Course Summary
The part-time Certificate in Religious Studies prepares primary teachers to teach in Catholic schools in accordance with the requirements of the Council for Catechetics of the Irish Episcopal Conference.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
Entry to the part time Certificate in Religious Studies is open to any teacher with a recognised qualification (Level 8, Pass Degree / Third Class degree from Ireland or elsewhere) to teach in a primary school in Ireland.
Confirmation of your Teaching Council registration. If, however your Teaching Council registration has expired or you are awaiting confirmation of same, you must submit certified academic transcripts for each and every year of study.
Personal Statement of 250 words maximum outlining your reasons for applying.
Application Details
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or until the following dates:
EU Applicants
Online applications open on 13th January 2025
Closing Date for EU applications is 31st July 2025
Non EU Applicants
Online applications open on 13th January 2025
Closing Date for EU applications is 1st July 2025
To apply for this programme:
All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal which is available at the Application Weblink.
Confirmation of your Teaching Council registration. If however your Teaching Council registration has expired or you are awaiting confirmation of same, you must submit certified academic transcripts for each and every year of study.
Personal Statement of 250 words maximum outlining your reasons for applying
If you require a study visa and are a non EU student, you are not eligible to apply for part-time programmes, as study visas are only granted for full-time programmes.
All entry requirements should be met before the commencement of the programme.
Queries
Queries from EU applicants should be directed to [email protected].
Queries from non EU applicants should be directed to [email protected].
The programme commences in September 2025
Fees
EU Status Fee Part-time 1,300 per annum
Non EU Fee Part time 2,600 per annum
The Student
Career Interests
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.
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.