The Higher Diploma in Spanish for Teaching (Post-Primary) is a part-time programme taken over 24 months. It aims to equip registered post-primary teachers with the skills to teach the curricular subject of Spanish at post-primary level in Ireland after completing 65 credits over 24 months.

The programme is only open to registered post-primary teachers who already hold a primary degree and a postgraduate teaching qualification both recognised by the Teaching Council of Ireland (TCI).

In addition, applicants must hold:
A2 level in Spanish language competence according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Participants may have spent time in a Spanish-speaking country or taken the subject to first year level at university or equivalent. Prior language learning will be assessed, either through certification provided by the candidates or an MS Teams meeting with the language team before commencement to confirm their language level.

Applications will also be considered from native speakers or those with C1/C2 Spanish language competence according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)*

Students take 65 credits as follows:

Year 1
Students take 30 credits:

HS5010 Spanish Language for Post-Primary Teachers: B1 (CEFR) (15 credits)
HS5011 Landmarks in Spanish and Latin American Literature (5 credits)
HS5020 Iberian Identities: Texts and Contexts (5 credits)
HS5013 Intensive Spanish Language Consolidation B1 (CEFR) (5 credits)*
OR
HS5014 Spanish Translation Project (5 credits) [for students who do not need to complete the study abroad requirement]

*In cases of Covid-19 contingencies, you may elect to undertake HS5013 in Year 2.

Year 2
Students take 35 credits:

HS5015 Spanish Language for Post-Primary Teachers: B2 (CEFR) (10 credits)
HS5017 Literary and Cinematic Responses to Global Challenges in the Spanish-Speaking World (10 credits)
HS5018 Digital Tools and Content Creation for Spanish Language and Culture (5 credits)
HS5021 Understanding Latin America: Texts and Contexts (5 credits)
HS5019 Intensive Spanish Language Consolidation: B2 (CEFR) (5 credits)
OR
HS5023 Applied Project in Spanish and Latin American Studies (5 credits)

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module Descriptions may be found here.

Examinations
Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards 2020/2021 Book and for each module in the Book of Modules, 2020/2021.

Programme Learning Outcomes for Higher Diploma in Spanish for Teaching (Post-Primary) (NFQ Level 8, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate competence in Spanish language equivalent to a degree/B2.2 level in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) in all four modes (as per Teaching Council requirements);
• Analyse a range of literatures from different Spanish-speaking countries fulfilling the 15 credit Teaching Council requirements;
• Compare a range of historical contexts in the Spanish-speaking worlds through literary analysis;
• Create, evaluate and critique the suitability of learning materials for specific learning purposes and environments;
• Apply a range of digital tools for the effective creation, management, and presentation of classroom activities.