Education - Post Primary / Second Level Teaching

The requirement for entry is a level 8 degree on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) with a minimum overall result of H2.2 (50%+). This requirement is strict, and your application will not be considered if you do not meet it.



All applications for the Professional Master of Education (PME) are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System. Applications for the 2026-2027 academic year, open on the 1st of October 2025, and close on the 31st January 2026.



All applicants must provide the following information and documentation as a part of their application:



Proof of Identification (Birth Certificate, Passport or Driving Licence);

PPS Number (International applicants exempted?);

Undergraduate Degree Transcript (second year results if students are currently completing final year of the degree);

A completed Teaching Council Subject Declaration Form (SDF) for each curricular subject they intend to teach on completion of the PME.

If you have two subjects you intend to teach, you must include an SDF form for each subject. Please note that if you do not have your second subject listed, you may not be able to register for it when you commence the PME.



The following may be provided to strengthen an application, but are not mandatory:



Transcripts related to other postgraduate qualifications completed/awarded (up to five documents in total can be uploaded);

A completed Teaching Experience form, signed by the relevant employer (if unsigned this will not be considered).

Post-qualification with the PME graduates’ registration as a teacher in the post-primary school system in the Republic of Ireland is regulated by the Teaching Council of Ireland.



Application Grading and Selection



Applications are awarded points for their Honours Degree result and then awarded additional points for other qualifications (these must be QQI validated), and/or for Teaching Experience (must be either 3 months duration or 12 months duration minimum).



The details of point scoring are available below:



Points Allocated for Undergraduate and Primary Degree Performance



To be considered applicants must have an overall minimum grade of H2.2 with an eligible Level 8 degree (or equivalent) on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).

All applications for the Professional Master of Education (PME) are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System. Applications for the 2026-2027 academic year, open on the 1st of October 2025, and close on the 31st January 2026.

2 years, full-time

Next start date September 2026

The PME is a Teaching Council of Ireland (TCI) accredited ITE programme for the purposes of registration as a post-primary teacher (pupils aged 12–18 years) in the Republic of Ireland. It is recognised as a teaching qualification in the EU, Great Britain, and Australia.