Teaching at 3rd Level offers you the chance to work with people who have subject specific interests. Third-level colleges also provide a wide range of courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The main providers of adult education in Ireland are the vocational education committees (VECs), through local schools and colleges. Community education groups throughout Ireland offer a variety of courses, catering for learners at all levels.
Requirements and Qualifications
The most basic requirement to teach at third level is a degree, however many colleges in Ireland set the bar above this by requiring candidates to posses a Masters Degree. When Universities look at applications for tutoring positions they will often seek someone who is either actively involved in research in their field of expertise or has already completed a PHD.
Currently there is no requirement to register with the Teaching Council before teaching in the adult education sector. (This may exclude some VEC’s)
General Advice on Routes to Employment
While universities and colleges around the country advertise specific vacancies which you can apply directly to many people describe the route to a full time teaching position at 3rd level as "eventual".
Many tutors in colleges started with second level teaching and then got involved in adult education courses offered by their school or VEC. This can lead to securing part-time hours teaching similar evening courses in a college which offers the experience required to apply for eligible part-time lecturing positions in colleges and universities.
Going back to college to complete post-graduate study can also come with opportunities for employment as many colleges support their MA and PHD students by allowing them to teach part-time hours on the undergraduate courses.
Irish Language Requirements
Unless teaching at an all-Irish school or college there are currently no general requirements for qualifications in Irish at 3rd Level.
