Professional Master of Education (Post-Primary) | DC905

All Applicants must apply through the DCU Student Application Portal -  and applications for 2026/27 will open on Monday 3rd November 2025. The programme commences in September 2026.

Please note that as part of the application process applicants will be required to complete Subject Declaration Form(s) for the curricular subject(s) they intend to teach on completion of the Professional Master of Education, Post-Primary Teaching (PME). These form(s) must be completed in full during the application process, as it is not possible to update form(s) once the application is submitted.

Applications for admission to the Professional Master of Education (Post-Primary Teaching) in DCU will be processed in accordance with the regulations, procedures and timelines described on the DCU website. No applicant should attempt to complete the application without first reading the instructions on this webpage. For a printable copy of these instructions, please download our Application Guidance Notes.

Application Instructions
Applicants for admission to the PME beginning in Autumn 2026 at DCU must have uploaded all documents and completed the application by the application closing date (refer to Key Dates table above). The application fee is €100 and must be paid online via the DCU Student Application Portal. See above table for key deadlines for all supporting documentation which must be uploaded onto the DCU Student Application Portal. Applicants will be assessed on the basis of information supplied in the online form together with accompanying documentation. 

If all documents required are not uploaded by the application closing date, any outstanding items will be marked waived and nothing further can be added at this point. This may also result in applicants receiving a score of zero as assessment cannot be completed without all necessary and legible and accessible documents. 

Each offer of a place on the PME (Post-Primary teaching) programme will be PROVISIONAL pending verification of information supplied by the applicant and fulfilment of other offer conditions including securing of a school placement. In all cases, applicants must hold an eligible Level 8 degree (or equivalent) on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) which meet the Teaching Council Curricular Subject Requirements for at least one curricular subject. If information supplied is found to be false or incomplete the absolute right is reserved to cancel the offer.  In extreme circumstances registration may be deferred or discontinued until the requirements are met and the university will NOT accept any responsibility for arrangements, commitments or liabilities undertaken by the applicant on foot of the offer.

International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above.

Offers
An email from the DCU Student Application Portal will alert applicants to check their application status. Please ensure that the email address provided in the online application is active.  Applicants who receive an offer must confirm acceptance by the specified date in order to secure a place.

Please note that canvassing of any kind will disqualify an applicant. Applications will not be discussed with third parties.

Queries on completed applications
Queries on applications may be emailed to pgedapplications@dcu.ie. Please include the programme code (DC905) in the subject line of the email.

Please see our Application FAQs for further information.

DC905 PME Programme and Prospectus Page 

All applicants must provide the following documentation by the application deadline stated in the key dates table above*.  

• PME Additional Questionnaire - Completed through the Application Portal
• Download the Teaching Council Subject Declaration Forms 2026/2027 (Online) - Upload to Application Portal
• Download the School Placement Form - Upload to Application Portal
• References - Completed through the Application Portal (Only required if claiming work experience for points purposes)
• Transcripts -All applicants must upload transcripts for all completed years of study to the Application Portal.  *If the applicant is still completing their Undergraduate Degree, final year transcripts must be uploaded by the date stated in the Key Dates table on page 1
• A copy of a valid Passport  - Upload to Application Portal

*PME Additional Questionnaire 
 The applicant is asked to complete an online form relating to their 

• subject specialism
• degree results
• additional qualifications
• professional experience

Applicants are required to answer accurately and to the best of their knowledge. Evidence to support the answers will be collected in the form of supporting documentation (results transcripts for example) and checked when we assess the application. A points scoring system is used to calculate the score from which places are allocatedRead more for information on the points scoring system.

If the applicant is unable to support their answers with documentation e.g. certified transcripts and/or references, points will not be awarded to these elements.

Applicants are required to give the results in an overall percentage mark or GPA format only. Please submit a statement from the University attended confirming the ECTS if it is not clear from the transcripts.  

*This questionnaire is only available to complete once the applicant has 'submitted' their application

Teaching Council Subject Declaration Forms (Online)
Applicants are required to fill out the relevant Subject Declaration Form(s) during the application process for the subject(s) they intend to teach on completion of the PME. 

