Course Summary
The Professional Master of Education (Primary Teaching) (PMEP) programme equips students with the principles, curriculum knowledge and pedagogical understanding with which to begin their teaching careers as competent and committed professionals. The programme is responsive to the changing contexts of primary education, offering student teachers opportunities to engage critically with the interface between society and education.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
Note: The Department of Education Entry Requirements for a Professional Masters of Education (2025) will be uploaded at https://www.dcu.ie/courses/postgraduate/institute-education/professional-master-education-primary-teaching, once provided by the Department of Education (date tbc)
Before making your application to DCU DC970:
Candidates wishing to apply for the Professional Masters of Education (Primary Teaching) MUST take Teastas Eorpach Gaeilge (TEG) Level B1 Oral Irish examination. A minimum of 65% must be attained on this examination to be eligible to apply for the PME (Primary) programme.
The TEG B1 Oral Irish examination dates for the Professional Masters of Education (Primary Teaching) 2025-25 are:
26th & 27th January, 9th 10th February, 2025
For entry to the PMEP application process for 2025-25, the closing date for applying for the TEG oral examination is 5pm, 8th January 2025
A successful result in the TEG B1 Oral Irish examination will be valid for two years before the examination needs to be retaken
Applications for the TEG B1 Oral Irish examination are made directly through TEG
Further information can be found on the TEG website: https://www.teg.ie/english.167.html
Application Details
Application Deadlines
Applications will be accepted until the following date: 6th April 2025.
All entry requirements must be met before 14th July 2025.
Queries
Queries on applications may be emailed to [email protected]. Please include the programme code (DC970) in the subject line of your email.
Commencement of Programme: August 23rd 2025
To apply for this programme:
All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal which is available at the Application Weblink.
Applications must include:
Academic Transcripts of Results for UG honours degree, with overall results of H2.2 or higher, (if you are in your final year of your Undergraduate Degree please upload transcripts for each year of study to date)
Evidence that you have fulfilled the minimum requirements for the following subjects:
- Gaeilge: Leaving Certificate transcript (or equivalent)
- English: Leaving Certificate transcript (or equivalent)
- Mathematics: Leaving Certificate transcript (or equivalent)
Irish language oral proficiency (65% on Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge, TEG, B1)
Passport Photograph
PMEP Additional Questionnaire (submitted within the Online Portal).
Please view the following documents for further information:
- Application Information in full DC970 PMEP Guidelines
- How achieving a place on the programme is calculated DC970 PMEP Points Scoring System
- Our list of Frequently Asked Questions from Applicants DC970 PMEP FAQs
Important Notes
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that each document submitted is valid evidence that the applicant achieved the required standard. Each document must be an official statement from a relevant institution, e.g. Certified university transcript (bearing stamp and signature), TEG certificate, school Leaving Certificate transcript (with candidate name, school name and year clearly shown). Screen shots, emails or portal page printouts will not be accepted, and your application will be declined. Please ensure to use a valid email address for the application, as updates will be provided via this address and check that spam filters are not in operation.
Please note that all PMEP students must undertake two mandatory Gaeltacht Placement periods as pert of the programme. The first mandatory placement will take place from Friday, 23rd August to Friday, 6th September, 2025, before lectures commence.
The programme commences in September 2025
Fees
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.