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 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).
Application Details
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.
Next start date September 2026
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.