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 online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System. Applications for 2025 entry open on the 1st of October 2024, and close on the 10th of February 2025.

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.