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BA in Education, Home Economics and Business Studies (International applicants only)

This degree is level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) awarded by University of Limerick.
PLEASE NOTE: This programme page is for International Students/students from abroad only who wish to study this programme in Ireland. It is not relevant for CAO applicants. Relevant programme page for CAO applicants may be found in the Undergraduate section and is labelled with a CAO code.
Places Offered: Up to 15.
  • Programme Overview
  • Programme Content
  • How to Apply
  • Ask a Question

Programme Overview

The BA in Education, Home Economics and Business Studies programme (post-primary) is a four-year, full-time, undergraduate concurrent teacher education degree (Level 8), currently offered at MIC Thurles. Graduates are, subject to Teaching Council approval, qualified to teach Home Economics and Business Studies to honours Leaving Certificate level.

Undergraduate students sitting at a table having coffee, chatting and laughing.

Why study on this programme?

Graduates of the programme will:

  • Demonstrate subject knowledge, knowledge of curriculum content and process, and professional knowledge
  • Engage in critical and analytical thinking, problem-solving, reflection and self-evaluation
  • Engage in planning, teaching, learning, assessment, classroom management and organisation for the classroom and the school as a learning organisation
  • Articulate a commitment to and vision for the development of the uniqueness of the pupil in all his/her dimensions
  • Integrate and apply knowledge, skills, attitudes and values in complex and unpredictable educational settings
  • Exhibit strong interpersonal skill and a readiness to be leaders and innovators of curriculum change
  • Demonstrate a commitment to lifelong personal and professional development and actively participate in professional learning communities

Modules and Research Skills

Students are educated in the most current methodologies and technologies available to enhance the teaching of their subject areas at post-primary level. The degree programme includes four years of modules in Home Economics and Business Studies. These are taken concurrently with education modules, which include theoretical, pedagogical and professional studies along with a number of school placement experiences.

As part of their development as research-active teachers, students undertake studies in research and research methods. They will also engage in a range of activities associated with wellbeing including social, personal and health education.

School Placement

The school placement element of the programme is designed to meet the Teaching Council’s requirements, and students will spend approximately 23 weeks in schools during the programme. All placements are supported by college personnel. This period will allow students to engage in observation, class-based and whole-school teaching and learning activities. Working in partnership with schools, the placements are designed to enable students experience class levels from junior to senior cycle within a range of school types, and that the student is guided and empowered along his/her learning-to-teach journey. The level and range of teaching and learning activities increases from School Placement 1 to School Placement 3 and the student is assisted by the tutors and co-operating teachers (treoraithe) to ensure that her/his practice is reflective of professional knowledge and her/his own personal commitment to the pupils’ wellbeing and learning. There is an integrated focus on subject knowledge and also inclusion and differentiation for each placement. Placements occur at four points in the programme.

Teaching and Learning 1 - Year 1, Semester 2: Students are given the opportunity to observe teaching in practice for one week in a senior primary classroom. This observation placement provides an opportunity for students to gain an insight into the interconnection between primary and post-primary education. The placement inducts student teachers into the practice of teaching and reflection.

School Placement 1 - Year 2, Semester 4: The focus for this six-week school placement is on lesson planning and preparation, scheme planning and developing effective teaching strategies in their subject areas. There is also a strong emphasis on the development of critical and reflective practice, and on developing an understanding of schools as organisations. Both observation and teaching elements are integrated into this placement which usually attends to Junior Cycle level and/or Transition Year level. Students may also be placed in pairs on this placement, facilitating team teaching with one another as well as with established teachers.

School Placement 2 - Year 3, Semester 6: In this two-week placement, students will work in special settings including the possibility of an international placement. The purpose of this placement is to support the student in becoming an inclusive teacher and to develop their confidence and competence in responding to diverse needs in the classroom.

School Placement 3 - Year 4, Semester 8: School Placement 3 will run over 14 weeks. In School Placement 3 the student teachers will plan, prepare and implement schemes of work and lesson plans in their subject areas at Junior and Senior Cycle level. There will be a strong emphasis on reflective practice throughout these modules.

Career Opportunities

The programme prepares graduates for their roles in all areas of professional life in education. While teaching is the main focus, the following list demonstrates just some of the alternative careers our graduates may wish to pursue:

  • Agri-business
  • Educational Management
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Food and fashion industry
  • Human Resource Management
  • Marketing and PR
  • Retail Management
  • Mentoring, Training and Development
     

Please note: The BA in Education, Home Economics and Business Studies is subject to Teaching Council Accreditation. The process, leading to the programme’s accreditation, will be undertaken in the Spring of 2023 when all MIC education programmes come under scheduled review by the Teaching Council in light of the new Standards in Initial Teacher Education (CÉIM).

