Education - Post Primary / Second Level Teaching

This two-year, full-time programme encourages a student-centred and creative approach to teaching and learning, and gives you the skills and knowledge needed for today’s classrooms.



The programme prepares you to respond to current curricular developments at second level and is designed to promote teacher autonomy in the design, delivery and assessment of curriculum. You’ll also benefit from the DCU Institute of Education’s leading global research centres in assessment, evaluation, citizenship and human rights education and anti-bullying.



Get practical real-world experience

The programme includes two school placements in first and second year in different school settings like voluntary secondary schools, Educate Together secondary schools, community colleges, community schools and comprehensive schools.



While most graduates work as teachers in post-primary schools, you may choose to pursue further studies in education and related fields including guidance, pastoral care, school leadership and management. You’ll also be sought after for roles in further education, higher education, government departments and other education and training settings.



Choice and Flexibility

Our two year full time flexible delivery PME programme addresses the need for a flexible teacher education qualification for individuals who wish to work in post-primary schools but who are not in a position to engage in a traditional day-time programme of study.



Lectures

The Professional Master of Education (PME) programme starts in late August each year. Students are required to complete an Induction Programme which runs in advance of formal lectures.



Formal lectures begin in September and are held in DCU St. Patrick's Campus, Drumcondra on Tuesday and Wednesday from 4pm to 8pm. Students will participate in lectures, seminars, tutorials and online components.

Course Structure

The DCU Institute of Education is the largest provider of education and training in Ireland with more than 150 academic staff with expertise in education and over 4000 students. We take a modern, innovative and creative approach to teaching and learning.



Placements

The programme includes two school placements. Students complete placement in one school in Year 1 and in a different school in Year 2.



Placements can occur in a variety of school settings including Voluntary Secondary Schools, Educate Together Secondary Schools, Community Colleges, Community Schools and Comprehensive Schools.



Students must secure their own placements in a recognised post-primary school within the Republic of Ireland. Only the first placement needs to be secured at the time of application.



Placement Hours Required: For the duration of this two year programme, all students must engage in a minimum number of hours of direct teaching, placement related activities and observation as outlined below:



Year 1 (Sept to June)

Direct teaching: Four hours per week

Placement related activities: Four hours per week

Observation: 24 classes



Year 2 (Sept to June)

Direct teaching: Four hours per week

Placement related activities: Four hours per week

Observation: 24 classes



Students must also engage in an initial observation period in the first three weeks of their school placement. The purpose of the three-week observation period is to provide opportunities for student teachers to settle into their school environment and learn from, and with, other experienced educators during the initial stages of their placement. During this period, students will engage in activities such as structured classroom observations, school-based induction, and a variety of non-direct teaching activities.

First, applicants need to consult the Teaching Council's Subject Registration Requirements to see if their undergraduate qualifications meet the requirements set out by the Teaching Council of Ireland, the professional standards body for teaching in Ireland. Applicants must hold a level 8 degree (or equivalent) on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications. These requirements can be accessed here: Curricular subject Requirements (Post-Primary) For Persons applying for registration on or after 5th January 2026. Once the applicant lands on the page scroll down and click on this wording ' Read the updated Curricular Subject Requirements (Post-Primary) effective from 5 January 2026' to access the pdf document. Subject Declaration Froms 2026/27



As part of the application process, you will need to confirm that your degree complies with these requirements.



Please see here for all information on how to apply for the post primary teaching course, and to submit an application through the online portal. Applicants are advised to read all details carefully prior to submitting the application.



International Applications:



Where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language. For further information on international applications click here.

2 years full-time.

DCU Graduate Teachers experience high employment success rates. Our school partnerships and professional development initiatives for in-service teachers ensure continued commitment to our students and beyond.



DCU Graduate teachers enjoy high employment success rates - 99% of DCU Institute of Education graduates are in employment or further education some six months after graduation.



While most of our graduates will work as teachers in post-primary schools, others will pursue further studies in education and related fields, such as guidance, pastoral care, school leadership and management.



Other graduates will work in Further Education, Higher Education, government departments and other education and training settings.

Adult Education

Education

Government Departments

Post Primary Education