Religious Studies
This part-time programme fully meets the requirements of the Irish Bishops’ Conference. During it, you’ll study four core modules: Religious Education; Introduction to Theology; Spirituality, Liturgy and Sacraments; and Moral and Systematic Theology.
Benefit from a flexible study programme
Taught by leading experts in the area of Catholic education, religious education, beliefs and values education and educational studies, the course is delivered in-person and online, and is designed to allow you to continue working while you study.
Previous graduates have pursued primary school teaching, deputy principalship or principalship roles in Catholic schools in the Republic of Ireland as well as various other educational roles in the UK, Europe, North America and Australia.
From 18th June 2024, as per the Irish Bishops Conference requirements to teach Catholic Religious Education in Catholic Primary Schools on the Island of Ireland, primary school teachers who qualified prior to 2011 are 'not required' to complete the Certificate, but the Certificate is understood as 'desirable' in Irish Catholic primary schools.
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.
Duration
1 year part-time.
Enrolment dates
The programme commences in September 2025.
Online applications open in January 2025 (view course webpage - link below)
Post Course Info
Teachers applying for positions in Catholic primary schools in Ireland are required to hold a qualification equipping them to teach religion according to the tenets of the Catholic faith.
The Certificate in Religious Studies (CRS) offered by DCU meets the requirements of the Irish Episcopal Conference in this regard and graduates have been successful in obtaining positions in Catholic primary schools.