Who is this course for?  

The Professional Master of Education (PME) at University of Galway is a recognised Initial Teacher Education (ITE) postgraduate programme. This two-year, full-time Masters programme provides the requisite professional knowledge, understanding and pedagogical skills for post-primary teaching. 

The PME is a Teaching Council of Ireland (TCI) accredited ITE programme for the purposes of registration as a post-primary teacher (pupils aged 12–18 years) in the Republic of Ireland. It is recognised as a teaching qualification in the EU, Great Britain, and Australia. 

At the School of Education (SoE), our mission is to educate passionate, knowledgeable, innovative, inclusive and caring graduates who embrace diversity, change and uncertainty, and who ask critical questions about education and schooling. 

What will I study?  

The programme is organised in a modular fashion. The modules and related learning outcomes correspond to the required components of an ITE programme, as specified by The Teaching Council’s Céim: Standards for Initial Teacher Education. 

Through the taught components of the program, students are introduced to: theoretical? frameworks and contemporary issues within foundational disciplines; to professional studies of education; and to a variety of teaching strategies, models, philosophies  and approaches. These cover planning, assessment, classroom management and other relevant areas that are important for achieving teaching and learning objectives. School placement blocks, which are interspersed throughout the academic year, provide the opportunity for students to apply theory to practice in a real-world context.

PME Year 1 modules 

Modules	Area of study	ECTS
ED6100  Educational Sciences	Psychology of Education Education, Diversity and Social Justice History, Structure and Context of Irish Education Philosophy of Education	15
ED6101  Professional Studies	Teaching, Learning & Inclusivity Curriculum & Assessment Literacy & Numeracy Information Computer Technology (ICT) in Education	10
ED6102  Professional Practice/School Placement	School Placement Teacher as Professional Collaborative Practice Resource Development Global Citizenship Education Reflective Practice & Portfolio Development Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL)	25
Teaching Methodology 1A	Subject Methodology	5
Teaching Methodology 1B	Subject Methodology or Specialist Methodology	5

PME Year 2 modules  

Year 2: Modules	Area of study	ECTS
ED6200  Educational Sciences 2	Same areas of study as Year 1 with focus on linking theory and policy with practice and application in schools	5
ED6201 Practitioner Based Research	Introduction to research and research methods Literature search and literature review Research methodologies, esp. practitioner research Data collection and research instrument design Research ethics Data analysis	20
ED6202 Professional  Practice/School Placement	School Placement  Teacher as Professional  Collaborative Practice  Resource Development  Global Citizenship Education  Reflective Practice & Portfolio Development Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL)   Subject Methodology	25
Teaching Methodology 2A	Subject Methodology	5
Teaching Methodology 2B	Subject Methodology or Specialist Methodology	5

 

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

• Placement Opportunities: We support placement in mainstream second-level schools anywhere in Ireland. School placement is organised through a block model where students exclusively work in their schools (i.e., no college days) during the relevant weeks. Year 2 offers an 11-week school placement block which allows for a deep professional learning experience.  Global Citizenship Education: Every graduate receives the Global Teacher Award. 
• Professional Input: Most of our subject specific methodologies are facilitated by practicing post-primary teachers.
• Guest Lectures: We host a wide variety of educational specialists to critically discuss contemporary issues and realities of education. 
• Micro-teaching: Prior to going out on your first teaching placement you will get the opportunity to practice your teaching with your peers in a recorded class, to later review with one of our faculty members.

The PME is a Teaching Council of Ireland (TCI) accredited ITE programme for the purposes of registration as a post-primary teacher (pupils aged 12–18 years) in the Republic of Ireland. It is recognised as a teaching qualification in the EU, Great Britain, and Australia. 

School placement can be completed in any state recognised mainstream post-primary school in the country. The quantity and duration of classes are as follows:  

PME Year 1 - 15 weeks School Placement; 8-10 classes (for 40-min classes) or 6-8 classes (for 60 min classes) per week.  

PME Year 2 - 16 weeks School Placement; 10-12 classes (for 40-min classes) or 8-10 classes (for 60 min classes) per week.  

School placement is supported by tutorials, workshops, lectures during college blocks, and by one-to-one mentoring support during school placement provided by experienced and expert tutors. 

The Professional Master of Education (PME) at University of Galway is a recognised Initial Teacher Education (ITE) postgraduate programme which is accredited by the Teaching Council of Ireland. This two-year, full-time masters provides the requisite professional knowledge, understanding and pedagogical skills for post-primary teaching. 

How will I learn?

Learning takes place through a variety of methods including: 

• Lectures
• Small interactive group workshops
• Subject-specific methodology classes
• Specialised teacher clinics: Microteaching 
• Student-led and faculty-supported action research
• School placements 

How Will I Be Assessed? 

Throughout the programme, your progress is assessed through a diverse range of assessment strategies including:  

1. Assignments, presentations, practical exams
2. Collaborative group work
3. Reflective academic writing
4. Teaching practice, including planning and preparation 

Course queries: 
education@universityofgalway.ie   

Programme Director(s):  

Dr. Brenda Gallagher, Dr. Niamh Flynn.
School of Education 
College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies

Q: What is the application window for this course?
A: Applications open on October 1st and will close on the 31st of January. 

Q: Where can I obtain Subject Declaration Forms (SDFs)?
A: They are provided by the Teaching Council here: SDFs 

Q: I’m not sure if I am eligible to teach a subject, how do I check?
A: The Teaching Council’s self-assessment document is available here: Self-Assessment 

In the first year of the PME, the Council will also provide a free qualification verification, either confirming your eligibility or outlining what you might need to study in order to become eligible.  

