Education - Primary Teaching

What is the Professional Master of Education (Primary Teaching)?

The Professional Master of Education (Primary Teaching) prepares graduates to enter the teaching profession. This programme is recognised by the Teaching Council and emphasises the acquisition of key teaching practices. Students are expected to develop a wide range of practical teaching skills both during their time in MIE and on school placement.



What is the Professional Master of Education (Primary Teaching)?

It is a postgraduate course designed to prepare students to become eligible to apply for registration as primary teachers with the Teaching Council.



What will I study?

The course includes foundation studies, which integrate history of education, philosophy and sociology of education, educational psychology and curriculum and assessment. You will also conduct research in an area of special interest. Study for a certificate in Catholic Religious Education and/or in Multi-belief and Ethical Curricula in Diverse School Contexts.



Who is the course for?

Graduates who already have a level 8 degree at grade II.2 or higher. Some students transfer directly from an undergraduate course whereas other students have spent time travelling, or working in another field before deciding to pursue a career as a primary teacher.



School Placement

Students undertake periods of school placement during both years of the course. In first year there is a three-week placement in semester 1 and semester 2. In second year there is a one-week placement in a special education setting and a ten-week placement



Gaeltacht

Students must spend time, typically two two-week periods, in the Gaeltacht.

Year 1 – Teaching/Learning

School Placement/Professional Studies

• School Placement (including Professional Studies)

• Teaching and Learning (Approximations of Practice)



Foundation Studies

• Psychology/Early Childhood Education

• Research Methods



Curriculum Studies/Subject Knowledge

• English Methods/Subject Knowledge

• Irish Methods/Subject Knowledge

• Mathematics Methods/Subject Knowledge

• Physical Education/Social Personal & Health Education

• Religious Education

• Social, Environmental & Scientific Education

• Arts Education (Visual Arts, Drama, Music)



Year 2 – Theory/Practice

School Placement/Professional Studies

• Advanced School Placement

• Advanced Professional Studies

• Creative Technologies for Teaching and Learning



Foundation Studies

• Educational Theory & Practice (Philosophy/History, Sociology/Psychology)

• Research Thesis



Curriculum Studies/Subject Knowledge

• Arts Education (Integrated Arts & Music/Drama)

• Inclusive Education

• Literacy/Literature & Teaching in Irish-medium settings

Minimum entry requirements

› An honours degree (level 8 with honours II.2 result or higher) or a major award at level 9 or 10 and the following Leaving Certificate (or equivalent) Grades. Maths – O4/H7, English – O4/H7, Irish – H4

› 65% or above in Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge (TEG) level B1 in oral Irish examination.*



* Requirement may be revised

Applications for the September 2025 intake will open in late Jan/early Feb 2025.

ECTS Credits: 120

2 years full-time

Intake: September 2025

What are my career options?

Most graduates become primary teachers in schools in the Republic of Ireland. Some travel abroad to teach English as an additional language or to teach in primary schools elsewhere.



What other options do I have?

Some graduates will pursue further postgraduate studies in education. Such additional qualifications open up possible careers as curriculum leaders, a principal teacher, a teacher educator and much more.