Frequently Asked Questions

How many modules do I have to do?

You have to take three modules in total.

How long do I have to complete the Certificate?

Those joining from academic year 2021-22 have 3 years from date of first enrolment to complete three modules and submit assignments for each module. Alternatively, you can choose to submit a teaching portfolio.

Do I need to attend all classes in the module?

Yes, attendance is compulsory at all classes for certification purposes.  If you have attended modules but have not been in full attendance, you need to contact the course administrator to see if you are eligible to submit assignments/portfolio or if you need to retake a module. 

I have completed three modules.  Do I have to submit assignments AND a portfolio?

No. You can choose to submit an assignment for each module by the deadline given by the facilitator OR you can choose to submit a Teaching Portfolio upon completion of three modules.

How do I submit an assignment?

You submit your assignment through Blackboard, your facilitator will guide you through this.

I have submitted my assignment to Blackboard, what happens now?

Approximately 30 days after submission of your assignment, you will receive an email from our course administrator with your feedback and a grade. This email should also inform you on how many modules you have completed to date on the Special Purpose Certificate.  If this is the third assignment you have submitted, you will also be notified within this email that these grades are subject to the Court of Examiners and that you will be contacted after the COE sits, which is usually in April of each year.

I have completed three assignments.  How do I graduate?

If you have completed an assignment following each module you have undertaken, you should have received an email from the course administrator with your feedback and grades. This email should also inform you that these grades are subject to the Court of Examiners and that you will be contacted after the COE sits which is usually in April.  If you have successfully passed all assignments, your details will be forwarded to the Graduations office in Academic Registry.  Please ensure your contact details are up to date with our programme administrator as this is the information the Graduations office will receive from us. 

I have completed three modules but I have not submitted any assignments.

If you have completed three modules over the full three year time period, (for example you started in Michaelmas Term 2020 and completed the last module in Michalemas Term 2023) and you have not submitted any assignments, your option would be to submit a Teaching Portfolio.  This is due to the fact that assignments have specific deadlines.  In certain circumstances extensions can be given for submission of assignments but this is normally within the academic year of completing that module.

I have completed a module this term, can I get an extension for submission of my assignment?

Please contact the course administrator directly. Extensions can be given under certain circumstances.

When do I submit my Teaching Portfolio?

The closing date each year for submission of a teaching portfolio is typically in January. Please refer to the handbook for the exact date. Please submit your portfolio to the programme administrator Jade Concannon. After submission of your portfolio, you will receive feedback and a grade approximately 30 days later.  This is subject to review at the Court of Examiners by the External Examiner.  Typically our Court of Examiners sits in April every year.  Graduations are then held the following summer of that year.

Can I incorporate a fourth and fifth module to my portfolio?

You may incorporate learning from other modules into your portfolio but you must choose and declare which three modules your case studies concentrate on.

I have to resubmit my assignment/portfolio, how much time do I have?

Where a resubmission is required, you will normally have one working month (assignments)/two working months (portfolios) in which to submit. 

Who can I contact if I have any queries?

Please contact the Programme Administrator: Jade Concannon, Education Support Officer, Email Jade.Concannon@tcd.ie