Course Summary
The Professional Master of Education (PME) at University of Galway is a recognised postgraduate qualification for teaching (post-primary) and provides the professional knowledge, understanding and pedagogical skills required to become a post-primary teacher.
Please note that we also provide this course through Irish.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
The minimum requirement is a primary degree, Level 8 (or equivalent international qualification) deemed eligible by the Teaching Council for the purposes of registration as a post- primary teacher. More information: www.universityofgalway.ie/education
Additional Requirements
School Placement
Throughout each of the two years of the programme students have two school placements (one per year).
Students are responsible for securing their own school placement for PME Year 1 prior to registration on the programme. The requirements for the PME Year 1 placement are outlined in the FAQs document (see ‘Find Out More’ link). Please note: All students registering on the PME will be subject to Garda Vetting in compliance with the University's policy.
Application Details
Closing Date: 10 February 2025.
Applications must be completed online at: https://nuigalway.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login.
An application requires a registration fee of €35. You will be asked to upload proof of identification, academic transcripts, a personal statement, an academic reference and documentation to fulfil the English requirement (where English is not your first language).
Next start date September 2025
Fees
Fees: EU
€6,390 p.a. (including levy) 2024/25
Fees: Tuition
€6,250 p.a. 2024/25
Fees: Student levy
€140 p.a. 2024/25
Fees: Non EU
€18,000 p.a. (€18,140 including levy) 2024/25
Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant—please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,000 towards your tuition (2024/25). 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.
The Professional Master of Education is a two year, full-time programme. EU fees for each year of this programme are €6,390 for 2024/25. You may have paid €260 deposit to PAC to accept your place for year 1. Once you register this will become part payment against your fees due and you will be liable for the balance.
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Career Progression
Potential students who have an interest in becoming a secondary school teacher in Ireland or the EU, who have an interest in teaching and learning, and making a change in the lives of children and young people. Those who are passionate about their teaching subject(s). People who are good at listening, explaining, and interested in building respectful and supportive relationships with young people and colleagues.
• Would you like to work with children and young people and make a difference to their lives?
• Are you passionate about (and competent in) your subjects and do you want to share your passion with young people?
• Are you patient, good at listening, good at explaining—can you build respectful and supportive relationships with young people and colleagues?
• Can you see yourself inspiring young people to learn and work hard?
• Can you see yourself enjoying and coping in a work environment where you have different (and often unexpected) experiences every day, where you can be creative and where you have to be well organised, committed and professional?