Applicants must meet the Teaching Council requirements for at least one post-primary curricular subject. Applicants with a credit shortfall in a second or third post primary curricular subject may submit Subject Declaration Form(s) for subject(s) they wish to have assessed by the Teaching Council. Subject Declaration Forms are assessed by the Teaching Council after applicants have registered on the programme. The outcome of the Teaching Council assessment will identify any credit shortfalls that exist and confirm the areas of study that need to be completed to meet the Teaching council registration requirements.

Curricular Subject Requirements (Post-Primary) For Persons applying for registration on or after 5^th January 2026

Once the applicant lands on the above page scroll down and click on this to access the pdf document

Subject Self-Declaration Form(s) must be completed in full during the application process (preferably digitally), as it is not possible to update form(s) once the application is submitted. These must be uploaded as one document per subject, in pdf format, to the DCU Student Application Portal. Save, following the required naming convention of:

• FirstnameSurname_Subject, e.g. JohnSmith_Accounting. 

Please find a list of Subject Specialisms offered in DCU here.

• English
• Gaeilge
• Mathematics
• History
• Geography
• Science
• Modern Languages
• Business Studies (with Business/Accounting/Economics)
• Religious Education
• Music
• Citizenship Education (CSPE/Politics and Society)
• Computer Sciene (Year 1 only)
• SPHE (Year 2 only) 

In the event of a postgraduate qualification (which is currently being studied) and no transcript is available a certified letter from the HEI confirming registration with modules listed, must be submitted. Applicants must have studied their subject specialism at level 8, to meet teaching council requirements, they may be able to make up a shortfall of credits with some postgraduate modules.

School Placement Form
Applicants should secure a school placement in advance of completing their application to the programme. When seeking a placement school, it can be useful to arrange an appointment with school management to discuss placement requirements  outlined on the School Placement Form and as stipulated below. 

Applicants must upload a completed School Placement Form by the closing date, in exceptional circumstances where securing placement is delayed for any reason: 13th July 2026 (5.00pm). Only students with a secured placement can register with DCU for the programme. The placement must be in a Department of Education and Youth recognised post-primary school with young people between the ages of 12-18 years, and must involve a minimum of 4 hours per week (e.g. 6 x 40 min classes or 4 x 1 hour classes) of direct class teaching for the entire school year. A full list of recognised post-primary schools is available from the Department of Education & Youth. Students are not required to teach above 4 hours per week. Any additional hours undertaken are a matter between the student and the school. School placement also involves a minimum of 4 hours per week participation in placement related activities throughout  the school year. This includes activities such as staff meetings, subject planning meetings, team-teaching,  extra-curricular activities, and various school events.  

Students should engage in an initial observation period in the first three weeks of their school placement.

Please see the School Placement dropdown in the structure section of the programme page for further information on the school placement.

DC905 PME Programme and Prospectus Page

References
If the applicant is claiming points for professional work experience and has indicated this in the “Relevant Professional Experience” section on the PME Additional Questionnaire form, the applicant will be asked to complete the Recommendation request form nominating a referee. This will be displayed under Supplemental Items and Documentation on the applicants account in the DCU Student Application Portal. The nominated referee will be sent an email, inviting them to complete a reference request. Once they have completed the reference request the applicant will receive an email of the recommendation confirmation. Please note references must be provided in English or Irish.  Please note this supplemental item will remain outstanding until the nominated referee has completed the recommendation request. References must be received by the published timeline to be considered in the final points calculation.

Transcripts - To Meet Entry Requirements

Undergraduate (Final Year) Upload, to the Application Portal, 

1. *certified transcripts for all completed years of study (not ERASMUS or equivalent) by the ‘Application Closing Date’.
2. final year *certified transcripts must be uploaded by the ‘Final Year Certified Transcripts Date’ 

(both dates are stated in the Key Dates Table)

Graduate Applicants Upload, to the Application Portal, 

1. *certified transcripts for all completed years of study (not ERASMUS or equivalent) by the ‘Application Closing Date’. 

