BEd (Hons) POST-PRIMARY – RELIGIOUS STUDIES

The BEd (Hons) Post-primary Religious Studies course is a four-year programme designed to support your development as an educational professional and reflective practitioner. Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on inclusion, respect for diversity and the development of critical openness towards a range of religious beliefs and practices. You will develop a deepening personal awareness and understanding of religion and religious issues, equipping you with the tools to become effective educators of Religious Education. Discover how to teach world religions and consider the contemporary debates relating to Religious Education on the Post-primary curriculum. You will be welcome if you are from any religious background or of no religion.

Subsidiary Subject

Alongside your Business and Enterprise main subject, you will also study a subsidiary subject. The subsidiary options you can choose from are: Computing and Computer Science, English, Mathematics, Physical Education or Science. Click here for more information on your subsidiary subject options.

How will I study?

Learning and teaching are delivered through a dynamic and engaging curriculum using a combination of lectures, workshops, seminars and independent study. You also will spend a significant amount of time on placement in a range of schools and educational settings. In Year 3, you will have the opportunity to spend a semester studying abroad at one of our partner universities worldwide. In Year 4, you will conduct research and complete a dissertation on a topic that you are passionate about.

Who will be teaching me?

In College and on your school-based professional placements, you will be taught, assessed and supported by an exceptional team of internationally recognised, research-informed and experienced practitioners. As a small, specialist institution, you get to know your tutors and they get to know and support you to become a shaper of education.

How will I be assessed?

A variety of assessment methods are used, including critically reflective essays, individual and group projects and presentations, e-portfolios, formal examinations, assessment on placement and final dissertation.

 

A Blended Approach

Our teaching staff have a passion, a desire to inspire you to learn, to question, to innovate. We know that doesn™t happen in the lecture theatre alone. Your teaching and learning experience is enriched through a blended learning approach of lectures, workshops, tutorials, group and individual projects and self-directed study.

Personal Tutor

Every student is assigned a personal tutor, who will take the time to get to know you and your learning needs, giving you personalised academic support throughout your degree.

Work-based Placements

An extensive programme of relevant work-based placements is a core element of the course, providing you with practical, hands-on experience in the workplace. Each year, you will spend up to 9 weeks in a school or educational setting, gaining experience in a range of classes.

Alternative Placement

To explore a broader career outlook, in year 4 of the degree you will undertake a two-week ˜alternative placement™ programme with one of our 250+ business partners.

Study Abroad

In year 3, you will have the opportunity to study abroad at one of 30+ partner institutions worldwide through our Erasmus+ and International Exchange programmes “ a learning experience that our students find hugely enriching academically as well as personally: experiencing and sharing cultures; improving language skills; and acquiring new perspectives on teaching and learning.

Programme Specification

Click here for full programme specification

Certificate in Religious Education

The Certificate in Religious Education is a pre-requisite qualification for anyone applying for a permanent teaching position in a maintained primary school. In partnership with St. Mary™s University College, Stranmillis is able to offer the Certificate in Religious Education to students enrolled on our BEd programmes. For further information on the course, click here.

A level

ABB to include Religious Studies.

Irish Leaving Certificate

H2H3H3H3H3 to include English, Mathematics and Religious Studies

Access Course

Successful completion with an overall grade of 65% to include at least one Humanities related module.

The Admissions Process

Academic Registry receives applications directly from UCAS. Applications are considered on the basis of the information provided. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that complete detail is provided. All applications must contain a reference otherwise they will not be considered. All fully completed applications submitted by the UCAS closing date of 26th January are given equal consideration. Applications received after this date will not be considered.

Step 1 – Review of Academic Profile

All applicants must have a minimum C grade in GCSE English and Mathematics. If an applicant is attempting to achieve the GCSE subject requirements in the year of application, this must be demonstrated in the UCAS application.

Level 2 Essential Skills Numeracy and Application of Number is not acceptable in lieu of GCSE Mathematics.

Level 2 Essential Skills Communication is acceptable in lieu of GCSE English.

An Unsuccessful decision will be processed against an application that does not meet the GCSE requirements.

Applicants that have already completed A-levels (or equivalent Level 3 qualifications) but do not precisely meet or fall slightly below the entry requirements, may still be shortlisted for interview, but will not initially receive an offer. Such applicants may be reconsidered in August, assuming required interview score has been achieved and depending upon availability of places.

Step 2 – Review of UCAS Personal Statement

All applicants who meet the initial academic criteria will have their Personal Statement reviewed by a member of staff in Academic Registry.

A personal desire and motivation for teaching must be evident in your Personal Statement. You will be required to demonstrate your commitment to teaching by providing examples of working with children in a structured environment.  An Unsuccessful decision will be processed for any applicant that does not demonstrate this evidence in their Personal Statement.

Step 3 – Interview and Presentation

Applicants that pass the first two steps of the process will be invited to take part in an interview and presentation. Applicants will be notified of their interview date at least one week beforehand. You will also be provided with the presentation topic at this time.

Interviews are held on various dates in February and March. The interview will be conducted by a panel of two, normally comprising a member of Academic staff from Stranmillis University College and a current/retired education professional. The presentation will be followed by a short interview during which the interviewers will ask you a number of set questions. The interview, including the presentation, will last approximately 20 minutes. Both the interview and the presentation are scored out of 20 giving a total possible score of 40.

Step 4 – Offers

Offers are made on the basis of ranked interview and presentation score and verification of qualifications. Academic Registry aims to have offers processed on UCAS before the 31^st of March, however, the final UCAS deadline for ‘on time’ applications is 2^nd May.

All offers are subject to a satisfactory Access NI Enhanced Disclosure Check, which you will be asked to complete prior to commencing study.

Please note that due to the demand for places and the limited number of places available, applications for deferred entry will not be considered.

Please email [email protected] if you require further information on entry requirements or the admissions process.

Careers

Although most BEd graduates are interested in pursuing careers in teaching in schools and education settings, many use their transferable skills to develop careers in a wide range of other sectors including:

Youth Services
Charitable and Third Sector
Social Work and Community Development
Educational Centres
General Management
Local Government
Varied graduate programmes

Degree Enhancement

Our Degree Enhancement programme is designed to further help you to stand out from the crowd. The programme provides a range of opportunities to enhance your skillset through optional short courses, awards and volunteering opportunities in areas relevant to your chosen career path.