www.hiberniacollege.net/HDAPE
Higher Diploma in Arts in
Primary Education - Online
Accredited by the Higher Education & Training Awards Council (HETAC) to Level 8 of the National Framework of Qualifications
Overview
Hibernia College’s Higher Diploma in Arts in Primary Education was established to encourage a
broader range of people to consider teaching as a profession by providing a more flexible
route to becoming a fully qualified teacher.
The design of the programme, blending online and face to face tuition, is ideal for those who
want to continue working while studying for their teaching qualification. The programme is
also ideal for anyone who does not have easy access to one of the traditional education
providers or who doesn’t have time to spend commuting to and from lectures daily.
Since its first intake of students in 2003, the programme has grown to become one of the
largest providers of primary school teachers in the country. Its graduates are now teaching in
schools nationwide and are highly regarded by the teaching community.
The programme is fully recognised by the Department of Education and Science and is
accredited by HETAC to Level 8 of the National Framework of Qualifications (www.nfq.ie).
Course Structure
The course is 18 months long with two intakes of students each year, normally in February and October.
It is delivered using a blend of online and onsite face to face tuition. Approximately 45% of the programme
is delivered online. Below is a breakdown of the time requirements of each element of the course:
• On demand online lectures and self study: Approximately 12 hours per week
• Online tutorials: Approximately 2 hours per week
• Onsite lectures: At weekends at various locations throughout the country
• Teaching practice: 14 weeks broken into blocks of 4, 5 and 5 weeks
• Irish: 3 weeks in the Gaeltacht
• Physical education: Practical, active workshops
Entry Requirements
For students who sat the Leaving Certificate:
• A primary degree (Nationa