Applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level. Under normal circumstances, applicants should have a BA involving Spanish Studies or a cognate discipline (e.g. linguistics, literary/cultural studies) with at least a 2.1 degree, or equivalent. Applicants whose previous history of education does not fit this profile are invited to contact the Programme Director to enquire about their eligibility to apply for the programme.

Minimum CEFR Proficiency level of B2.2 in Spanish and C1.1 in English. You will be required to provide one of the following:
a) Documentation from a previous institution/course in which the proficiency acquired is deemed to be commensurate with B2.2
b) Where this is not available, you could complete a “SIELE” exam to confirm level of proficiency. The Cervantes Institute in Dublin, for example, would facilitate these exams.

Minimum English language requirements:
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.

For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see
https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/study-maynooth/how-apply/english-language-requirements

Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850.

Closing Date : 31 July 2025

Applications are open for the 2025/6 academic year. Visit our online application portal to start your application.
We are here to support you throughout the admissions process.

For queries on your postgraduate course options please contact [email protected]
For queries or support on your application process please contact [email protected]

If you are an international (Non-EU) applicant please contact [email protected]

This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.

Linguistic

The Linguistic's interests are usually focused on ideas and information exchange. They tend to like reading a lot, and enjoy discussion about what has been said. Some will want to write about their own ideas and may follow a path towards journalism, story writing or editing. Others will develop skills in other languages, perhaps finding work as a translator or interpreter. Most Linguistic types will enjoy the opportunity to teach or instruct people in a topic they are interested in.

Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

The Postgraduate Certificate in Spanish for Teaching at Post-Primary Level is intended for candidates who already possess at least 30 ECTS of subject-specific credits in Spanish and a Professional Masters of Education (PME) or equivalent – or those who intend on pursuing a PME upon completion of this Postgraduate Certificate – with the end goal of becoming fully accredited post-primary teachers of Spanish in Ireland.