Tertiary degree · Level 8 · Education

Bachelor of Education – Primary Teaching starting in Limerick

A five-year route into primary teaching that starts with a Level 5 education year in an ETB college. You then move to Mary Immaculate College in Limerick. It suits people who want to teach and have good Irish, English and maths.

How tertiary degrees work: you apply directly to the further education college, not through the CAO, and you don't need CAO points. You start in the further education college and then move on to the university or technological university to finish the full degree. Applications usually open early in the year; 2026 closing dates ranged from March to May.

Key facts

How long
5 years (Year 1 at College of FET Mulgrave Street Campus, Years 2-5 at Mary Immaculate College)
Award
Bachelor of Education – Primary Teaching (University of Limerick, via Mary Immaculate College)
Where you study
  • Year 1: College of FET Mulgrave Street Campus, Limerick City → Years 2–5: Mary Immaculate College, Limerick

Entry requirements

  • Leaving Cert with H6/O3 in Gaeilge and H7/O5 in English and Maths
  • Or a QQI Level 5 Major Award at Merit or better
  • Gaeilge: Leaving Cert H6/O3 or TEG Pass (50%) at A2 level
  • Maths: QQI Level 4 Maths at Merit or Leaving Cert H7/O5
  • English: B2 (CEFR) if English is a second language
  • Personal statement and interview; applications are scored to make an interview shortlist
  • Garda vetting required
  • Applicants from under-represented groups are prioritised
  • To progress to MIC: Level 5 award with at least four Distinctions (both Gaeilge modules and one English module) and a Merit in Maths

How to apply

2027 application link not yet published – check the NTO page. Apply directly to the college, not through the CAO. Apply directly to Limerick and Clare ETB (not through the CAO). Complete the application, personal statement and interview. Contact the ETB for the application route.

Official page on nto.hea.ie ↗

What you'll learn

  • Study skills for degree-level learning
  • English and Irish language and literature
  • Developing mathematical understanding
  • Learning in education contexts
  • Primary teaching degree modules at MIC in Years 2–5

Where it can lead

  • Primary school teacher (register with the Teaching Council)
  • Postgraduate study at Level 9 and 10

Useful Leaving Cert subjects

Languages

These help with the content of the programme; they are not entry requirements unless listed above.

This degree is also offered starting in

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Information from the National Tertiary Office (nto.ie), checked November 2026. Details can change, so always confirm on the official page before applying.