1.
Where do I send the Declaration Form ?
The Declaration Form should be sent directly to PAC.
2.
I am unsure how to complete the form. Who can advise me?
Other than the queries listed at 3 to 9 below Council staff are limited in the advice they can offer (other
than referring callers to the subject requirements). This is particularly problematic if the query relates to
the breakdown of ECTS credits within a module or the NFQ level of the degree. Despite being directed
to the Council by some HEIs, Council staff cannot answer these questions , other than to say if two
topics are covered within the one module it is feasible to list a module twice and split the overall ECTS
weighting as appropriate.
3. I have completed a module that includes more than one subject area e.g. an English literature
module that contains both Prose and Poetry. How do I reflect this on the declaration form?
If you have completed a module that contains the study of more than one area, you should divide the
ECTS credits for that module between the areas as accurately as possible. Your HEI may be able to guide
in this regard or a breakdown may be provided in the relevant module descriptor or course handbook.
4.
I hold an degree which predates the ECTS Credit System ?
The Council cannot resolve this issue. The applicants’ HEI will be in the best position to confirm the NFQ
level . In terms of ECTS credits HEIs have acknowledged that three year honours degrees are equivalent
to 180 ECTS . By definition this equates each year of study to 60 ECTS credits . Thereafter it is a matter
for HEIs to confirm for applicants if all modules are of equal weighting . In such cases the applicant can
complete the form in the knowledge that 10 modules per year equates to 6 ECTS credits per module or
6 modules per year equates to 10 ECTS credits per module etc .
5.
I hold a degree awarded outside the State. How can I complete the Declaration?
Here again the Council cannot make assumptions as to the NFQ level of the degree or the ECTS
weightings. If these are not shown on the transcript it is the responsibility of the applicant to have same
confirmed by their university and /or QQI (in relation to degree level).
6. I don’t meet all the requirements for subject A. Can I apply for the PME and complete these
extra studies which completing my ITE studies?
The answer/advice to applicants here is definitely not. There is limited provision in the agreed protocol
for exceptional circumstances where an applicant inadvertently declares compliance with the
requirements but it is found on assessment that they have a shortfall. They will be alerted to their
shortfall and it will be a matter for the HEI to confirm if they can continue on the programme.
Knowingly applying with a deficit with a view to “sorting out later” is not an option.
7.
I have not met the 2 Month residency requirement for languages . Can I apply for the PME?
YES. Here again we are updating relevant forms to indicate that you can complete the residency aspect
of the requirements during the PME. Clearly this is not ideal and HEIs have the discretion to admit only
those with the residency requirement met. It should be made very clear that all other requirements
including the literature requirement and a B 2.2 CEFR competency level must be met prior to entering
the PME. It also needs to be stressed that graduates will not be registered unless they provide evidence
of residency.
8. I am still completing my degree and/or further studies to enable me to meet the requirement
for a curricular subject . Can I record these studies and ECTS on the Declaration Form?
YES. We are currently updating all our forms with a clarification on this point. Clarification as follows
If you are in the final year of your degree or completing further studies to enable
you meet the Teaching Council’s registration requirements for a curricular
subject, you can record details of these ongoing studies, including module title
and ECTS credit weighting in the grid below provided all relevant studies will
have been successfully completed prior to taking up a place on the PME.
9. I am having trouble completing the English Declaration Form specifically the Question relating
to proof of English Language studies.
We were alerted to this issue some time ago and took corrective action to revise the English declaration
form. The most recent version can be accessed via the following link and no longer asks the applicant to
identify where they completed studies in “English Language Studies”
http://www.teachingcouncil.ie/applying-to-register/applying-for-a-place-on-a-professional-master-ofeducation-pme.6345.html