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PROFESSIONAL MASTER OF EDUCATION (SECONDARY)
- Qualification
- Master Of Education Degree
- CAO/MU Apply code
- PEM01
- Award Type and NFQ level
- TAUGHT MASTERS (9)
- Study Mode
- Full time
- Closing Date
- 11 January 2027
Overview
The Professional Master of Education Post-Primary (PME) at Maynooth University (MU) is a two-year, level 9, full-time initial teacher education programme. This 120-credit programme is accredited by Teaching Council of Ireland. It is designed to allow students to meet the registration requirements set out by the Council to become a post-primary teacher in Ireland.
Students undertake study of the principles of teaching and learning, and develop practical teaching skills informed by the foundation disciplines of educational theory. They engage in a supervised school placement in two different post-primary schools (one each year) located within a 180km radius of Maynooth University. Subject specific methodologies for teaching and learning offered on the programme are listed here.
In March/April and before the start of the school year in August, the Education Department at MU offers webinars as preparation for school placement. PME students commence School Placement at the start of the school year in August, undertaking observation in schools for three weeks before the university term commences. The campus-based component of the programme follows the university timetable for the most part, ending in late April or early May, as appropriate. MU students are expected to remain on school placement until the end of the school year.
Course structure
Duration: 2 years full-time
School Placement
Prospective students are responsible for arranging their own school placements (within a 180 km radius of Maynooth University). In addition to two-day school placement throughout Year 1 of the PME students have a three-week block placement in January. Year 2 students have a three-day placement throughout the school year without a 'January block'.
Professional Studies and Foundation Disciplines
The central focus of the university component of the programme is to enable student teachers to develop a repertoire of knowledge, skills and values to adopt a professional and reflexive approach to classroom practice and their broader role as educators.
The foundational disciplines of education consist of the history and structure of education as well as the psychology, sociology and philosophy of education. Other modules such as Global Citizenship Education and Teaching with Cultural Sensitivity, Social Justice, inclusive approaches to education, digital literacy, pedagogical and curriculum studies complement the foundational disciplines in equipping future teachers for the complexities of teaching today.
All modules aim to deepen student teachers' understanding of the processes of teaching and learning, of assessment, of pupils and their psycho-social development, of schools within their evolving social context and of the structure and development of the system within which they work.
Teaching in Ireland, the EU and elsewhere
The Professional Master of Education is the main qualification recognised by the Department of Education and Youth for teaching at second-level in Ireland. It is also recognised under the EU directives on mutual recognition of professional qualifications.
Graduates seeking employment in another jurisdiction (outside of the EU) must themselves ascertain whether the qualification is recognised there.
Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually.
Important: The information on this page is for prospective students, MU current students and staff should use Programme Directory.
Year 1
Year 2
Careers after your Masters
The Professional Master of Education is the main qualification recognised by the Department of Education and Skills for teaching at second-level in Ireland. It is also recognised under the EU directives on mutual recognition of professional qualifications.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must hold a minimum of a bachelor honours degree (NFQ Level 8) (or equivalent) with a minimum of second-class honours, grade 2 (2:2) including at least 60 ECTS studied to Third Year in at least one curricular subject that is taught at post-primary level. Please consult the Curricular Subject Requirements Post Primary (effective from January 2026 set out by the Teaching Council that must be met for the purposes of registration as a post-primary teacher. These eligibility criteria must be read carefully. The onus is on applicants to ensure they meet the registration requirements set out by the Teaching Council for their subject/s.
As entry to the PME programme is competitive. Applicants are required to apply via the MU APPLY portal and will be invited to provide relevant information on subject specialism, degree results, additional qualifications, and relevant professional experience. In line with the Irish government's on-going initiative to increase the supply of teachers in nationally prioritised subjects, places will be prioritised for applicants who meet the entry requirements for the following subjects: Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science and Languages including Gaeilge, German, French, Italian, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish.
Applicants must ensure that responses are accurate and provided to the best of their knowledge. Supporting evidence will be requested and verified during the application review process. Failure to provide such evidence will result in the non-progression of the application.
International Students:
Admission to the Professional Master of Education [PME] and/or completion of said programme does not guarantee registration as a teacher in Ireland, or in any other country. Maynooth University bears no responsibility for ensuring that PME graduates meet requirements for teacher registration. It is the responsibility of the international applicant to ensure that the Maynooth University PME is recognised as a teacher education qualification by the country in which they plan to teach.
How to apply
To apply for the Professional Masters in Education (Secondary Teaching), please click here.
A list of required application documents is below. However, candidates should carefully review the PME Guidance Notes 2026 in our How to Apply section in full before submitting an application as documents cannot be modified once you have submitted an application. Applicants should not begin filling out the application without first reading the guidance documents.
- Copy of Valid Passport
- Full academic transcripts for all semesters/ years completed to date
- Copy of Graduation Certificate required (if already a graduate)
- Completed Teaching Council Self-Declaration Form for all applicable subjects that you intend to teach
- Completed Employer Reference Form (form available to download in the How to Apply section) (only if claiming points for professional work experience)
Once you have submitted your application, you will be invited to complete an additional PME Online Questionnaire.
2027 Closing Dates:
Application Closing Date: 11 January 2027 (Please note that failure to upload all required documents by this date will result in your application being unsuccessful. Late applications or document submissions will not be accepted for review or consideration).
Final Year Certified Transcripts Closing Date: TBC