You will cover the basics needed for teaching in Years 1 and 2. In Year 3, you will review what you have learned to date and will apply it in different situations. Year 4 focuses on deepening your expertise and developing your research skills. Students spend time in schools in each year, with extended placements in each of Years 3 and 4. You will start by observing the class teacher and will build up gradually to teaching all day. Throughout your placements, you will be supported by both faculty and school staff. The majority of your placements will be in schools under Church of Ireland, Methodist, Presbyterian and Society of Friends patronage and you will develop particular skills in working with multi-level classes in small schools. In Year One students take three Foundations in Humanities and Science modules from English, Gaeilge, Geography, History, Mathematics, Music and Religious Studies. You can continue with one of these as a Major Specialism in Years Two to Four, or may decide to opt for Early Childhood Education, Human Development, Literacy Education, Physical Education or Science Education. You will be required to develop particular expertise in Special, Inclusive Education and Teaching Multi- Level Classes and Working in Small Schools. The number of places on some specialisms is restricted and subject to change.

The BEd degree is not only a gateway to the primary teaching profession, but also to a number of other careers in the areas of educational administration, consulting, content writing, research and educational policy.