The concept of teaching as a high status profession is ever-evolving nationally and internationally, with recent trends propelling teaching through various educational reforms to an elevated professional standing. The Teaching Council’s adoption of the pillars of innovation, integration and improvement (Policy on the Continuum of Teacher Education, 2011), scaffolded by guiding principles, has positioned teacher education in Ireland at a transformative juncture.
Now, more than ever, initial teacher education programmes are in a privileged position to shape and influence a diverse profession, which will continue to mould and build a teaching context in which future diverse generations will be educated. The recent establishment of Hibernia College’s School of Education is an exciting development in this space, and demonstrates the College’s commitment to providing appropriate, high-level preparation of teachers.
The School of Education encompasses and guides the educational programme offerings of the College. The Professional Master of Education (Primary) and the Professional Master of Education (Post Primary) programmes endeavour to prepare, develop and support reflective and critical educators who are academically strong, pedagogically skilled, technology empowered and responsive to the needs of all citizens in a diverse global society. Both programmes consist of a sequence of modules that reflect the contemporary issues faced by teachers today, and the skills and knowledge required of them in order to be expert teachers who enable effective pupil learning.
Research lies at the heart of the School’s underlying philosophy. The School of Education’s research strategy is based on its commitment to excellence in continuing professional development across all its education and training degrees and courses. It stems from a belief in the importance of using evidence-based research to improve practice in education and training, and from the College’s mission to use the most innovative technology to extend access to high-quality, flexible and affordable adult and professional education and training.
This course is for you if you want to inspire and influence future generations and play a key role in the development of young children, and if you need a teaching course that allows you to study from anywhere in Ireland.
Do you want to affect change in a meaningful way by realising the talents and passions of students and encouraging young people to utilise and get the most out of their abilities? Then this course is for you.
Do you need a flexible course to develop your career in early childhood education? Become a reflective practitioner equipped to engage in inclusive and transformative leadership within a variety of early education and care settings.
A flexible course in the field of special education. Gain the knowledge, skills, values and competencies to provide inclusive education.
Hibernia College is committed to providing a supportive service and positive environment for all our students. Studying can be stressful and there may be times when you encounter challenges, however big or small, that can affect your studies. Our students have access to a range of student support services to help answer the small questions and guide you through any challenges.
Ciara O’Toole
Head of Student Affairs
Elaine Weldon-Berry
Student Support Officer
The Student Support Officer provides pastoral support and guidance for students. The Officer is available to students who are experiencing difficulties or an emergency situation that affects their studies, seeking advice on non-academic supports available, need guidance through a College procedure or just need a listening ear. The Officer also holds regular online clinics where students can book one-to-one appointments.
We are committed to providing students with disabilities and/or learning difficulties with a fair learning environment. As a blended learning programme, delivery is blended through both face-to-face and online formats. All webinars are recorded, and online content is delivered through an interactive format that allows you to study at your own pace and to revisit content at any time. The College’s Reasonable Accommodation Policy sets out the principles for the support of students with disabilities or long-term illness in the participation in their programme.
A student with a disability registers for the disability service with the Student Support Officer. The types of reasonable accommodations that may be provided include exam accommodations such as extra time, individual or smaller shared rooms, a laptop, a scribe and reader, assistive software such as Read & Write Gold and a smartpen; and access to academic and pastoral support.
We understand that studying can be stressful, and it can be helpful to speak with someone who is separate from the normal and familiar daily environment — someone who is also separate from College faculty. All students have access to a free and confidential counselling service. This service can help students who are experiencing stress, anxiety or depression; family or relationship issues or issues with exam nerves; decision-making; time management or public speaking.
Student representation structures are an essential part of the College’s collegial environment. Student representatives work in partnership with the College to amplify student voices in shaping and enhancing the student experience. We have a system that includes student cohort and class representatives, with whom we work collaboratively, and we have student representation on academic and programme boards and College committees. All our student representatives take part in the National Student Engagement Programme (NStEP).
The Programme Administration team supports students and academic staff. A dedicated programme administrator is the main point of contact for students throughout the programme. The programme administrators support students by answering general queries; guiding them through the life cycle of the programme; coordinating placement blocks and liaising with other College staff about student concerns.
Our Technical Support team is here to assist you with any IT-related queries relating to the virtual learning environment (VLE) and any of the technologies students have access to during their programme.
