Religious Studies - Post Primary Teacher Education

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Entry Year 2024.

HOW TO APPLY
Applications for full-time undergraduate courses and the full-time Foundation Degree Early Childhood Studies and Foundation Degree Physical Education and Sport are made through the Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS).

Institution code name: SUCB
Institution code: S79

WHEN TO APPLY
Applications made through UCAS for 2024 entry open in September 2023. The closing date for receipt of applications made through UCAS is 31 January 2024 (18:00) - check the UCAS website for exact date. The closing date for receipt of application forms for 2024 entry to the BA Early Childhood Studies (part-time) is 01 March and for the PGCE Early Years is 01 February 2024.

ADMISSIONS PROCESS - BEd AND BA (FULL-TIME) PROGRAMMES
The College receives applications directly from UCAS. Applications are considered on the basis of the information provided. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that complete detail is provided. All applications must contain a reference, otherwise they will not be considered. All fully completed applications submitted by the normal closing date, late January (check UCAS website for date) are given equal consideration. Applications received after this date will not be considered.

STEP 1 – REVIEW OF ACADEMIC PROFILE
Applicants must have a minimum C grade in GCSE English and Mathematics (see page 32 for full GCSE requirements). If an applicant is attempting to achieve the GCSE subject requirements in the year of application, this must be demonstrated in the UCAS application. Please note that Level 2 Essential Skills Numeracy and Application of Number is not acceptable in lieu of GCSE Mathematics. Level 2 Essential Skills Communication is acceptable in lieu of GCSE English. An unsuccessful decision will be processed against an application that does not meet the GCSE requirements. Applicants that have already completed A-levels (or equivalent level 3 qualifications) but do not precisely meet or fall slightly below the entry requirements, may still be shortlisted for interview, but will not initially receive an offer. Such applicants may be reconsidered in August, assuming the required interview score has been achieved and depending upon availability of places.

STEP 2 – REVIEW OF UCAS PERSONAL STATEMENT
Applicants who meet the initial academic criteria will have their personal statement reviewed by a member of staff in Academic Registry. A personal desire and motivation for teaching (BEd) or working with young children (BA) must be evident in your personal statement. You will be required to demonstrate this by providing examples of working with children in a structured environment, preferably in a nursery, primary or post-primary school classroom setting. An unsuccessful decision will be processed for any applicant that does not demonstrate this evidence in their personal statement.

STEP 3 – INTERVIEW AND PRESENTATION
Applicants that pass the first two steps of the process will be invited to take part in an interview and presentation. Applicants will be notified of their interview date, and the presentation topic, at least one week beforehand. Interviews are held in February and March. The interview is conducted by a panel of two, normally comprising a member of academic staff from Stranmillis University College and a current/retired education professional. The presentation is followed by a short interview during which the interviewers will ask you a number of set questions. The interview, including the presentation, lasts approximately 20 minutes. Both the interview and the presentation are scored out of 20 giving a total possible score of 40.

STEP 4 – OFFERS
Offers are made on the basis of ranked interview and presentation score and verification of qualifications. The College aims to have offers processed on UCAS before the end of March, however, the final UCAS deadline for ‘on time’ applications is May (check UCAS website for exact dates).

Overview
Education has the power to inspire and teachers are in a unique position to shape and change the lives of young people, their families and communities. Great teachers are visionaries, lifelong learners, leaders, communicators, collaborators, partners, innovators, creative thinkers, problem solvers, adaptors and role models. Our post-primary programmes help prepare you for that challenge and equip you with the skills, knowledge and experience to create a positive learning environment, inspiring young people to maximise their potential and believe in themselves.

The BEd (Hons) Post-primary Religious Studies course is a four-year programme designed to support your development as an educational professional and reflective practitioner. Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on inclusion, respect for diversity and the development of critical openness towards a range of religious beliefs and practices. You will develop a deepening personal awareness and understanding of religion and religious issues, equipping you with the tools to become effective educators of Religious Education. Discover how to teach world religions and consider the contemporary debates relating to Religious Education on the Post-primary curriculum. You will be welcome if you are from any religious background or of no religion.

SUBSIDIARY SUBJECT
Alongside your Business and Enterprise main subject, you will also study a subsidiary subject. The subsidiary options you can choose from are: Computing and Computer Science, English, Mathematics, Physical Education or Science.

HOW WILL I STUDY?
Learning and teaching are delivered through a dynamic and engaging curriculum using a combination of lectures, workshops, seminars and independent study. You also will spend a significant amount of time on placement in a range of schools and educational settings. In Year 3, you will have the opportunity to spend a semester studying abroad at one of our partner universities worldwide. In Year 4, you will conduct research and complete a dissertation on a topic that you are passionate about.

WHO WILL BE TEACHING ME?
In College and on your school-based professional placements, you will be taught, assessed and supported by an exceptional team of internationally recognised, research-informed and experienced practitioners. As a small, specialist institution, you get to know your tutors and they get to know and support you to become a shaper of education.

The modules below illustrate the current curriculum available on the BEd Post-primary Religious Studies degree. However, modules are subject to change.

YEAR 1
Introduction to Education Studies
Personal and Professional Learning 1
Introduction to Biblical Studies
Introduction to Eastern Religions
Introduction to Early Church History
Subsidiary Subject module (see subsidiary subjects)

YEAR 2
Learning and Assessment in Diverse Classrooms
Personal and Professional Learning 2
Early Church History
Eastern Religions
Biblical Studies
Subsidiary Subject module (see subsidiary subjects)

YEAR 3
Children with Special and Additional Needs
Post-primary Placement 3
Education Research
Philosophy of Religion and Ethics
Theology
Subsidiary Subject module (see subsidiary subjects)
Plus one of the following options:

Essential Skills
Sharing Education
Students undertaking Erasmus+ or International Study Abroad will take the following in semester 1: Children with Special Additional Needs Post-primary, Aspects of Theology, Aspects of Philosophy of Religion and Ethics, Education Research, a half module of their Subsidiary Subject plus European Outreach or International Mobility in Semester 2.

YEAR 4
Post-primary Placement 4
Dissertation (from main subject area or education)
Theology
One option from the following list:

Contemporary Issues in Pastoral Care
Working with Disadvantaged Pupils/Children
ASD and Sensory Issues
Leadership in Diversity and Mutual Understanding
Factors Affecting Literacy Development
Contemporary Approaches to the Teaching of Language
Pastoral Care, Emotional Health and Wellbeing

SUBSIDIARY SUBJECT
Alongside your Business and Enterprise main subject, you will also study a subsidiary subject. The subsidiary options you can choose from are: Computing and Computer Science, English, Mathematics, Physical Education or Science.

A variety of assessment methods are used, including critically reflective essays, individual and group projects and presentations, e-portfolios, formal examinations, assessment on placement and final dissertation.

Stranmillis University College
Stranmillis Road, Belfast, Co. Antrim
Northern Ireland, BT9 5DY.
T: 028 9038 1271
E: info@stran.ac.uk