Teaching Physics

Entry requirements

For admission to the Professional Diploma in Teaching Physics programme, successful applicants must have:

An honours undergraduate degree at level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), or equivalent.

• Minimum H4 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics (or equivalent) OR 5 ECTS credits in mathematics at NFQ level 6 or above, if not already demonstrated at at NFQ level 8 or equivalent / greater.
• Full current registration as a post-primary teacher with the Teaching Council for Education Sector = Route 2 Post Primary. (Droichead or pending completion of the History of Irish Education Module do not meet the programme requirements, and any offer made will be conditional pending receipt of proof of full registration no later than July 31st 2026.

Months of entry

September

Course content

The Professional Diploma in Teaching Physics is designed to upskill post-primary teachers to meet current Teaching Council subject requirements in Physics at the highest level. We urgently need more teachers qualified to teach physics so that all second level students in Ireland may have the opportunity to study physics to Leaving Certificate level and learn physics from a discipline expert.

The programme is free to eligible post-primary teachers and is fully funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science as part of the national strategy to support the implementation of STEM education and improve standards in physics education in post-primary schools by increasing the numbers of qualified teachers of physics.

The programme will ensure that successful candidates:

• Acquire the theoretical and experimental knowledge of physics as well as pedagogical content knowledge that is necessary for effective physics teaching at post-primary level;
• Demonstrate an ability to connect physics content modules and the school physics curriculum;
• Develop a high standard of practical competence in physics teaching as reflective practitioners during their programme of study.