Professional Masters in Education (P.M.E.)

Course Overview

The Professional Masters of Education (PME) is a required qualification for those wishing to work as post-primary school teachers in the Republic of Ireland and a recognised teaching qualification within the EU. The course aims to prepare new entrants for the teaching profession who are subject experts in their chosen discipline, are knowledgeable, creative and reflective about the aims and processes of education and who are professional in all aspects of their work.

The programme achieves a high level of integration between theoretically informed professional studies, the foundation disciplines and school placement providing for a coherent, holistic student experience across a range of sites of practice. The student experience is underpinned by research-informed teaching, which facilitates student teachers to engage with research as an integral part of their postgraduate education throughout the programme.

On entering the programme, students are embarking on a process of professional development which continues through to their induction and probation as a newly qualified teacher and then on to continuing their professional development as an experienced teacher. The two-year full-time programme of Initial Teacher Education constitutes the first stage of this process, primarily a programme of professional development with a significant academic dimension. There is a clear emphasis on the acquisition of key teaching competences and students are expected to develop the competences both during their time in university and while on school placement.

Applicants must be university graduates, with an 2.1 honours Bachelor's degree. The qualifying degree must be equivalent to at least Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications(NFQ). The qualifying degree must carry at least 180 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits (or equivalent), and include, as a substantial component, (at least 60 ECTS credits), in at least one subject from the list of those taught at Leaving Certificate level in Ireland.

Applicants should be aware of specific entry criteria to the teaching profession which are set and regulated by the Department of Education and Skills in association with the Teaching Council of Ireland, and which must be satisfied independently of the School of Education’s entry requirements. The School of Education is committed to ensuring an inclusive approach to education with a broad and diverse teaching profession. We shortlist and interview candidates on the basis of their degree award and their professional and life experiences.

Students will be required to undergo Garda Vetting, you can learn more here.

English Language Requirements

All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements. For more details of qualifications that meet Band B, see the English Language Requirements page here.

This course provides a holistic programme to prepare graduates for a career in the teaching profession through the development of critical and analytical skills, creative methods and strategies for teaching and a reflective professional approach to teaching and learning.