Bachelor of Technology (Education) in Graphics and Construction Technology concurrent with Teacher Education

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Limerick

Program Overview

This degree is designed for students who love technical design, construction, problem-solving and want to share their expertise in the classroom. Over four years, you’ll gain deep knowledge in graphics, construction technology, engineering principles, and design, combined with professional teacher training so you graduate as a qualified second-level teacher. You will learn to translate complex technical subjects into inspiring lessons for post-primary students — a rare combination that makes you highly employable and confident in both your teaching and technical skills.

This programme suits practical, creative learners who enjoy hands-on projects, want a stable teaching career, and aspire to shape future generations of engineers, designers, and technologists.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Building Technical and Educational Foundations

Your first year introduces you to core technical subjects like technical graphics, construction technology, materials and processes, and fundamentals of design. Alongside this, you begin exploring the world of teaching and learning with introductory education modules. You’ll develop a solid foundation in both your subject area and professional understanding of how young people learn.

Year 2 – Developing Skills and Early Teaching Experience

In your second year, you build deeper competence in graphics, construction practices, and technology theory while beginning to develop your professional identity as a teacher. You’ll engage in structured teaching preparation, classroom management techniques, and reflective practice, and you’ll complete your first school placement, gaining hands-on classroom experience under supervision.

Year 3 – Advanced Technical Study and Professional Growth

Third year expands your technical expertise and your educational insight. You’ll study advanced topics in construction and graphic communication, and you’ll take modules focused on curriculum design, assessment, inclusive education and classroom strategies. This year strengthens your ability to plan and deliver effective lessons tailored to diverse learners.

Year 4 – Teaching Practice and Integration of Learning

In your final year, you’ll complete an extended block teaching placement in a post-primary school — a key highlight of the programme. You’ll plan, teach, evaluate and refine lessons as a developing professional, supported by university mentors and school educators. Alongside placement, you’ll undertake a major project and advanced teaching modules that prepare you for the full transition into qualified teaching.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This programme is built around learning by doing, ensuring you graduate ready for real classrooms and real technical challenges:

Early and extended school placements, including a major block placement in final year where you teach real classes and gain invaluable practical experience
Dedicated graphics and construction technology workshops and labs equipped for hands-on design, modelling, and construction tasks
Team-based design and build projects that mirror the kinds of problems professionals face in industry and education
Blended professional development activities that combine theoretical learning with practical teaching tasks
Use of digital tools and technical software widely used in graphics, design and construction settings
Feedback and mentoring from experienced teacher educators and school practitioners throughout your placements
Opportunities to reflect on practice and develop a professional teaching portfolio that supports your transition to qualified teacher

These experiences ensure that you're not just absorbing theory — you're actively applying it every step of the way in real and simulated environments.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this programme are eligible to register with the Teaching Council of Ireland and enter the open register for post-primary teachers, giving you a clear path into the profession.

Typical career roles include:

Second-level Technology Teacher — teaching subjects such as Graphics, Construction Technology, STEM, Design or Engineering in post-primary schools
Subject Department Leader over time, guiding curriculum development in schools
Curriculum Specialist or Tutor with experience, helping design courses and learning pathways
Educational Consultant in technology education or teacher professional development

Professional Skills and Impact:

You’ll graduate with strong technical knowledge, lesson planning and delivery skills, classroom management strategies, and the confidence to support diverse learners. These professional strengths make you not only employable in schools but also well-prepared for broader education or curriculum roles.

Further Academic Progression:

You can build on this degree by pursuing postgraduate studies in areas like educational leadership, subject-specific pedagogy, curriculum design, or technology innovation in education. These paths support future roles in senior leadership, policy, research or teacher education.