Please note that eligibility to teach subjects at a post-primary level is entirely dictated by the teaching Council of Ireland. 

Q: How do I get a placement school?
A: You can do your placement in any post-primary school in the Republic of Ireland. Whilst it is your responsibility to secure a placement, we will provide guidance and support for this after you accept your offer. 

Q: How do I obtain Garda Vetting?
A: After you accept your offer, you will be sent an invitation for Garda Vetting through the University in August-September. Please direct all queries in relation to this to GVadmissions@universityofgalway.ie

We will support your learning by enabling you to: 

• integrate theory and practice, supporting creative teaching and learning;
• build awareness of and competence in enacting current and emerging national priorities such as literacy, numeracy, inclusion, and Global Citizenship Education (GCE);
• gain an understanding of your ethical and legal obligations;
• become responsible, ethical, collaborative, reflective and inquiry-based practitioners;
• appreciation of current and active research and its role within continuous professional development. 

Application Process  

The requirement for entry is a level 8 degree on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) with a minimum overall result of H2.2 (50%+). This requirement is strict, and your application will not be considered if you do not meet it. 

All applications for the Professional Master of Education (PME) are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System. Applications for the 2026-2027 academic year, open on the 1st of October 2025, and close on the 31st January 2026. 

All applicants must provide the following information and documentation as a part of their application: 

• Proof of Identification (Birth Certificate, Passport or Driving Licence);
• PPS Number (International applicants exempted?); 
• Undergraduate Degree Transcript (second year results if students are currently completing final year of the degree);
• A completed Teaching Council Subject Declaration Form (SDF) for each curricular subject they intend to teach on completion of the PME. 

If you have two subjects you intend to teach, you must include an SDF form for each subject. Please note that if you do not have your second subject listed, you may not be able to register for it when you commence the PME. 

The following may be provided to strengthen an application, but are not mandatory: 

• Transcripts related to other postgraduate qualifications completed/awarded (up to five documents in total can be uploaded);
• A completed Teaching Experience form, signed by the relevant employer (if unsigned this will not be considered). 

Post-qualification with the PME graduates’ registration as a teacher in the post-primary school system in the Republic of Ireland is regulated by the Teaching Council of Ireland.

Application Grading and Selection 

Applications are awarded points for their Honours Degree result and then awarded additional points for other qualifications (these must be QQI validated), and/or for Teaching Experience (must be either 3 months duration or 12 months duration minimum). 

The details of point scoring are available below: 

Points Allocated for Undergraduate and Primary Degree Performance

To be considered applicants must have an overall minimum grade of H2.2 with an eligible Level 8 degree (or equivalent) on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). 

PERCENTAGE MARK RANGE		GPA RANGE		QCA Range		POINTS Range
Lower	Upper	Lower	Upper	Lower	Upper
68.00	100.00	3.58	4.30	3.32	4.30	46 - 51
58.00	67.99	2.98	3.57	2.92	3.31	41- 45
50.00	57.99	2.50	2.97	2.60	2.91	37 - 40

Points allocated for additional relevant Academic Qualifications 

Qualification	Points
PhD.	10
Masters Degree	6
Higher/Graduate Diploma	3
Higher Certificate	1
2nd Primary Degree	4
Diploma - at least 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time	2
Certificate - at least 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time	1

Teaching Experience 

For an applicant to receive the below points they must adhere to the listed criteria. A completed and signed Teaching Experience form must be submitted for the points to be applied. 

 6 points:  

• At least a year 
• Primary or post-primary teaching (nationally or internationally) 

 3 points:  

• At least 3 months 
• Primary or post-primary teaching (nationally or internationally) OR Teaching with a recognised educational establishment (nationally or internationally)

Please be aware that certain subjects are in higher demand, and consequently are more competitive. While this varies, the subjects of Geography, English, History, and Business are highly competitive each year and an overall undergraduate H2.2 result without additional qualifications or teaching experience may not be successful due to high demand.  

Those who only have one subject may also be disadvantaged when compared to those with two subjects. 

All applications are considered in the context of the total applicant pool for that year, as a result, the points of successful applications are dynamic. 

You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Please review the entry requirements set out in the section above.  

You will be required to upload supporting documentation to your application electronically. See the section above on entry requirements for further information on the supporting documentation required for this course.  

Closing Dates 

For this programme, there is no specific closing date for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotes will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle.  

Notes 

• You will need an active email account to use the website and you'll be guided through the system, step by step, until you complete the online form.
• Browse the FAQ's section for further guidance. 

Fees for Academic Year 2026/27

Course Type	Year	EU Tuition	Student Contribution	Non-EU Tuition	Levy	Total Fee	Total EU Fee	Total Non-EU Fee
Masters Full Time	1	€6,600		€18,800	€140		€6,740	€18,940

For 26/27 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 1.8% per annum for continuing years fees.

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,500 towards your tuition (2026/27).  You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee.  A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.

Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here. 

Postgraduate Excellence Scholarships 

This scholarship is valued at €1,500 for EU students applying for full-time taught master's postgraduate courses. You will be eligible if: 

• You have been accepted to a full-time taught master's course at University of Galway;
• You have attained a first-class honours (or equivalent) in a Level 8 primary degree.  

An application for the scholarship scheme is required (separate to the application for a place on the programme). The application portal for 2025 is now open and available here. Applications will close on the 30th September 2025. Full details available here.  

Global Scholarships

University of Galway offers a range of merit-based scholarships to students from a number of countries outside of the EU. Visit here for schemes currently available.  

Application Process 

Students applying for full time postgraduate programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for entry the following September.   

Further Information 

Please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.