Professional Master of Education Secondary

at Maynooth University

School Placement

Prospective students are responsible for arranging their own school placements (within a 160 km radius of Maynooth University). PME students (year 1) along with their weekly placements will also undertake a three-week block placement in January.

Learning to Teach/Becoming a Teacher/Curriculum and Assessment/Global and Inclusive Education
The central focus of these modules is on enabling the student to develop a repertoire of pedagogical skills and to adopt a professional, self-analytical and reflective approach to classroom practice. This is aimed at deepening the student’s understanding of the processes of teaching and learning, of assessment, of education, of pupils and their psycho-social development, of schools within their evolving social context and of the structure and development of the system within which they work. Among the research sources that inform these modules are global citizenship and social justice, inclusive approaches to education, digital literacy, pedagogical and curriculum studies, the history and structure of education, educational psychology, sociology of education and the philosophy of education

Entry to the PME programme is determined in the first instance by the candidate’s primary degree with a minimum 2.2 grade. The degree must be a recognised and relevant undergraduate programme as determined by the Teaching Council. 

Applicants are strongly advised to check that the modules of their primary degree meet these requirements prior to making an application.

The fees for Professional Master of Education Secondary applied may vary from €6,500 to €15,000 annually for tuition fees. The fee's prices may get higher for International Students.

The Professional Master of Education is the main qualification recognised by the Department of Education and Skills for teaching at second-level in Ireland. It is also recognised under the EU directives on mutual recognition of professional qualifications.