Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 April 2004
240 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science his proposals to reform the points system in regard to the points required for the higher diploma in education course by granting more points for teaching experience; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10718/04]
View answerThe Higher Diploma in Education (NUI) Applications Centre was founded in 1998 to accept applications for admission to postgraduate courses in the four constituent universities of the National University of Ireland. The purpose of the centre is to accept and process applications centrally for the higher diploma in education in these universities. The Higher Diploma in Education (NUI) Applications Centre is agent for, and acts on behalf of, the universities, participating in the application system and the application regulations, procedures and timetable are agreed annually by these universities. Applicants are awarded points on the basis of performance in their primary degree, any additional relevant academic qualifications and teaching experience.
In the case of Trinity College applicants apply directly to the university and places on the higher diploma in education course are awarded on the basis of academic qualifications and the results of a competitive interview process. I have no proposals at present to reform the current system in relation to the selection process for the higher diploma in education programme.
