Education - Post Primary Teaching

The PME is a two-year, full-time programme for graduates and is accredited by the Teaching Council of Ireland for the purposes of registration as a post-primary teacher (pupils aged 12–18 years) in Ireland and the EU, as well as other English-speaking countries.

To enable students to adopt an evidence-based approach to their professional practice and to respond to the complexity of teaching and learning within the modern day classroom, the design and approach to the programme is research-driven and research-based. Students will engage with contemporary research literature as well as policy at international and local level. The University context with its vibrant research culture provides an excellent location for teacher education programmes that are research driven and develop teachers as professional and critical practitioners.

All elements of the PME programmes are, whilst being theoretically informed, relevant to the real world of teaching and learning, to the challenges facing Ireland in the current economic and social context, and to the needs of our young people, building their capacity as active, engaged and responsible citizens.

At University of Galway, it is our mission to prepare knowledgeable, passionate, innovative and caring teachers who embrace diversity, change and uncertainty, and who ask critical questions about education and schooling.

Year 1
Educational Sciences
Psychology of Teaching and Learning
Education, Diversity and Social Justice
History, Structure & Context of Irish Education
Philosophy of Education

Professional Studies
Teaching & Learning
Curriculum & Assessment
Catering for Diversity
Literacy and Numeracy
Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL)

Teaching Methodology 1A
Subject Methodology

Teaching Methodology 1B
Subject Methodology or Specialist Methodology

Professional Practice/School Placement:
Practical Teaching
Teacher as Professional
Involvement in extracurricular activities
Reflective Practice
Technology Enhanced Learning

Year 2: Modules
Practitioner Based Research-
Research methodologies and research ethics
Conducting and writing a literature review
Identifying a research focus, research questions, designing and conducting a practitioner research study
Collaborative review and critical exploration of research design, research process and research findings

Educational Sciences 2-
Same areas of study as Year 1 with focus on linking theory and policy with practice and application in schools

Teaching Methodology 2A-
Subject Methodology

Teaching Methodology 2B-
Subject Methodology

Professional Practice/School Placement-
Practical Teaching
Teacher as Professional
Involvement in extracurricular activities
Reflective Practice
Technology Enhanced Learning

The minimum requirement is a primary degree, Level 8 (or equivalent international qualification) deemed eligible by the Teaching Council for the purposes of registration as a post- primary teacher.

Additional Requirements
School Placement
Throughout each of the two years of the programme students have two school placements (one per year).
Students are responsible for securing their own school placement for PME Year 1 prior to registration on the programme. The requirements for the PME Year 1 placement are outlined in the FAQs document (see ‘Find Out More’ link on the course webpage).
Please note: All students registering on the PME will be subject to Garda Vetting in compliance with the University's policy.

All applications for the Professional Master of Education (PME) are made through the Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC). Applications for entry September 2024 closes 31 January 2024
**The Professional Master Of Education closing date has been extended until 8th February 2024 due to demand

2 years, full-time.

Next start date September 2024

Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Professional Master of Education are eligible to register with the Teaching Council and can take up teaching positions in second-level schools across Ireland. The PME qualification is widely recognised internationally and many PME graduates have travelled and worked as teachers across Europe and further afield after qualifying.