Professional Master of Education (PME) — Post-Primary

The Professional Master of Education (PME) in Post-Primary Education is a two-year, full-time initial teacher education programme that qualifies you to teach at second level in Irish schools. You study pedagogy, curriculum theory, inclusive education, assessment, and the psychology of learning, alongside your two specialist teaching subjects drawn from your undergraduate degree. A significant proportion of your time is spent on supervised school placement in both years, where you work alongside experienced teachers in real classrooms. You also explore professional ethics, special educational needs, and digital learning tools. A typical week combines on-campus lectures and seminars with days in your placement school, lesson planning, and reflective assignments.

To apply for the PME, you must hold an NFQ Level 8 Honours Bachelor degree (minimum 2.2, though many programmes favour a 2.1) in subjects recognised by the Teaching Council for second-level teaching, such as Irish, English, Mathematics, Science, History, or Modern Languages. You apply through the PAC (Postgraduate Applications Centre) rather than the CAO, and competition for places is moderate to high depending on the institution and subject combination. Shortlisting is typically based on your undergraduate classification and the relevance of your degree subjects. Candidates with a degree in a shortage subject such as Irish, Mathematics, or Physics may find the process somewhat less competitive. Mature applicants and those with relevant teaching or youth-work experience are also considered at some institutions. There is no QQI FET progression route onto this programme, as a Level 8 degree is the mandatory entry requirement.

Demand for qualified post-primary teachers in Ireland remains strong, particularly in subjects such as Irish, Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science, where the Teaching Council and the Department of Education have identified persistent shortages. Newly qualified teachers (NQTs) enter a structured induction programme in their first year of teaching, providing additional support and mentoring. Permanent posts can take a few years to secure in over-supplied subjects such as English or History, and many graduates begin on part-time or fixed-term contracts. Salary scales are set nationally under Department of Education pay agreements, providing clear incremental progression throughout your career.