Qualification
ECTS = 180
Duration
2 semesters per year
Mode of Study
Part time (Blended)
Applications
Location
Cork available pending viable cohort
Fees
€ 5,990 per year (P/T)
Instalment plans available
SUSI grant available
Tax rebate (20%) eligible
Programme Information
The BA (Honours) Programme in Montessori Education is a one year course comprising of lectures, tutorials and significant independent study. Learners complete a range of assignments, including essays, group presentations, projects and a dissertation. This programme is also recognised by the Teaching Council of Ireland under Route 4 until December 2023, to enable graduates to register with the Teaching Council and work in special education settings.
In addition, they complete a School Placement module with 7 weeks of scheduled school placement periods, comprised as follows:
- 1 week of observation in semester 2
- 4 weeks block in a primary setting in semester 2
- 2 week block in a special education setting in semester 1
Learners are assigned tutors when beginning their dissertations and the course is managed by a Programme Director.
Entry for Level 8 BA HONOURS can be done via direct application.
SNMCI will only accept those that hold a Level 7 BA in Montessori Education to this programme directly.
Some who hold particular cognate degrees will be able to apply via RPL Application to the following programmes:
- Intensive Bridging Programme
- Stage 3 of the B.ED Montessori Education
If the RPL application is accepted, those enrolled on the above programmes will be able to apply to the Level 8 BAH in time, with the intention of completing in time for the Teaching Council recognition.
For information on these alternative routes and the qualifications required, please see the below “Routes to BAH” page.
BA Honours
MODULE 01 MONTESSORI: THEORY & APPLICATION
This module will deepen the learner’s critical understanding of Montessori education
and examine the application of Montessori theory to all ages. Learners will be
required to critically appraise the Montessori approach with other pedagogies
underpinning the Primary School Curriculum.
MODULE 01 MONTESSORI: THEORY & APPLICATION
This module will deepen the learner’s critical understanding of Montessori education
and examine the application of Montessori theory to all ages. Learners will be
required to critically appraise the Montessori approach with other pedagogies
underpinning the Primary School Curriculum.
MODULE 02: SCHOOL PLACEMENT
This module enables the learner to put into practice professional and personal knowledge and skills, and to modify and expand theoretical and practical concepts in order to meet the learning needs of children in the classroom. It will encourage the learner to take responsibility and use initiative in observing, planning, delivering and assessing lessons and projects in the classroom. It will allow the learner to further develop collaboration, communication skills and reflective abilities consistent with best practice in teaching.
MODULE 03: DISSERTATION
This module will enable the learner to select and delve deeper into an area of particular interest, arising from learning in other modules, and reflecting the ethos and content of the programme. The learner will be introduced to the processes of academic research and will gain an understanding of the value of research in educational settings. This capstone module will enable the learner to integrate different aspects of his/her learning throughout the programme.
MODULE 04: SPECIAL EDUCATION IN PRACTICE
This module aims to ensure that the learners will demonstrate professionally high standards in quality provision for pupils with special educational needs through collaboration, valuing curricula and methodological flexibility. It will ensure that the learners will have in-depth knowledge of current research, support services and the integrated nature of the curriculum.
MODULE 05: PSYCHOLOGY OF TEACHING & LEARNING
The objectives of this module are to familiarise learners with the key internal cognitive psychological aspects involved in learning such as memory, intelligence and critical thinking. Learners will explore different perspectives such as behaviourist, humanistic and postive psychology. They will examine how these perspectives aid us in understanding how individuals perceive the world around them and how this impacts on the learning environment.
MODULE 06: THE IRISH PRIMARY SCHOOL SYSTEM
This module develops the learner’s knowledge of the Irish educational system, its policies, procedures and curriculum practices. Learners will analyse key educational legislation and policy and the implications of same. It will also prepare the learner to conduct a case study of a primary school pupil utilising observation techniques and interviewing strategies as well as teacher-made checklists, tasks and tests along with a wide range of other assessment tools to assess the pupil’s learning progress and proffer recommendations for improvements in meeting the pupil’s individual learning needs.
MODULE 07: PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION
The focus of this module is to deepen the learners’ grounding in the discipline of philosophy of education. It aims to demonstrate, and enable the learner to explore and critically reflect on the relevance of political and educational philosophy, ethics and epistemology to contemporary educational issues. It will examine the role of philosophy, complementary to other disciplines, within educational research. The goal is to enable the learner to bring philosophical thinking to bear on his/her own educational concerns including professional practice. It enables the learner to evaluate arguments made on controversial educational issues and to work out and
express his/her own position. The practical application of philosophy is also explored
to enable learners to utilize philosophy in the classroom.
