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St. Patrick's Campus DCU

Education - Primary Teaching

The Professional Master of Education (Primary Teaching) (PMEP) programme equips students with the principles, curriculum knowledge and pedagogical understanding with which to begin their teaching careers as competent and committed professionals. The programme is responsive to the changing contexts of primary education, offering student teachers opportunities to engage critically with the interface between society and education.

As with any professional course, the Professional Master of Education is intensive and requires a considerable commitment from students. It is also a rewarding and interesting experience and you will find that you have been comprehensively prepared for your teaching career.

The programme aims to develop graduates who:

Are competent, professional and knowledgeable in their approach to teaching, learning, curriculum and assessment;

Become adaptive experts and critically reflective practitioners who continue to grow and learn throughout their careers;

Facilitate the holistic development of all children in terms of their emotional, social, personal, physical, creative, spiritual and intellectual capacities, promoting their agency across all areas of school life;

Recognise and meet the needs of all learners with insight, expertise and respect;

Become collaborative, supportive and committed members of school communities, learning communities and the teaching profession;

Engage in ethical practice informed by a critical concern for social justice, equality and care and respect for others locally and globally, and recognise all children as citizens, rights-holders and active agents in their own learning.

Why DCU

As a student of the DCU Institute of Education you will have access to more opportunities in Teacher Education than any other Irish institution and will study in the context characterised by innovation and development, scholarship, research and excellence in teaching and learning. Embedded in our programmes is a deep commitment to equity, social justice and inclusion.

You will be taught by internationally recognised experts in (primary) teacher education.Committed to academic excellence and innovation, the DCU Institute of Education is confident its graduates will flourish in the challenging and complex contexts of the 21st century societies.

Entry requirements

General Entry Requirements

Requirements:

Applicants must have the following academic qualifications:

A minimum of a H2.2 honours Bachelor degree at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (or a major award at level 9 or a major award at level 10 on the National Framework of Qualifications).

Applicants must provide evidence to the University that their honours Bachelor Degree is placed at level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications. Holders of a major award at level 9 or a major award at level 10 must also provide evidence of their award's position on the NFQ. This should be included with the completed application form.

One of the following second level qualifications

In the Leaving Certificate Examination:
A grade D1 or above in Higher Level Irish

A grade D3 or above in Mathematics (Higher or Ordinary level)

A grade D1 or above in English (Ordinary level) or grade D3 or above in English (Higher level)

In the Northern Ireland GCSE and GCE A Level Examinations:

Grade C at GCE A Level Irish

Grade C at GC(S)E Level in both English and English Literature or Grade B at GC(S)E Level in either

Grade D at GC(S)E Level in Additional Mathematics or a Grade C at GC(S)E Level in Mathematics.

Alternatives to second level qualifications in Irish, English or Mathematics

A Pass in a University First Arts Examination in Irish, English or Mathematics will be accepted in lieu of the Leaving Certificate Examination / GCE / GC(S)E requirement for the relevant subject.

In the case of Mathematics, a Pass in that subject in the Matriculation Examination will also be accepted in lieu of the Leaving Certificate Examination / GCE / GC(S)E requirement.

In the case of Irish, a Grade C in the Matriculation Examination (which existed up to 1992) will also be accepted in lieu of the Leaving Certificate / GCE / GC(S)E requirement.

In addition, the following are accepted as satisfying the Leaving Certificate /GCE/GCSE requirement:

Dioplóma sa Ghaeilge, NUI Maynooth, Teastas Eorpach na Ghaeilge (TEG) at Level B2, NUI Maynooth

Dioplóma in Arts (Applied Irish), University College Cork

Dioplóma sa Ghaeilge Fheidhmeach, UCD

Dioplóma sa Ghaeilge, Level C1, NUIG

Dioplóma sa Ghaeilge, Level B1, NUIG

Dioplóma sa Ghaeilge (An Ghaeilge sa Saor Comhaimseartha), University of Limerick

Diploma in Irish at University of Ulster

Application will be through PAC for pac code DC970 (formerly SPD PME)

Eligible applicants are required to undergo an interview and oral Irish examination (Shortlisting may apply). It is hoped interviews will take place in May. Successful applicants will be selected in order of merit determined by the results of the interview and oral Irish examination. To view DES Entry Requirements click English/Gaeilge

Duration

2 years Full-time

Careers or further progression

The PME is not only a gateway to the primary teaching profession, but also to a number of other careers in the areas of educational administration, consulting, content writing, research and educational policy