Professional Master of Education in Post-Primary Teaching
A two-year full-time programme qualifying graduates to teach in Irish secondary schools.
Best for:Best for graduates with a strong academic background in a subject discipline who seek a structured, two-year pathway to becoming a certified post-primary school teacher in Ireland.
Overview
The Professional Master of Education (PME) at University College Cork is a two-year, full-time Level 9 programme designed to prepare graduates for careers as post-primary (secondary) school teachers in Ireland. This 120-credit course focuses on pedagogical training, subject-specific expertise, and professional development within a competitive admissions framework. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and eligibility to teach their chosen subject(s) through the Teaching Council of Ireland. The programme prioritises subjects aligned with national education needs, such as languages, mathematics, physics, and chemistry, and operates under a subject-based selection system that considers academic performance, professional experience, and subject-specific qualifications.
What you'll do
- Develop and refine teaching methodologies tailored to post-primary school subjects.
- Engage in classroom-based teaching practice under supervision.
- Complete subject-specific pedagogical training aligned with Irish education standards.
- Participate in professional development workshops and seminars.
- Collaborate with peers and mentors to enhance teaching strategies.
- Demonstrate proficiency in subject-specific knowledge and classroom management.
Requirements
Degree required: A primary degree at a minimum level of 2H2 or equivalent (e.g., a bachelor’s degree and/or master’s degree) recognised by the Teaching Council of Ireland for teaching at least one post-primary school subject.
Degree offered: Professional Master of Education (PME)
Language: English; university-approved proficiency level (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL scores if applicable).
Instruction: English
- Eligibility to teach at least one post-primary school subject as recognised by the Teaching Council of Ireland.
- Completion and submission of a Subject Declaration Form from the Teaching Council.
- Academic excellence in undergraduate studies (minimum 2H2 grade or equivalent).
- Proficiency in English language (for non-native speakers).
- Subject-specific eligibility recognised by the Teaching Council of Ireland.
- No deferrals permitted due to competitive nature of the programme.
- Equivalent academic qualifications for applicants with degrees completed outside Ireland.
- Non-EU applicants must meet the same academic and language requirements.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
Admissions not verified
A catalogue listing does not mean applications are open or funding is guaranteed. Check the source for your intake.
- Intake
- Not confirmed by the source
- Duration
- Not confirmed by the source
- Teaching language
- Not confirmed by the source
- Taught / research mode
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- Study mode
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- Campus
- Not confirmed by the source
- Prerequisites
- Not confirmed by the source
- Application instructions
- Not confirmed by the source
- Tuition
- Not confirmed by the source
- Funding
- Not confirmed by the source
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-01-26
Applicants must submit an online application through the University College Cork’s postgraduate portal. Required documents include a CV, academic transcripts, a Subject Declaration Form from the Teaching Council of Ireland, and proof of English language proficiency if applicable. Selection is subject-based and competitive, with points awarded for academic performance, additional qualifications, and relevant work experience.
- CV
- Academic transcripts (primary degree and any subsequent qualifications)
- Subject Declaration Form from the Teaching Council of Ireland
- Proof of English language proficiency (if non-native speaker)
- Any additional qualifications or professional experience documentation
Contact
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