MD 401: Bachelor of Education, Religion and Music (second level teaching) [Restricted]
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The Bachelor of Religious Education with Music is a four-year degree programme comprising three areas: Religious Studies, Education (theory and practice) and Music. It is a teacher education programme which provides all of the academic and professional formation required to become a second-level teacher of Religious Education and Music up to and including Honours Leaving Certificate level. Upon completion of the four years of study graduates are recognised teachers and can apply immediately for employment in second-level schools.

The teacher education programme in Mater Dei Institute is "concurrent" – meaning that the academic and professional formation of the teacher is integrated into all four years of the programme. This is in contrast with the "consecutive model" where students first complete an undergraduate degree and must then apply for entry to the Higher Diploma in Education in order to qualify as a second-level teacher.

The Bachelor of Religious Education degree is both an academic and a professional qualification. It is a formation in becoming a teacher of Religious Education and English. This means that while in the Institute, students will be growing in appreciation of teaching as a noble, demanding and highly responsible profession.

Duration

4 years

Programme Content

MD401 Programme Content

1. Religious Studies

Religious Studies is a major area of study in MDI. Its component subjects include: Systematic and Moral Theology, Scripture, Religious Education and Philosophy

These subjects are intended to contribute to the academic and intellectual formation of students, to foster personal faith and a capacity to respond to the challenges of contemporary society from a Christian perspective, with an awareness of other faith traditions and a commitment to global and social justice.

In addition, a variety of opportunities for faith development are also offered including liturgy & prayer, retreat weekends, reflection days and social justice groups. While not part of the assessed content of the course, these are essential elements in the formation of a religious educator.

2. Education (Theory & Practice)

Lectures, tutorials and workshops in Education aim to give students a comprehensive understanding of teaching and learning and prepare them as teachers of RE and a Humanities subject in post-primary schools. Each year, students develop their teaching skills under the guidance of experienced tutors who are practicing teachers. Students undertake periods of teaching placement in both primary and post-primary schools.

The following programme elements structure the student-teachers' professional development:
  • Instruction in teaching skills and methodologies
  • Guided practice of teaching in controlled environments
  • Assistance in the preparation of teaching plans, resources and materials
  • School-based teaching practice
  • Tutoring, supervision, profiling and feedback
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) forms an integral aspect of MDI's approach to preparation for the teaching profession. As well as underpinning the students' own professional development using the Institutes state of the art ICT infrastructure, student-teachers are also introduced to a range of resources and approaches so as to enable them to teach in the information and digital age.

Ethos and Teaching Placements
During teaching placements students are required to respect both the ethos of the host placement school and the constitutional and legal rights of parents concerning the Religious Education provided to their children.

Garda Vetting
All students are required to undertake teaching practice placements as part of the B. Rel. Ed. programme, and will be subject to a Garda vetting procedure prior to registration.

3. Music

The Music programme provides tuition in the technical and applied aspects of Musical Composition (Harmony, Counterpoint, Form and Analysis), History of Music, Performance and Music Technology. Performance is an integral aspect of the course and students are provided with tuition to an advanced level on their chosen instrument. The Mater Dei Chorale, Sinfonia, Schola and other music groups (Trad/Popular) allow opportunities to develop students’ musical skills and foster an enjoyable social experience.

Career Opportunities

The majority of graduates obtain teaching positions in Ireland and abroad. Other opportunities exist in a variety of careers such as music technology, broadcasting and journalism. Many graduates have also pursed taught postgraduate programmes and research at MDI and other leading colleges.

Entry Requirements

All applicants under 23, except mature applicants, must meet the matriculation requirements of MDI as follows: Leaving Certificate or equivalent with a minimum of two recognised subjects at higher level grade HC3 and four at ordinary or higher level grade D3. These six subjects must include:

  1. English
  2. Irish or a language

Specific MD401 Entry Requirements

  • Leaving Certificate Music, Higher level Grade C3 minimum. (At the discretion of the Head of Music, an applicant may be deemed to have achieved equivalency to this requirement).
  • Success in the MD401 Music Aural Test and Performance.

Music Tests for 2009 Entry

Further information on the Music Tests for 2009 entry is available here.

Interview

Mature applicants only

Points for entry in 2009

385

Application

Through the CAO (Central Applications Office): http://www.cao.ie. Course code: MD201

Contact for Brochure and Course Leaflet

  • Admissions Office, Mater Dei Institute of Education, Clonliffe Road, Dublin 3.
  • Tel: (01) 808 6518 (Admissions) - (01) 808 6500 (College)
  • Fax: (01) 837 0776
  • e-mail: