Minister McEntee announces new upskilling programmes for post-primary teachers in Computer Science, French and Politics & Society
- Published on: 2 May 2025
- Last updated on: 2 May 2025
Minister for Education Helen McEntee has today announced three new programmes that will increase the number of qualified teachers in post-primary schools.
Technological University Dublin (TUD), Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and University of Limerick (UL) will offer new two-year programmes in Computer Science, French and Politics & Society respectively. These programmes will be in addition to existing programmes in Spanish, mathematics and physics and a new Irish programme which commenced in January this year.
These new programmes, beginning in September, will be flexible and innovative, provided in a way that allows broad participation, accommodating teachers in both full and part-time roles, as well as those based across the country.
Minister McEntee said:
“I am pleased to announce these three new upskilling programmes. Providing more upskilling opportunities for teachers is vital in supporting teachers, but also in helping to address teacher supply.
“These courses are free and will help Teachers to upskill in a flexible way, increasing their own job opportunities while addressing recruitment challenges in each of these subjects.
“Upon graduation from these programmes, teachers will be able to register to teach Computer Science, French, and Politics and Society at the highest level in post-primary schools.
“These courses are open to any registered post-primary teacher, regardless of whether they are working or not. I would strongly urge any registered post-primary teacher look into these programmes.
“I want to thank and congratulate each HEI for introducing these programmes to help improve post-primary teacher supply in these subjects.
“I look forward to seeing these new upskilling programmes up and running alongside the current programmes in mathematics, physics, Spanish and Irish which have been undertaken by over 980 teachers in total to date.
“These upskilling programmes are one of a number of measures I am taking to support teachers and to ensure that every child's experience in school is positive."
Notes
These upskilling programmes will be open to registered post-primary teachers irrespective of employment status who are not already registered in any of these subjects.
Similar to previous upskilling programmes supported by the department, that is, mathematics, physics, Spanish and Irish. Places on these new upskilling programmes will continue to be provided free of charge to participating teachers with the funding awarded intended to cover fee costs. Over 980 post-primary teachers are currently undertaking or have completed upskilling programmes.
Funding will support two cycles (two intakes) of the programmes, commencing in September 2025 and September 2026 respectively. The programmes are funded for both intakes and it is expected to cater for over 200 teachers during this period.
The application processes will open shortly, and applications should be made directly to the appropriate HEI. For further information on these programmes each HEI can be contacted as follows:
- Technological University Dublin – Computer Science LCCS.TeachersHDip@TUDublin.ie
- Trinity College Dublin – French french.teacher.diploma@tcd.ie
- University of Limerick – Politics & Society pdpst@ul.ie
The programmes will enable participants to meet the Teaching Council’s curricular subject requirements in each subject. On graduation from these programmes participants will be able to register to teach Computer Science, French and Politics & Society at the highest level in post-primary education.