BSc (hons) in Education (Design, Graphics and Construction)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Atlantic Technological University

Program Overview

The BSc (Honours) Education (Design, Graphics & Construction) at Atlantic Technological University is designed for students who want to become confident, creative post-primary teachers in Construction Studies and Design & Communication Graphics. It combines strong technical training with professional teaching practice, making it ideal for hands-on learners who enjoy design, problem-solving, and working with young people.

📘 Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Your first year builds the foundation in both education and design. You’ll be introduced to Design Process, Technical Graphics, and Education Studies, helping you understand how design thinking and visual communication translate into effective classroom teaching. Early school observation placements also allow you to start understanding the realities of post-primary education.

Year 2

In second year, your technical and teaching skills develop side by side through modules such as Manufacturing Skills, Applied Technology, and Curriculum & Assessment in Post-Primary Education. You’ll work on practical design and construction projects while taking part in supported school placements where you begin lesson planning and supervised teaching.

Year 3

By Year 3, you move into more advanced learning with Computer-Aided Design, Construction Technology, and Professional Practice in Education. Your school placement becomes more immersive, allowing you to teach classes, manage learning activities, and reflect critically on your teaching style while strengthening your classroom confidence.

Year 4

In the final year, everything comes together through Advanced Pedagogy, Educational Research, and a Final Year Project focused on design, graphics, or construction education. Extended teaching practice prepares you for full professional responsibility, ensuring you graduate ready to enter the classroom as a qualified post-primary teacher.

🎯 Focus Areas

Design thinking, technical graphics, construction studies, CAD and digital design, teaching methodology, classroom management, curriculum design, professional teaching practice.

🎓 Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to teach Construction Studies and Design & Communication Graphics at post-primary level, design engaging and safe practical lessons, integrate digital and manual design tools, and demonstrate reflective, professional teaching practice.

📜 Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This programme is professionally aligned for post-primary teacher education and is designed to meet the academic and subject requirements for teaching Construction Studies and Design & Communication Graphics in Ireland.

🌟 Reputation (Employability)

Graduates are highly employable due to ongoing national demand for qualified post-primary teachers in technical subjects, supported by ATU’s strong reputation for practical, industry-linked and education-focused programmes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

When you choose this programme, you’ll go beyond theory and get hands-on experience in both teaching practice and technical design environments that prepare you for a real classroom from early in your studies. You’ll work with design tools like CAD and traditional woodworking materials, develop subject-specific teaching projects, and build confidence by engaging directly with pupils during structured school placements. The programme blends creative studio work, technical skills, and classroom experience, helping you grow as both a designer and an educator:

Here’s how your practical learning unfolds:

School Placements Each Year: Every year includes structured school placement blocks, giving you gradual, supported exposure to post-primary classrooms where you observe experienced teachers, plan lessons, and practice teaching Construction Studies and Design & Communication Graphics.
Creative & Technical Projects: You’ll engage in design-led projects that develop core skills in Design Process, Technical Graphics, Manufacturing Skills, and Applied Technology, helping you understand both subject content and how to teach it effectively.
CAD and Graphics Software: As part of your studies you’ll learn and use industry-relevant Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and graphics applications, preparing you to teach digital design concepts and modern visual communication techniques.
Workshop & Material Skills: The programme includes hands-on learning with diverse materials and fabrication processes, such as woodwork and construction techniques, so you can demonstrate and teach practical skills in real classroom settings.
Reflective Practice & ePortfolio Development: You’ll build a digital learning portfolio (often using platforms like PebblePad) that captures your teaching philosophy, project work, reflections and classroom experience, reinforcing professional growth.
Group Collaboration & Peer Learning: Team-based projects and education studies encourage you to work alongside fellow students to develop lesson plans, co-create learning resources, and share creative insights — replicating the collaborative environment of modern schools.
Library and Digital Learning Support: You’ll have access to ATU’s library, study spaces, and digital learning platforms, giving you research resources and support for coursework, lesson preparation, and professional development.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BSc (Honours) Education (Design, Graphics & Construction) from Atlantic Technological University are well prepared to move straight into the classroom as confident, skilled post-primary teachers. The programme’s strong mix of subject expertise and teaching practice means many graduates step into roles such as Post-Primary Teacher (Construction Studies), Teacher of Design & Communication Graphics, Technology Education Teacher, or School-Based Project and Workshop Coordinator. Because teaching practice is embedded throughout the degree, graduates leave with real classroom experience and professional confidence:

Career & Teaching Support: ATU supports students through education-focused career guidance, placement mentoring, and teaching practice supervision, helping you transition smoothly from student teacher to professional educator.
Graduate Employment Outlook: There is sustained demand across Ireland for qualified teachers in technical and design-based subjects, particularly Construction Studies and Design & Communication Graphics, giving graduates strong employment prospects after qualification.
School & Sector Partnerships: Through structured placements in post-primary schools, you build professional networks with principals, mentor teachers, and education partners — connections that often support employment after graduation.
Long-Term Professional Value: The degree is academically aligned with post-primary teacher education requirements, giving graduates a solid foundation for long-term career stability, progression, and leadership roles within schools.
Graduate Destinations: Alumni typically work in secondary schools, community and education & training board (ETB) schools, technical colleges, and education-focused outreach or training roles.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, you may choose to continue your studies through postgraduate qualifications in education, educational leadership, curriculum development, or education research. These pathways can support progression into roles such as subject coordinator, assistant principal, school leadership, curriculum advisor, or education policy and research, allowing you to influence teaching and learning beyond the classroom.