Michael Ring
Ceist:189 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the criteria for an application for the Higher Diploma in Education in 1992, 1999 and 2000 for NUI, Galway. [16878/99]
Written Answers. - Teaching Qualifications.
The criteria for admission of individual students on to the individual Higher Diploma in Education programmes is a matter for the universities concerned.
My officials have made inquiries in relation to the position pertaining in the National University of Ireland, Galway and I understand that the following is the position.
The NUI Galway intake to the Higher Diploma in Education programme in 1992-93 was open to graduates and applicants were divided into two categories. Category I comprised graduates of the university that year, graduates of the university from previous years engaged in full-time post-graduate studies in the college or who were undergoing postgraduate training and or experience abroad and graduates from the university the previous year allowed to defer places. Category II comprised all other applicants. Priority was given to Category I applicants.
The position in relation to the 1999-2000 intake is that the four constituent universities of the National University of Ireland at Cork, Galway, Dublin and Maynooth agreed to initiate a common application/selection procedure. The criteria for admission to the courses is outlined in the 1999 Higher Diploma in Education Applications Centre Handbook. The handbook states that successful completion of an eligible primary degree course is an essential prerequisite for entry to the higher diploma. Applications are ranked in order of merit on the basis of points which are awarded for: undergraduate and primary degree performance additional postgraduate qualifications; additional relevant qualifications and teaching experience.
I am arranging for a copy of the 1999 handbook to be forwarded to the Deputy for his information. I understand that the position in relation to the 2000 handbook for the 2000-2001 intake, is that it will be available in the autumn.