Course Summary
The programme deals with the theory and practice of art, craft and design education at post-primary level.
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
Applicants for the Professional Master in Education (Art & Design) should hold a level 8 degree or equivalent in art and/or design recognised by the Registration Council for Secondary Teachers of the Department of Education and Science in Ireland. The applicant must have received a minimum of a pass in each examination and a 2.2 or higher overall. The degree should include credits in the following:
a) Drawing, 2D and 3D Visual Studies in Art/Craft/Design
b) Media
c) Art/Design History and Critical Studies/Visual Cultural Studies
Applicants will also be required to complete the Irish Teaching Council Subject Declaration form. The form can be found in the 'Essential Supporting Documents' section below. More information can be found at the Teaching Council website.
You may apply for the programme if you are currently completing your Undergraduate Degree. NCAD will review the rest of your application and if necessary, we can make you a Conditional Offer. When your degree is completed and you send us final transcripts we will upgrade this to a Full Offer.
Garda Vetting
In order to start school placement, it is necessary to be Garda vetted. Please do not delay completing these forms once they have been sent to you. From 7th July 2025, the National Vetting Bureau (NVB), in line with the EU Directive 2011/93/EU, introduced additional child protection checks with the other 26 EU member states and the UK, to strengthen the protection of children. These additional checks have increased vetting application turnaround timelines for those who have resided in another EU state or the UK. Therefore you must complete your garda vetting documents accurately and quickly once you receive them. They will be sent to you via the email address you provide when applying to PME.
Essential Supporting Documents
• A Statement of Interest
- Statements should refer to the most enjoyable aspects of your own education.
- Indicate which aspects of education policy and practice especially interest you and outline your views on current issues on art and design education within second-level schools.
• A recent CV
• Certified transcripts of previous programmes followed
• Certified copies of degree/ certificates and/or other appropriate third level qualifications bearing the official stamp of the institution.
• Academic Reference (Head of School/Department preferred), or if you graduated more than 4 years' ago please submit an employer reference instead
- Some referees prefer to submit the reference directly to the college. If this is the case, please instruct your referee to email a standard reference to [email protected]. Please make sure all references contain the letterhead and the institution contact email address for the referee, as well as their job title
• Subject Declaration Form - Please complete this form online. Download it as a PDF and add it to your application along with other supporting documents. Alternatively, you can email it as a PDF to [email protected] Please click here to complete the form.
Portfolio
You will not be asked to supply your portfolio until all of the other documents have been received and have been reviewed. Only those who are called for interview are asked to submit a portfolio. Therefore we do not ask you to submit it when making your application.
English Language Requirements
All programmes in NCAD are taught through English. International Applicants are asked to provide proof of their English Language Proficiency.
Full details of acceptable tests and the standard required can be found at the following link: https://www.ncad.ie/study-at-ncad/international/english-language-requirement/
Application Details
The priority deadline for applications is 19 February 2025
Programme commences September 2026.
Fees
Successful applicants must pay a €500 non-refundable deposit within 10 working days of receiving the offer in order to secure their place.
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.
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.
Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
Career Progression
Graduates of the programme take up positions as second level art teachers in Ireland and across the world, as third level art educators, as school principals and deputy-principals, as museum curators, youth workers, arts officers, artists in residence in primary and secondary schools, independent art education consultants and as researchers in art education.