Professional Master of Education (PME)

The Professional Master of Education (PME) at University of Galway is a recognised postgraduate qualification for teaching (post-primary) and provides the professional knowledge, understanding and pedagogical skills required to become a post-primary teacher.
The PME is a two-year, full-time programme for graduates and is accredited by the Teaching Council of Ireland for the purposes of registration as a post-primary teacher (pupils aged 1218 years) in Ireland and the EU, as well as other English-speaking countries.
To enable students to adopt an evidence-based approach to their professional practice and to respond to the complexity of teaching and learning within the modern day classroom, the design and approach to the programme is research-driven and research-based. Students will engage with contemporary research literature as well as policy at international and local level. The University context with its vibrant research culture provides an excellent location for teacher education programmes that are research driven and develop teachers as professional and critical practitioners.

Career Opportunities
Potential students who have an interest in becoming a secondary school teacher in Ireland or the EU, who have an interest in teaching and learning, and making a change in the lives of children and young people. Those who are passionate about their teaching subject(s). People who are good at listening, explaining, and interested in building respectful and supportive relationships with young people and colleagues.

The minimum requirement is a primary degree, Level 8 (or equivalent international qualification) deemed eligible by the Teaching Council for the purposes of registration as a post- primary teacher. More information:

Additional Requirements

School Placement
Throughout each of the two years of the programme students have two school placements (one per year).
Students are responsible for securing their own school placement for PME Year 1 prior to registration on the programme. Please note: All students registering on the PME will be subject to Garda Vetting in compliance with the University's policy.

English Language Requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall, no less than 5.5 in any one component; Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE): 176 overall; Cambridge C2 Advanced (CPE): 180 overall; TOEFL: 88 overall (7 Listening, 16 Speaking, 18 Writing, 8 Reading); Pearson PTE: 61 overall, no less than 48 in any one component.