Who is the Think About Teaching Foundation Certificate aimed at?

    The Think About Teaching Foundation Cert is for young adults and/or mature students who have always wanted to become a primary teacher, but because of family, life, social and/or personal reasons were not able to pursue their dream through the usual education route.

    In particular, the course is for students from particular groups that are currently under-represented in teaching, they include:

    • Irish Travellers
    • Students from ethnic minorities
    • Students with a disability
    • Migrants
    • Lone parents
    • Mature Students +23
    • Students on a vocational or applied leaving cert track or youth reach
    • Students progressing from Further Education courses
    • Students with experience of the care system
    • Individuals who would be the first in their family to attend university
    • Individuals who belong to groups that are under-represented in higher education based on their own occupation or employment status of their parents/guardians
    • Individuals from DEIS schools with persistently low rates of progression to Higher Education
    • Individuals coming from areas of deep or concentrated economic disadvantage 

    What are the entry requirements?

    You must belong to one of the groups listed in the response to the previous question.
    If you are applying for the programme, you must have had some Irish language experience prior to application- this will be individually assessed upon application.
    Although there are no formal entry requirements, you need to be aware that the programme is a Level 6 course (the Leaving Cert is Level 5). 
     

    What is the time commitment?

    The Think About Teaching Foundation Certificate is a one-year full-time course and runs from September to May.
    Classes for the 2023-2024 academic timetable were held on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, from 10am to 3pm, with Wednesday being from 10am to 12pm. This may change for the forthcoming academic year. 
     

    Will I study on the university campus?

    Yes, all your classes will be on campus in Maynooth.
     

    Will I get a student card?

    Yes.  Like every other student at Maynooth University, you will get a student card and have access to the same range of services, supports, clubs and societies.
     

    What does the course cost?

    The course is free.
     

    Am I eligible for SUSI?

    The course is not currently covered by the SUSI scheme.   However, we do work with students on a case-by-case basis around any financial issues and day to day costs.
     

    What kind of supports are available?

    Maynooth University has a wide range of supports to help all students make the most of their time at college.   We work very closely with the Maynooth Access Programme (MAP) who are committed to enhancing access to, and through, university for all members of Irish society.    Some of their work helps in supporting applicants into university and a lot more in supporting students when they are at Maynooth.    You can read more about the work and supports of MAP here:   https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/access-office/about-map 

    You can read more about the more general kind of supports that are offered for Maynooth students at the Student Services page:  https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/student-services 
     
     
    How to apply

    To apply for the Think About Teaching Foundation Certificate (2024-25) , please click here
     
    The closing date for applications for the Think About Teaching Foundation Cert (2024-25) is Thursday the 27th of June.

    What is the selection process?

    We review all applications and then write and tell you if you have been shortlisted for an interview.  If you are called to interview, we will explore your motivation to become a teacher. We anticipate that interviews will take place in July 2024.   

    How do I find out more about the Foundation Course?

    For further information, please visit our website: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/turntoteaching
    You can also contact the team by email on [email protected] or by phone on 01 474 7556