Course Summary
The Professional Master of Education (Post Primary) is a full-time teacher education qualification delivered through evening and flexible learning modes for those who meet the Teaching Council's Curricular Subject Requirements for at least one subject and wish to become a teacher in a post primary school.
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
First, you need to consult the Teaching Council’s Requirements for Teacher Registration to see if your undergraduate qualifications meet the requirements set out by the Teaching Council of Ireland, the professional standards body for teaching in Ireland. As part of the application process, you will need to confirm that your degree complies with these requirements. See https://www.teachingcouncil.ie/applying-in-2022-for-a-place-on-a-professional-master-of-education-pme/
Please see https://www.dcu.ie/courses/professional-master-education-post-primary-dc905 for all information on how to apply, and to submit an application through the online portal. Please ensure you read all details carefully prior to submitting the application.
International Applications:
Where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language. For further information on international applications go to https://www.dcu.ie/global
Application Details
Applications for September 2026 intake:
Opening Date for applications - 3rd November 2025.
Closing Date for all applicants - 9th February 2026.
Final date for any conditional items - 13th July 2026.
The programme commences in September 2026.
Fees
EU Status Fee Year 1 €4,900 - Year 2 €5,500
Non EU Fee Year 1 €9,900 - Year 2 €9,900
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
Education
Government Departments
Post Primary Education
Career Prospects
While most of our graduates will work as teachers in post-primary schools, others will pursue further studies in education and related fields, such as guidance, pastoral care, school leadership and management. Others again will work in Further Education, Higher Education, government departments and other education and training settings.
Duration
The Professional Master of Education (PME) programme starts in late August each year. Students are required to complete an Induction Programme which runs in advance of formal lectures. Formal lectures begin in September and are held in DCU St. Patrick's Campus, Drumcondra on Tuesday and Wednesday from 4pm to 8pm. Students will participate in lectures, seminars, tutorials and online components.