Religious Education by Distance Learning (CREDL) PGCert

University of Glasgow

This online programme has been specifically designed to provide students with the requisite understanding of the main tenets of Catholic Christian theology. Students will also learn about the Catholic vision of education and the methodology appropriate to Catholic religious education in primary and secondary schools. Please note, while open to all, this programme has been designed for Catholic teachers wishing to teach Religious Education in Catholic schools. Successful completion of the programme by Catholic teachers will result in the award of the Catholic Teacher’s Certificate (CREDL). An Award in Religious Understanding (CREDL) is presented to anyone else completing the programme. The Catholic Teacher’s Certificate (CREDL) is recognised by the Bishops of Scotland as a preliminary qualification in Catholic religious education.WHY THIS PROGRAMMEThe Certificate in Religious Education by Distance Learning (along with the necessary church approval) will allow you to teach in Catholic schools.It will provide you with the requisite understanding of the main tenets of Catholic Christian theology, the Catholic vision of education and the methodology appropriate to Catholic religious education.This programme is also recommended if you are a qualified teacher and want to re-visit your understanding of these issues as part of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).It can be completed concurrently with a BEd or PGDE programme and the MA Primary Education in Dumfries, (or subsequently on completion of any of these programmes).CREDL is the University of Glasgow route for qualified teachers or students studying an ITE programme at other universities.PROGRAMME OUTCOMESGain knowledge of the scriptures, doctrines, morals and practices of the Catholic faithUnderstand the roles of scripture, language, liturgy, signs and symbols in the traditions and insights of Catholic educationAppreciate the stages of personal religious and moral development and the appropriate educational responses to theseExplore approaches to learning and teaching in religious education, relating methods and practices to subject content, curriculum development and faith formationInterpret and contextualise a range of biblical, doctrinal and religious principles and beliefs, and develop and implement appropriate educational experiences based upon theseGain positive, varied and motivating contexts for learning and personal growth in religious education, based upon confidence in using the syllabus, resources and strategies of the subject areaContinual critical enquiry and personal development in values and religious educationDevelop sensitivity to culture, authority, belonging and tradition in religionResearch into the relationship of faith to life, to religious practice, to tolerance and to respect for differenceDevelop reflective professional practice in the broad interpersonal, spiritual and philosophical dimensions of education.