The Hibernia College Entry Requirements, this is a questions we get asked on the weekly. So, we decided to put together a blog post for you on it. We hope you enjoy!
Introduction to Hibernia College
Hibernia College is a leading provider of teacher education in Ireland, offering Master’s programs in Post-Primary and Primary Teaching, and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses. These programs are accredited by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) and The Teaching Council, and are recognized by the Department of Education and Skills (DES).
Their Professional Master of Education in Primary Education (PME in Primary Education) combines online learning with in-person classes, making it accessible to students throughout Ireland.
Hibernia College Entry Requirements
Undergraduate Degree
To apply for the PME in Primary Education program, you need to have completed an undergraduate degree that’s Level 8 or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). Your degree should have at least 180 ECTS credits, regardless of your grade or the subject you studied.
Minimum Leaving Certificate Requirements
Applicants must meet the following minimum Leaving Certificate requirements as set by the Department of Education:
Gaeilge
- C2 in Higher Level (H4 equivalent)
English
- C2 in Ordinary Level (O4 equivalent) or
- E in Higher Level (H7 equivalent)
Mathematics
- C2 in Ordinary Level (O4 equivalent) or
- E in Higher Level (H7 equivalent)
What do I do if I do not have a H4/C2 In Leaving Certificate Irish?
If you do not have a H4/C2 in Higher Level Leaving Certificate Irish you have two options.
- Repeat Leaving Certificate Irish
- Pass the TEG B2 Full Exam
Should I do the TEG B2 or Repeat Leaving Certificate Irish?
As a teacher with experience in preparing students for both exams, my advice is to choose carefully based on your current level of spoken Irish.
If you’re confident in your spoken Irish, perhaps you’ve taken refresher courses and use Irish regularly, then the TEG B2 exam would be suitable. It assesses your language skills in unpredictable situations, testing your ability to apply the grammar and vocabulary you know.
On the other hand, if you have not spoken Irish in quite some time, I recommend considering repeating the Leaving Certificate Irish exam. This exam focuses more on content and places you in a more predictable testing environment, making it easier to prepare for.
We have a full guide available on our Irish for Primary Teaching Page.
University Application Requirements
Once students have satisfied the State Level Requirements they must sit an English and Irish interview.
English Interview
The English interview is a key part of getting into the PME in Primary Education at Hibernia College. It tests your ability to communicate, think critically, and express ideas clearly. This interview usually involves a 20-minute general discussion on teaching-related topics.
Irish Interview
The Irish interview checks your proficiency in the Irish language, which is necessary for teaching in Ireland. It includes a general conversation and questions about teaching.
Alternatives to the Hibernia Irish Interview
Instead of the Irish interview, you can take the Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge (TEG) B1 Irish Oral exam. Scoring at least 65% on this exam can exempt you from the Irish interview requirement.
Alternative Entry Requirements
For those who do not meet the traditional Leaving Certificate requirements, Hibernia College accepts several alternative qualifications:
GCSE/GCE A Level Requirements
- Minimum grade C in GCE A Level Gaeilge
- Minimum grade C in both GCSE English and English Literature
- Minimum grade B in GCSE English or English Literature
- Minimum grade D in GCSE Additional Mathematics or minimum grade C at GCSE level in Mathematics
Alternatives for Gaeilge
- Repeating Leaving Certificate Irish
- Diploma in Arts (Applied Irish) from University College Cork
- Dioplóma sa Ghaeilge (Leibhéal B2) from University of Galway
- Dioplóma sa Ghaeilge Fheidhmeach from University College Dublin
- Dioplóma sa Ghaeilge from Maynooth University
- Diploma in Irish from the University of Ulster
- Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge (TEG) Leibhéal B2 (Meánleibhéal 2) from Maynooth University
- Minimum grade C in the NUI matriculation exam (pre-1992)
Alternatives for Mathematics
- A pass grade in Mathematics in the Matriculation examination (up to 1992)
- A merit grade (65–79%) or distinction grade (80–100%) in QQI Level 5 Mathematics course (5N 1833)
Please note that these are the only accepted entry requirements as per the Department of Education. Hibernia College cannot accept any alternative qualifications beyond those specified.
Contact Information
For further details or assistance with the application process, prospective students can contact Hibernia College through the following:
- Website: Hibernia College
- Email: advisor@hiberniacollege.net
- Phone: (01) 661 0168 (press 2)
For more information on the PME in Primary Education program and to start your application, visit the Hibernia College PME Program Page.
By adhering to these entry requirements, Hibernia College ensures that all candidates are well-prepared to embark on a successful journey in primary education, equipped with the necessary academic background and practical skills.
For some advice on the Irish requirements feel free to contact us by email: info@gaeilgeoirguides.com
