Education - Post Primary / Second Level Teaching

Students undertake study of the principles of teaching and learning, and develop practical teaching skills informed by the foundation disciplines of educational theory. They engage in a supervised school placement in two different post-primary schools (one each year) located within a 160km radius of Maynooth University. Subject specific methodologies for teaching and learning offered on the programme are listed here.



In March/April and before the start of the school year in August, the Education Department at MU offers webinars as preparation for school placement. PME students commence School Placement at the start of the school year in August, undertaking observation in schools for three weeks before the university term commences. The campus-based component of the programme follows the university timetable for the most part, ending in late April or early May, as appropriate. MU students are expected to remain on school placement until the end of the school year.



School Placement

Prospective students are responsible for arranging their own school placements (within a 160 km radius of Maynooth University). In addition to two-day school placement throughout Year 1 of the PME students have a three-week block placement in January. Year 2 students have a three-day placement throughout the school year without a 'January block'.



Professional Studies and Foundation Disciplines

The central focus of the university component of the programme is to enable student teachers to develop a repertoire of knowledge, skills and values to adopt a professional and reflexive approach to classroom practice and their broader role as educators.

The foundational disciplines of education consist of the history and structure of education as well as the psychology, sociology and philosophy of education. Other modules such as Global Citizenship Education and Teaching with Cultural Sensitivity, Social Justice, inclusive approaches to education, digital literacy, pedagogical and curriculum studies complement the foundational disciplines in equipping future teachers for the complexities of teaching today.

All modules aim to deepen student teachers' understanding of the processes of teaching and learning, of assessment, of pupils and their psycho-social development, of schools within their evolving social context and of the structure and development of the system within which they work.



Teaching in Ireland, the EU and elsewhere

The Professional Master of Education is the main qualification recognised by the Department of Education and Youth for teaching at second-level in Ireland. It is also recognised under the EU directives on mutual recognition of professional qualifications.

Graduates seeking employment in another jurisdiction (outside of the EU) must themselves ascertain whether the qualification is recognised there.

Applicants must hold a minimum of a bachelor honours degree (NFQ Level 8) (or equivalent) with a minimum of second-class honours, grade 2 (2:2) including at least 60 ECTS studied to Third Year in at least one curricular subject that is taught at post-primary level. Please consult the Curricular Subject Requirements Post Primary (effective from January 2026 set out by the Teaching Council that must be met for the purposes of registration as a post-primary teacher. These eligibility criteria must be read carefully. The onus is on applicants to ensure they meet the registration requirements set out by the Teaching Council for their subject/s.



As entry to the PME programme is competitive. Applicants are required to apply via the MU APPLY portal and will be invited to provide relevant information on subject specialism, degree results, additional qualifications, and relevant professional experience. In line with the Irish government's on-going initiative to increase the supply of teachers in nationally prioritised subjects, places will be prioritised for applicants who meet the entry requirements for the following subjects: Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science and Languages including Gaeilge, German, French, Italian, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish.



Applicants must ensure that responses are accurate and provided to the best of their knowledge. Supporting evidence will be requested and verified during the application review process. Failure to provide such evidence will result in the non-progression of the application.

Closing Date : 12 January 2026

2 years full-time

The course commences in late August and lectures and school placement end in May.

The Professional Master of Education is the main qualification recognised by the Department of Education and Skills for teaching at second-level in Ireland. It is also recognised under the EU directives on mutual recognition of professional qualifications.