MODULE 08: PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (PPD)
This module will enable the learner to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes for dealing with personal and professional issues in today’s work place. The learner will acquire skills and strategies for self-development, self-care, self-awareness, and the promotion of these in their pupils. He/she will explore the concepts of professionalism and professional practice. The learner will evaluate the role of regulatory and advisory agencies and the importance of continuing professional development throughout the professional life of a teacher. The module will help the learner identify and enhance his/her teambuilding and leadership skills.
MODULE 09: THE ARTS IN EDUCATION
The objectives of this module are to enable the learner to develop an appreciation of the importance of the arts in the holistic development of the child (spiritual, moral, emotional, social, intellectual and physical), and to implement creative artistic objectives in various educational settings. It is intended to give the learner a clear understanding of the role of the teacher as a facilitator in providing opportunities for children to work independently, emphasising the importance of process (as opposed to product) in creative classroom activities. It further intends to increase the learner’s (teacher’s) confidence in creating and implementing learning opportunities in artistic areas where the learner/teacher might not be a specialist.
MODULE 10: GAEILGE (IRISH)
Is iad cuspóirí an mhodúil seo ná tuiscint agus eolas an fhoghlaimeora a fhorbairt i leith múineadh na Gaeilge tríd an gcur chuige cumarsáideach. Cuirfear béim ar leith ar chomhtháthú na gceithre scileanna teanga – labhairt, éisteacht, léitheoireacht agus scríbhneoireacht. Tá sé beartaithe forbairt a dhéanamh ar fheasacht an fhoghlaimeora i leith tábhacht na bhfíorleabhar i múineadh na léitheoireachta Gaeilge. Déanfar forbairt ar líofacht agus ar chruinneas an fhoghlaimeora sa Gaeilge – go foirmeálta agus go neamhfhoirmeálta. Freisin, tá sé beartaithe forbairt a dhéanamh ar chumas agus ar fhéinmhuinín an fhoghlaimeora i leith múineadh na Gaeilge mar bhunábhar an churaclaim athbhreithnithe. Déanfar leathnú ar eolas an fhoghlaimeora ar achmhainní na Gaeilge agus ar an áblatacht iad a úsáid agus a fhoinsiú.
(The objectives of this module are to develop the knowledge and understanding of the learner of the communicative approach to the teaching of Irish reading with a particular emphasis on the integration of the four language skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing). It is intended to develop the learner’s awareness of the importance of real readers in the teaching of Irish reading. It is intended to increase the learner’s fluency and accuracy of Irish – both formal and informal. It further intends to develop the learner’s confidence and ability to teach Irish as an integral part of an integrated curriculum. The learner’s knowledge of Irish language resources and the ability to source and utilise them will be expanded).
Full time fees = € 5,990 per year
Part time fees = € 5,990 per year
International students who require a study visa to reside in Ireland are subject to higher fees as follows:
Full time fees = €6,990 per year
Newly enrolling students must pay a €500 deposit to secure a place. The deposit will be deducted from the first year’s fees.
Instalment plans are available.
This programme is eligible for funding under the SUSI grant scheme.
My SNMCI
JULIE GAUGHRAN
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are my career opportunities?
Graduates of the BA (Hons) in Montessori Education find employment as advanced practitioners in Early Childhood in the following roles:
- Special Educational Needs teachers in national schools
- Teachers in Special schools
- Teachers in Montessori Early Childhood care or educational settings
- Owner/managers in privately owned Montessori Early Childhood settings
- Community and voluntary based managers and inspectors
- Managers, administrators in City and County Childcare Committees, Family Resource Centres and HSE specialist ECEC services
- Managers or teachers in Naíonraí
Why St Nicholas Montessori College?
We have been preparing Ireland’s leading Montessori teachers and early years practitioners since 1970. We are accredited by QQI and we are a founder member of the Irish Montessori Education Board (IMEB) and of the Higher Education College Association (HECA).
Is this the course that is recognized by the Teaching Council under Route 4?
Yes. This course is recognised by the Teaching Council under Route 4 to work in Special Education settings until 2023. The last chance for entry to this course is September 2021.
Can I apply for Advanced Entry or Exemptions in this course?
No. Exemptions and Advanced entry are not allowed within this course.
Can I apply for a SUSI grant for this programme?
Yes. This programme is eligible for SUSI grant funding for Full Time learners. For students paying their own fees, instalment plans are available and tax relief is available for tax payers (including parents of students).
Incredible Skills
We practice what we preach. Learning via the Montessori method will provide you with a set of 21st Century learning skills which will serve you throughout your career, whether that be in education of another discipline.
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