This Postgraduate Certificate in STEM Education is designed to be delivered on a part-time basis over the period of one academic year. It comprises two modules each of 30 CATS points: Developing Best Practice in STEM Education and Developing Leadership Skills in STEM Education.
This qualification will be of particular interest to primary teachers who are interested in developing their own knowledge and practice in STEM Education and leading the development of STEM Education in their educational setting.
The anticipated student cohort undertaking this part-time Postgraduate Certificate will be professionals working in educational settings and therefore a blended learning experience, both synchronous and asynchronous, will be used. Students will be strongly encouraged to attend one Saturday session held in Stranmillis University College where the course participants will be able to have a ‘hands on’ experience of the practical learning within the course.
How will I study?
You can visit our 46 acre campus and meet staff and students at any time. You may however wish to study completely online. Our online modules are led by a team of experienced lecturers who manage the environment and the student experience individually and in a professional manner. Opportunities for peer learning and professional discussion are an important part of the programme.
Contact time
Classes are normally held once weekly (in the evening) via the College’s virtual learning environment – Canvas. Days will be agreed in advance of the programme with plenty of notice for study. We will also record all components of the programme for anyone who cannot attend on a particular evening.
Students on this programme will be strongly encouraged to attend one Saturday session held in Stranmillis University College where the course participants will be able to have a ‘hands on’ experience of the practical learning within the course.
Who will be teaching me?
You will be taught, assessed and supported by an exceptional team of internationally recognised, research-led and experienced practitioners.Our staff are practitioners as well as researchers, offering a unique interactive learning experience.
How will I be assessed?
There are no written examinations. Modules are assessed by coursework. This brings a real-work experience to the course, facilitated by tutors.
Entitlement
Students who accumulate 60 CAT points on this programme, will graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate.
Please note this course does not give you Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Student Feedback from 23/24
‘Thank you so much for all your help and support over the course Irene and John. It’s been a thoroughly enjoyable and enriching course.’
‘Thank you so much John and Irene! The things that you both do for STEM is amazing and appreciated by so many teachers and therefore the children too!’
‘Thanks to everyone for sharing such a wealth of ideas. Biggest thanks though must go to John and Irene, you have been INSPIRATIONAL! You have transformed my understanding of the subject – I look forward to enthusing my fellow staff with the wealth of resources you’ve given us!’
Listen to some of our STEM students below.
STR7016 Developing Best Practice in STEM Education
October 2024
The Developing Best Practice in STEM Education module will explore the learning theories and cognitive development in STEM Education from Early Years through to end of KS2 and the transition phase to KS3. It aims to develop conceptual understanding within STEM Education and encourages the use of hands-on classroom activities to support engagement and learning within STEM areas such as science and technology. The digital skills agenda and the prominent position which computing education continues to have dictates that thinking skills and computational thinking through STEM learning is of high importance.
In line with the General Teaching Council Northern Ireland (GTCNI) document ‘Teaching: the Reflective Profession’ the course will develop teacher reflection and practitioner enquiry. Developing digital video skills to evaluate classroom practice is one avenue through which this will be developed.
STR7015 Developing Leadership Skills in STEM Education
January 2025
This module will develop the students’ planning and STEM enquiry skills across the primary school. STEM skills from Early Years to Key Stage 2 will be explored and planning for transition in STEM learning across Key Stages within the primary school and into Key Stage 3 will emphasise the critical position these teachers play in the pupils’ learning journey.
The increasingly important area of sustainability and climate change in the primary school will be covered through the use of innovative curricular resources and approaches, as well as the outdoor learning environment and the use of external STEM stakeholders. To maximise course impact students will develop leadership skills to mentor and support peers and colleagues in developing STEM education in their school.
All modules are 30 CATs. The Postgraduate Certificate may be taken as an award or progressed toward a full Master’s award. Both modules amounts to one-third of the full programme.
For full programme specification click here.
Applicants will normally hold a relevant 2:2 Honours degree or above in a related discipline. Applicants who do not meet the requirements above may be considered on an individual basis, where there is evidence of relevant experience. Applicants may be required to attend an interview to determine their suitability for entry.
How to Apply
Application for admission to all Masters Programmes should be made by downloading the application form and reference form (see ‘Apply Now’ link above) and returning the completed forms by email only to masters@stran.ac.uk
The next intake for this programme is for September 2025.
Tuition Fees
| 2025 - 26 MEd /MA ECS/ MTeach | CATS Points | NI/ROI | GB | EU Other* | International |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate per module | 30 | £1,217 | £1,542 | £3,584 | £3,584 |
| Dissertation Module | 60 | £2,434 | £3,084 | £7,168 | £7,168 |
| Full-Time Course | 180 | £7,300 | £9,250 | £21,500 | £21,500 |
Please note the Postgraduate Certificate is 60 CATS.
