Applications are now open for the Professional Master of Education (Primary Teaching) at Mary Immaculate College (MIC)—a two-year, full-time Level 9 postgraduate professional teacher education programme designed to qualify graduates as primary school teachers.
The PME (Primary Teaching) is a research-led, practice-focused programme that supports student teachers to integrate educational theory and professional practice through practice-oriented inquiry. Central to the programme is structured reflection and practitioner-based research, enabling students to critically examine their classroom experiences and develop creative, flexible approaches to teaching across diverse educational contexts.
The programme is thematic in design and focuses iteratively on students’ developing identities as learners, teachers, researchers and future leaders. Alongside a broad range of curriculum and foundation studies traditionally associated with Initial Teacher Education, the PME places a strong emphasis on research methods. Students undertake practitioner-based research during extended school placement and complete a Taisce portfolio in the final semester, bringing together research, reflection and professional learning.
Students also complete two Tréimhse Foghlama sa Ghaeltacht, usually undertaken during the first year of the programme and between semesters in early January and during the summer break. These immersive modules support the development of Irish language proficiency and cultural understanding.
A variety of assessment modes are employed across the two-year programme, including written examinations, coursework and group presentations, reflecting the programme’s commitment to inclusive and authentic assessment practices.
According to Dr Margaret Nohilly, Programme Coordinator, “At MIC we provide a thematic curriculum that develops you as a learner, teacher, researcher and leader. We place a very strong focus on curriculum studies combined with research methods and practice orientated enquiry. Our graduates emerge equipped to create inclusive learner centred environments and are qualified to teach all class levels in the primary school”
The closing date for applications is Friday 10 April 2026 at 5pm.
For further details about the PME or to apply, please click here, or contact:
Dr Margaret Nohilly, Co-Ordinator of PME (Primary Teaching)
Phone: +353 61 774744
Email: Margaret.Nohilly@mic.ul.ie
