Professional Master in Education (Art & Design) – Secondary Level Teaching
Prepare for a teaching career in art and design education with a specialised master’s programme at Ireland’s leading art college.
Best for:Best for art and design graduates seeking a specialised teaching qualification to become secondary school educators in Ireland.
Overview
This Professional Master in Education (PME) at the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) equips graduates with the skills to teach art, craft, and design at post-primary (secondary) schools in Ireland. The programme blends theoretical education studies with hands-on practice, ensuring graduates meet the professional standards set by the Irish Teaching Council. Applicants must hold a relevant undergraduate degree with specific credits in visual arts, media, and art history, and must complete a subject declaration form and Garda vetting for school placements. The curriculum emphasises policy, pedagogy, and practical teaching experience, making it ideal for those passionate about shaping future generations’ creative education.
What you'll do
- Develop and deliver art, craft, and design lessons aligned with Irish post-primary education standards.
- Engage in school-based teaching placements to gain hands-on classroom experience.
- Research and apply contemporary educational theories and policies in creative arts education.
- Collaborate with peers and educators to design innovative teaching strategies for visual arts.
- Complete a subject declaration form and undergo Garda vetting for eligibility to teach in Irish schools.
- Prepare a statement of interest outlining your views on art and design education policy and practice.
Requirements
Degree required: Level 8 (honours bachelor’s) degree or equivalent in art and/or design, recognised by the Irish Registration Council for Secondary Teachers. Must include credits in Drawing/Visual Studies, Media, and Art/Design History.
Language: English proficiency; international applicants must provide proof (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL).
Instruction: English
- Proven academic excellence with a minimum 2.2 GPA overall and passing grades in all examinations.
- Experience or interest in art, craft, or design education theory and practice.
- Ability to complete Garda vetting for school placements.
- Familiarity with Irish post-primary education policies and structures.
- Applicants currently completing an undergraduate degree may apply conditionally; final transcripts must be submitted later.
- Must complete the Irish Teaching Council Subject Declaration form.
- Garda vetting required for school placement eligibility.
- No nationality restrictions, but proof of English proficiency required for non-native speakers.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
Admissions not verified
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- Intake
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- Duration
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- Teaching language
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- Taught / research mode
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- Study mode
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- Campus
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- Prerequisites
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- Tuition
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How to apply
Applicants must submit a Statement of Interest, CV, certified transcripts, degree certificates, an academic reference (or employer reference if graduated over 4 years ago), and the Irish Teaching Council Subject Declaration form via the NCAD postgraduate portal. Portfolios are only requested after initial review and interview shortlisting.
- Statement of Interest (outlining educational interests and views on art/design education policy)
- Recent CV
- Certified transcripts of previous programmes
- Certified copies of degree certificates
- Academic reference (preferably from Head of School/Department) or employer reference (if graduated >4 years ago)
- Subject Declaration Form (completed online via NCAD portal)
- Proof of English proficiency (for international applicants)
Contact
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