Professional Diploma in Teaching Physics
Course Code:
DC769
Course Type:
Postgraduate
NFQ Level
8 - Please see www.qqi.ie for further information
Delivery Modes
Part-Time
Duration
2 Years
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. This programme is approved by the Department of Education & Skills and this Award is delivered by DCU in collaboration with the University of Limerick & NUI Galway. The programme is free to eligible post-primary teachers and is fully funded by the Department of Education and Skills. Registered post-primary teachers who successfully complete the Professional Diploma in Teaching Physics (PDITP) will be deemed to meet the Teaching Council’s post-primary curricular subject requirements for 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.
All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal which is available here. Here's a quick step by step guide if you need help with your application.
The programme is free to eligible post-primary teachers and is fully funded by the Department of Education and Skills 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.
This programme will be offered on a part-time basis and will deliver 75 ECTS of programme modules over two academic years, commencing in January. All modules will be assessment on the basis on 100% continuous assessment. The programme will align to the DCU academic calendar.
Students will complete 10 Physics lecture-based modules (10 x 5 ECTS) which will have a hybrid delivery with 24 online lectures (asynchronous) and 24 hours online tutorials (synchronous) for each module over each semester - timetabled on Mondays 6pm-9pm and Wednesdays 6pm-8pm.
- Year 1: Spring Semester: Mechanics, Waves/Light/Modern Physics & Thermal Physics
- Year 1: Autumn Semester: Electricity, Modern Physics
- Year 2:Spring Semester: Environmental Physics, Semiconductor Devices & Life, the Universe and everything,
- Year 2: Autumn Semester: Electricity and Magnetism & Optics
Students will also complete 10 ECTS of experimental-based modules over the two years. Laboratory investigations will be facilitated either online or face-to-face on three Saturdays during each academic term.
Students will complete 15 ECTS credits of physics pedagogy modules. These modules will require participation in two weeks of summer schools in Year 1 and coursework to be submitted by August. Teachers will be supported to carry out an inquiry on their own practice throughout Year 2 and attend a 3 day summer school in Year 2.
Pedagogy summer schools will be facilitated either online or face-to-face in June of each year.
- PS473L: 4-day Summer School: 9:30am- 4:00 pm 12th-15th June 2023
- PS474: 5-day Summer School: 9:30am-4:00pm 19th-23rd June 2023
- PS483A: 3-day Summer School: 9:30am-4:00pm 10th-11th June 2024
Graduates will be qualified to teach post-primary physics at the highest level.
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.
- A completed self-declaration form.
Fees
The programme is free to eligible post-primary teachers and is fully funded by the Department of Education and Skills 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.
Participants must pay an initial non-refundable application fee of €50. Upon acceptance of an offer participants pay a deposit of €250 to secure a place on the programme. This deposit will be refunded to those who complete the programme in full or to those who withdraw from the programme within the first two months.
