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.