Professional Master of Education (Post Primary Education) header
DC905

Professional Master of Education (Post Primary Education)

Course Details

Course Code:
DC905
Course Type:
Postgraduate
NFQ Level:
9 - Please see www.qqi.ie for further information
Delivery Mode:
Full-time
Duration
2 Years
Phone:
+353 (0) 1
700 9161

Would you like to pursue a career as a post-primary school teacher? Do you meet the Teaching Council's Curricular Subject Requirements for at least one subject? 

Overview

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This two-year, full-time programme encourages a student-centred and creative approach to teaching and learning, and gives you the skills and knowledge needed for today’s classrooms. 

The programme prepares you to respond to current curricular developments at second level and is designed to promote teacher autonomy in the design, delivery and assessment of curriculum. You’ll also benefit from the DCU Institute of Education’s leading global research centres in assessment, evaluation, citizenship and human rights education and anti-bullying. 

Get practical real-world experience 
The programme includes two school placements in first and second year in different school settings like voluntary secondary schools, Educate Together secondary schools, community colleges, community schools and comprehensive schools.

While most graduates work as teachers in post-primary schools, you may choose to pursue further studies in education and related fields including guidance, pastoral care, school leadership and management. You’ll also be sought after for roles in further education, higher education, government departments and other education and training settings.

DCU People

Careers & Further Options

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Careers

DCU Graduate teachers enjoy high employment success rates - 99% of DCU Institute of Education graduates are in employment or further education some six months after graduation. 

While most of our graduates will work as teachers in post-primary schools, others will pursue further studies in education and related fields, such as guidance, pastoral care, school leadership and management. 

Other graduates will work in Further Education, Higher Education, government departments and other education and training settings.

  • Adult Education
  • Education
  • Government Departments
  • Post Primary Education

"DCU graduates are highly sought after by employers. Our Graduates work in environments ranging from large multinationals to SMEs, family businesses and start-ups across every sector.

DCU Careers Service has a number of learning and development initiatives in place for our students, giving them the skills they need for a successful career path." 

Go to our Careers site to find out more about career planning, our mentorship programme, skills development and online resources for students when working on CVs and making applications.

Entry Requirements

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Programme Structure

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The DCU Institute of Education is the largest provider of education and training in Ireland with more than 150 academic staff with expertise in education and over 4000 students. We take a modern, innovative and creative approach to teaching and learning. 

Choice and Flexibility
Our two year full time flexible delivery PME programme addresses the need for a flexible teacher education qualification for individuals who wish to work in post-primary schools but who are not in a position to engage in a traditional day-time programme of study.

Employability
DCU Graduate Teachers experience high employment success rates. Our school partnerships and professional development initiatives for in-service teachers ensure continued commitment to our students and beyond.

Lectures
The Professional Master of Education (PME) programme starts in late August each year. Students are required to complete an Induction Programme which runs in advance of formal lectures. 

Formal lectures begin in September and are held in DCU St. Patrick's Campus, Drumcondra on Tuesday and Wednesday from 4pm to 8pm. Students will participate in lectures, seminars, tutorials and online components.

School Placement
The programme includes two school placements. Students complete placement in one school in Year 1 and in a different school in Year 2. 

Placements can occur in a variety of school settings including Voluntary Secondary Schools, Educate Together Secondary Schools, Community Colleges, Community Schools and Comprehensive Schools.

Students must secure their own placements in a recognised post-primary school within the Republic of Ireland. Only the first placement needs to be secured at the time of application.

For the duration of this two year programme, all students must engage in a minimum number of hours of direct teaching, placement related activities and observation as outlined in the table below.

Activity

Year 1 (Sept to June)

Year 2 (Sept to June)

Direct teaching

Four hours per week

Four hours per week

Placement related activities 

Four hours per week

Four hours per week

Observation

24 classes

24 classes

 

Life On Campus

Life on Campus
Students on St Patrick's Campus

DCU St Patrick's Campus

FAQs

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