Additional Course Costs
There are no additional costs. The course is supported by a fully online library at Stranmillis and Queens University. You will have access to thousands of ebooks and ejournals in support of your study with us. Library and writing inductions will be supported for all online and new students
This Postgraduate Certificate in STEM Education is designed to be delivered on a part-time basis over the period of one academic year. It comprises two modules each of 30 CATS points: Developing Best Practice in STEM Education and Developing Leadership Skills in STEM Education.
This qualification will be of particular interest to primary teachers who are interested in developing their own knowledge and practice in STEM Education and leading the development of STEM Education in their educational setting.
The anticipated student cohort undertaking this part-time Postgraduate Certificate will be professionals working in educational settings and therefore a blended learning experience, both synchronous and asynchronous, will be used. Students will be strongly encouraged to attend one Saturday session held in Stranmillis University College where the course participants will be able to have a ‘hands on’ experience of the practical learning within the course.
How will I study?
You can visit our 46 acre campus and meet staff and students at any time. You may however wish to study completely online. Our online modules are led by a team of experienced lecturers who manage the environment and the student experience individually and in a professional manner. Opportunities for peer learning and professional discussion are an important part of the programme.
Contact time
Classes are normally held once weekly (in the evening) via the College’s virtual learning environment – Canvas. Days will be agreed in advance of the programme with plenty of notice for study. We will also record all components of the programme for anyone who cannot attend on a particular evening.
Students on this programme will be strongly encouraged to attend one Saturday session held in Stranmillis University College where the course participants will be able to have a ‘hands on’ experience of the practical learning within the course.
Who will be teaching me?
You will be taught, assessed and supported by an exceptional team of internationally recognised, research-led and experienced practitioners.Our staff are practitioners as well as researchers, offering a unique interactive learning experience.
How will I be assessed?
There are no written examinations. Modules are assessed by coursework. This brings a real-work experience to the course, facilitated by tutors.
Entitlement
Students who accumulate 60 CAT points on this programme, will graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate.
Please note this course does not give you Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Student Feedback from 23/24
‘Thank you so much for all your help and support over the course Irene and John. It’s been a thoroughly enjoyable and enriching course.’
‘Thank you so much John and Irene! The things that you both do for STEM is amazing and appreciated by so many teachers and therefore the children too!’
‘Thanks to everyone for sharing such a wealth of ideas. Biggest thanks though must go to John and Irene, you have been INSPIRATIONAL! You have transformed my understanding of the subject – I look forward to enthusing my fellow staff with the wealth of resources you’ve given us!’
Listen to some of our STEM students below.
STR7016 Developing Best Practice in STEM Education
October 2024
The Developing Best Practice in STEM Education module will explore the learning theories and cognitive development in STEM Education from Early Years through to end of KS2 and the transition phase to KS3. It aims to develop conceptual understanding within STEM Education and encourages the use of hands-on classroom activities to support engagement and learning within STEM areas such as science and technology. The digital skills agenda and the prominent position which computing education continues to have dictates that thinking skills and computational thinking through STEM learning is of high importance.
In line with the General Teaching Council Northern Ireland (GTCNI) document ‘Teaching: the Reflective Profession’ the course will develop teacher reflection and practitioner enquiry. Developing digital video skills to evaluate classroom practice is one avenue through which this will be developed.
STR7015 Developing Leadership Skills in STEM Education
January 2025
This module will develop the students’ planning and STEM enquiry skills across the primary school. STEM skills from Early Years to Key Stage 2 will be explored and planning for transition in STEM learning across Key Stages within the primary school and into Key Stage 3 will emphasise the critical position these teachers play in the pupils’ learning journey.
The increasingly important area of sustainability and climate change in the primary school will be covered through the use of innovative curricular resources and approaches, as well as the outdoor learning environment and the use of external STEM stakeholders. To maximise course impact students will develop leadership skills to mentor and support peers and colleagues in developing STEM education in their school.
All modules are 30 CATs. The Postgraduate Certificate may be taken as an award or progressed toward a full Master’s award. Both modules amounts to one-third of the full programme.
For full programme specification click here.
Applicants will normally hold a relevant 2:2 Honours degree or above in a related discipline. Applicants who do not meet the requirements above may be considered on an individual basis, where there is evidence of relevant experience. Applicants may be required to attend an interview to determine their suitability for entry.
How to Apply
Application for admission to all Masters Programmes should be made by downloading the application form and reference form (see ‘Apply Now’ link above) and returning the completed forms by email only to masters@stran.ac.uk
The next intake for this programme is for September 2025.
Tuition Fees
| 2025 - 26 MEd /MA ECS/ MTeach | CATS Points | NI/ROI | GB | EU Other* | International |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate per module | 30 | £1,217 | £1,542 | £3,584 | £3,584 |
| Dissertation Module | 60 | £2,434 | £3,084 | £7,168 | £7,168 |
| Full-Time Course | 180 | £7,300 | £9,250 | £21,500 | £21,500 |
Please note the Postgraduate Certificate is 60 CATS.
Additional Course Costs
There are no additional costs. The course is supported by a fully online library at Stranmillis and Queens University. You will have access to thousands of ebooks and ejournals in support of your study with us. Library and writing inductions will be supported for all online and new students