher Diploma of Arts in Spanish for Teachers
Expand your teaching expertise with Spanish.
Fully Funded by the Department of Education and Youth
Designed for registered teachers, this flexible programme develops your Spanish language proficiency, cultural understanding and pedagogical skills, helping you meet Teaching Council subject requirements while enhancing your career opportunities.
24 Months
Blended Delivery
ECTS: 75 credits
Funded Tuition Fee
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NEXT START DATE:
October 2026
CLOSING: September 2026
Duration: 24 months (part-time)
ECTS: 75 credits
Accreditation: QQI Level 8
(QQI pending validation)
Why Study This Higher Diploma of Arts in Spanish for Teachers?
This programme enables you to develop the language proficiency, cultural understanding and pedagogical expertise required to teach Spanish confidently at post-primary level in Ireland while continuing to work in your current teaching role.
Build Confidence and Competence in Spanish Teaching
This programme will enable you to build the confidence and competence to bring Spanish language learning to life in the classroom.
Designed for Post-Primary Teachers
Develop the language proficiency, cultural understanding and pedagogical expertise required to teach Spanish confidently at post-primary level in Ireland while continuing to work in your current teaching role.
Expand Your Teaching Subject Options
This programme is ideal for post-primary teachers who wish to expand their teaching subject options and respond to growing student demand for modern foreign languages.
What You Will Learn
You will develop your Spanish language skills while exploring Spanish culture and texts. You will also learn effective language teaching methodologies and apply them in classroom practice.
Blended Learning for Working Teachers
Designed for working post-primary teachers, the programme offers a flexible blended learning format. Study through online learning, evening webinars and nine face-to-face Saturday sessions each academic year.
Dr Melanie Ní Dhuinn
Dean of Education
‘This programme upskills post-primary teachers with pedagogical knowledge, confidence and practical skills to inspire the next generation of Spanish learners in Irish classrooms.’
Entry Requirements
To apply, you will need to:
- Have an undergraduate degree at NFQ Level 8 (or equivalent) with a minimum of lower second-class honours (2.2) or equivalent
- Be a qualified post-primary teacher and supply evidence that you are fully registered in accordance with the Teaching Council (Registration) Regulations 2016
- Submit a personal statement with your application, outlining your suitability for the programme and detailing your motivation to become a Spanish teacher
Language Requirements
- Any applicant whose first language/primary mode of expression is not English will be required to produce evidence of English competence at Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) C1 or higher.
- All applicants must demonstrate a minimum Spanish proficiency of CEFR A2. To be considered for the programme, they must submit evidence of this minimum level through an approved language test (e.g. DELE or SIELE).
- Alternatively, where applicants are native Spanish speakers, they must instead submit evidence of having undertaken substantial education at a minimum of NFQ Level 5 (equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate) through Spanish or in a country where Spanish is the native language.
Where eligible application numbers exceed the number of available places, a ranking system will be used.
Payment Terms
The programme’s tuition fee is fully funded by the Department of Education and Youth. You will not be required to pay any additional fees associated with the programme, including application, processing, examination, certification or graduation fees.
However, you will need to cover any personal expenses associated with participation in the programme, including travel costs, textbooks and other learning resources, where applicable.
Technical Requirements
You will need:
- Access to your own laptop with a minimum specification of:
– RAM: Minimum 8 GB (Windows or Mac) (recommended: 8 GB)
– Storage: Minimum 7,200 RPM SATA with 20 GB of available space (recommended: SSD
with 40 GB of available space)
– Processor: Minimum Intel Core i3 (2.5 GHz) (recommended: Intel Core i5) - Access to a stable internet connection with a minimum speed of 12–15 Mbps
(recommended: 25 Mbps)