Career Opportunities
Career Opportunities
Graduates can pursue careers in areas as diverse as agri-business, marketing & PR, and teaching.

Contact

MIC Thurles

T: +353 504 20535 / 21201

E: Paula.Hourigan@mic.ul.ie

Admission Enquiries

EU Applicants: Admissions@mic.ul.ie

Non EU Applicants: International@mic.ul.ie

Programme Content

Semester 1 (Year 1)
Becoming a Student Teacher
Food Science, Sustainability and Culinary Skills I
Family and Society
Two of the following modules will be offered:
Management Principles
Introduction to Business Mathematics
Marketing
Semester 2 (Year 1)
Teaching and Learning 1 - Planning to Teach
Understanding Contemporary Schools and Society
Adolescent Development - Understanding Young People and How They Learn
Textiles Science, Sustainability and Textile Skills
One of the following modules will be offered: (excluding the modules already offered)
Management Principles
Introduction to Business Mathematics
Marketing
Semester 3 (Year 2)
Teaching and Learning 2 - Planning for Differentiation
Teaching Home Economics and Business Studies 1
Food Science, Resource Management and Culinary Skills II
Business Studies Accounting
One of the following modules will be offered:
Legal Environment of Business
Economics
Semester 4 (Year 2)
Inclusive Education: Contemporary Perspectives
School Placement 1
Home, Family and Society - Leadership, Management & Sustainability 1
One of the following modules will be offered: (excluding the modules already offered)
Legal Environment of Business
Economics
Semester 5 (Year 3)
Curriculum Studies and Assessment for and of Learning
Diversity in Education - Ethics, Interculturalism and Inclusive Classrooms
Textile Science, Fashion and Design
Two of the following modules will be offered:
Entrepreneurship and New Enterprise Creation
Business Information Systems
Organisational Behaviour
Ireland and the Global Economy
Semester 6 (Year 3)
Research Methods - Ethical Foundations for Teaching and Research
School Placement 2
Home, Family and Society (Leadership, Management & Sustainability) II
Food Technology and Culinary Skills
One of the following modules will be offered: (excluding the modules already offered)
Entrepreneurship and New Enterprise Creation
Business Information Systems
Organisational Behaviour
Ireland and the Global Economy
Semester 7 (Year 4)
Policy and Leadership in Education
Research Project 1
Teaching Home Economics and Business Studies 2
Strategic Management
Creativity, Innovation and Enterprise in Food Studies
Home Economics Specialism
Semester 8 (Year 4)
School Placement 3
E-Portfolio
Research Project 2

How to Apply

Programme intake is once a year in September.

EU Applicants

You are advised to contact the MIC Admissions Office before applying.

Email: Admissions@mic.ul.ie.

Non-EU Applicants

Entry requirements and the application process vary according to country of origin. For information that is specific to your home country, click here.

Application Information

Intake onto this programme is once a year in September.

Download and complete the application form, paying particular attention to the requirements:

  • Please enclose detailed certified results and awards for all examinations mentioned in the application form (certified original documents and certified English translation where applicable).
  • Official results and award of examinations to be taken should be submitted as soon as they are available.
  • If you are from a non-English speaking country, you will be required to show evidence of a high level of competence in English as part of the application. Click here for English language requirements.
  • Please note that your application form cannot be considered unless certified results and awards are submitted.
  • When detailing result/grade/mark, please include QCA/GPA, mark or percentage relative to marking system at your university.

Intake onto this programme is once a year in September.

You are advised to contact the MIC International Office before applying:

Email: International@mic.ul.ie

Telephone: +353 61 204988

Transferring from another 3rd Level Institution

The transfer route into MIC depends on the content overlap of your new and old course and the number of places on the new course in the year you apply. Before submitting an application you should contact International@mic.ul.ie where we will consider your case with the relevant Head of Department of the course you wish to transfer to.

EU/Non-EU Status Assessments

The designation of a student as being from the EU or a Non-EU country determines the fees they will pay at MIC, i.e. there may be cases where a non-EU national acquires EEA citizenship during the course of their third-level studies and would qualify for EU fees for example. 

Click here for more information on EU/Non-EU status assessments which will be conducted by MIC International office to determine status.

Fees

Undergraduate programme fees available here.

US Students please note that you can apply for Federal Aid. 

Fitness to Teach

In order to establish students' fitness to teach, all incoming teacher education students are required to complete a Student Fitness to Teach Form.

Garda Vetting

Registration will be conditional upon successful completion of the Garda vetting process.

Ask a Question

  • Programme Overview
  • Programme Content
  • How to Apply
  • Ask a Question