Professional Master of Education (Primary)

Professional Master of Education (Primary)

The PME online applications are now open!  

Applications for the 2023 intake will close on the 3rd April 2023

PME offers will be released on Friday 9th of June 2023

Applications for the TEG B1 oral exam closed on 6 January 2023, for more information about the TEG exam please click here

PLEASE NOTE: To apply for the PME programme at Maynooth University please visit the Maynooth University website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Professional Master of Education (Primary)?

The Professional Master of Education (Primary) prepares graduates to enter the teaching profession. On entering the programme, students are embarking on a programme that combines professional preparation and research training. The programme emphasises the acquisition of key teaching practices and students are expected to develop a wide range of practical teaching skills both during their time in MIE and on school-based placement. Alongside this, the programme has a significant academic dimension; and students are required to develop competency in educational research and to complete a dissertation on a relevant research area of their choice. The Professional Master in Education (Primary Teaching) is a two-year full-time programme which meets the professional requirements of regulation two (primary) of the Teaching Council Regulations.

What will I study?

The course includes foundation studies, which integrate language study, history of education, philosophy of education, sociology of education, educational psychology and curriculum and assessment. In addition you will take modules in content knowledge and integrated methodologies for all subjects of the primary school curriculum. You will also conduct research in an area of special interest. Theory and practice are closely linked through a variety of cross-curricular teaching, learning and assessment approaches.

You will have the opportunity to study for a certificate in Catholic Religious Education in preparation for teaching in schools under the patronage of the Catholic Church. The opportunity to study for a certificate in Multi-belief and Ethical Curricula in Diverse School Contexts is also available to you.

Who is the programme for?

The programme is for graduates who already have a degree at level 8 or higher. Some students transfer directly from an undergraduate programme to the Professional Masters in Education. Other students have spent time travelling, or working in another field before deciding to pursue a career as a primary teacher.

School placement

Students undertake an extended school placement during the second year of their course. Each placement takes place over a minimum of three weeks and involves initial pupil observation, assisting the classroom teacher, and preparation for and classroom teaching of all subjects. Students are required to complete one placement in a special education setting.

Gaeltacht

As part of the Professional Master of Education programme students must spend time, typically two two-week periods, in the Gaeltacht. All students receive a grant to enable them to pay the Gaeltacht fees in full to the Gaeltacht Colleges.

Download the Official Syllabi for the Gaeltacht Learning Periods here.

Download Support Materials 1 and Support Materials 2 for the Gaeltacht Learning Period here.

What are my career opportunities?

Most graduates of the PME programme become primary teachers in schools in the Republic of Ireland. Some travel abroad to teach English as an additional language or to teach in primary schools elsewhere.

What other options do I have?

In time some graduates will pursue further postgraduate studies in education at diploma, research masters or doctoral level. Such additional qualifications open up the possibilities of careers as curriculum leader in a school, principal teacher, teacher educator, educational psychologist or as an inspector with the Department of Education and Skills.

Module Listing

PME Year 1

PME Year 2

General information

Duration: 2 years full-time

Award level: NFQ 9

ECTS Credits: 120

Awarding body: Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin

Minimum entry requirements (new 2017 Scheme)* 

An honours degree (level 8 with honours II.2 result or higher) or a major award at level 9 or 10 and the following Leaving Certificate Grades; Irish – H4, Maths – O4/H7, English – O4/H7 (or equivalent). Applicants must also achieve 65% or higher in the TEG B1 Irish Oral examination. Full details regarding the minimum entry requirements for are available here.

In the Northern Ireland GCSE and GCE A Level Examinations:

Irish - Grade C at GCE A Level,  English/English Literature - Grade C  in both at GC(S)E Level or Grade B at GC(S)E Level in either, Maths - Grade D at GC(S)E Level in Additional Maths or a Grade C at GC(S)E Level in Mathematics.

*The grades and % percentage marks in the 1992-2016 grading scheme and the new 2017 scheme are set out here.