Education - Primary Teaching
What is the Professional Master of Education (Primary Teaching)?
It is a postgraduate course designed to prepare students to become eligible to apply for registration as primary teachers with the Teaching Council.
What will I study?
The course includes foundation studies, which integrate history of education, philosophy and sociology of education, educational psychology and curriculum and assessment. You will also conduct research in an area of special interest. Study for a certificate in Catholic Religious Education and/or in Multi-belief and Ethical Curricula in Diverse School Contexts.
Who is the course for?
Graduates who already have a level 8 degree at grade II.2 or higher. Some students transfer directly from an undergraduate course whereas other students have spent time travelling, or working in another field before deciding to pursue a career as a primary teacher.
School Placement
Students undertake periods of school placement during both years of the course. In first year there is a three-week placement in semester 1 and semester 2. In second year there is a one-week placement in a special education setting and a ten-week placement
Gaeltacht
Students must spend time, typically two two-week periods, in the Gaeltacht.
Subjects taught
Year 1 – Teaching/Learning
School Placement/Professional Studies
– School Placement (including Professional Studies)
– Teaching and Learning (Approximations of Practice)
Foundation Studies
– Psychology/Early Childhood Education
– Research Methods
Curriculum Studies/Subject Knowledge
– English Methods/Subject Knowledge
– Irish Methods/Subject Knowledge
– Mathematics Methods/Subject Knowledge
– Physical Education/Social Personal & Health Education
– Religious Education
– Social, Environmental & Scientific Education
– Arts Education (Visual Arts, Drama, Music)
Year 2 – Theory/Practice
School Placement/Professional Studies
– Advanced School Placement (including Advanced
– Professional Studies)
– Advanced Professional Studies
– Creative Technologies for Teaching and Learning
Foundation Studies
– Educational Theory & Practice (Philosophy/History, Sociology/Psychology)
– Inclusive Education
– Research Thesis
Curriculum Studies/Subject Knowledge
– Arts Education (Integrated Arts & Music/Drama)
– Inclusive Education
– Literacy/Literature & Teaching in Irish-medium settings
Entry requirements
Minimum entry requirements
– An honours degree (level 8 with honours II.2 result or higher) or a major award at level 9 or 10 and the following Leaving Certificate Grades (or equivalent) Maths – O4/H7, English – O4/H7, Irish – H4.
– 65% or above in Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge (TEG) Level B1 oral Irish examination.
Credits
ECTS Credits: 120
Duration
2 years full-time
Post Course Info
What are my career options?
Most graduates become primary teachers in schools in the Republic of Ireland. Some travel abroad to teach English as an additional language or to teach in primary schools elsewhere.
What other options do I have?
Some graduates will pursue further postgraduate studies in education. Such additional qualifications open up possible careers as curriculum leaders, a principal teacher, a teacher educator and much more.