(The date is stated in the Key Dates Table)

Transcripts - For Additional Points
If the applicant has additional qualifications for which they wish to claim points they must provide evidence of these additional qualifications by uploading *certified transcripts

All additional qualifications beyond a primary level 8 degree being submitted for points purposes must be awarded prior to 1st December 2025.

*Certified transcripts  include modules, grades and credits for all completed years of study, with overall grade and stamp/seal/signature of the issuing university.

Applications will be assessed by the DCU admissions team and will be placed in order of merit. The DCU admissions team will NOT be able to assess the application unless the applicant clearly indicates that they are the holder of an eligible Level 8 degree (or equivalent), or in the final year of same, and supply the DCU admissions team with the required information regarding the subject(s) - via the subject declaration form(s) and supplementary material. Following assessment, places will be allocated as soon as possible. Those who are offered a place will also be given advice on further procedures, including registration. Those who wish to accept their offered place will be asked to reply within a specified period. Information on registration details is found on the DCU Registry Information page.

Random Selection will be used where it is necessary to distinguish between applicants with equal points.

IMPORTANT -  The offer of a place is made based on the applicant declaring that they have a level 8 eligible degree (or equivalent) which is compliant with the Teaching Council's overall ECTS requirements. The Teaching Council will carry out a detailed examination once the PME commences and if shortfalls are identified applicants may be required to address these and in extreme circumstances their registration may be deferred or discontinued until the requirements are met.

It is advisable to regularly check the DCU website(s) for any programme updates. Please also check the account on the DCU Student Application Portal frequently for any updates on your application.

Important Notes to Remember

1. ALL Application Fees are non-refundable.
2. Offers are issued online via the DCU’s student application portal. Please check your spam in case DCU email notifications are directed there.
3. It is important to note that ALL those wishing to accept an offer of a place will have to pay a deposit of €500 regardless of whether they are entitled to a grant or not. This money will be credited to their fees account in DCU. It is important to note that the €500 deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable.

DCU Admissions Team will continue to issue offers to successful applicants until all places are filled.

Deferred Entry
Deferrals of a place not permitted on the PME due to the high demand for the programme.

All applications to the programme are managed by DCU via the DCU Student Application Portal under the code DC905. 

Q: Why am I still receiving notifications about missing documents?
A: You will continue to receive automated emails until your referee has submitted their reference.

Q: My referee is having trouble completing the form. What should they do?
A: The access code sent to the referee expires after 15 minutes. They should click the link again to receive a new code. Note that some email providers, like Yahoo, may have issues with these codes.

Q: I need to edit my Additional Questions, but I can't. Why?
A: Once submitted, the Additional Questions cannot be edited. You will need to contact us, and we can mark your submission as "not received" so you can go back and fill in a new one.

Q: There isn't enough room to upload my Subject Declaration Form. What's the problem?
A: The form can be completed digitally and must be submitted as a single PDF document per subject. You may also be trying to upload a single file per page instead of one combined document.

Q: What is a certified transcript?
A: A certified transcript is a document that bears an official stamp, signature, or seal from the issuing institution.

Q: I haven't finished my degree yet. How do I calculate my score?
A: You should use the grades from the most recently completed academic year. This is outlined in the Points Scoring Document.

Q: I have more than one referee. How can I add them to my application?
A: You must contact us directly, and we will manually add the additional referees to your application.

Q: Is my work experience relevant for points?
A: We cannot provide a pre-assessment. We advise you to consult the Points Scoring Document to determine if your experience qualifies.

Q: Can I apply with only one subject?
A: Yes, but you must have already completed 60 credits in that subject to be eligible  or be in the process of obtaining 60 credits at the time of application. Credits must have been obtained in full by the ‘Final Year Certified Transcripts Deadline’. (See table on page 1 for the specific date)

Q: Does my Leaving Certificate count as an additional qualification?
A: No, it does not. This information is available in the Points Scoring Document.

Q: I haven't finished my course, so I don't have a transcript yet. What should I upload?
A: You should include transcripts for all years completed to date. If you're on a Masters course, you should also include a letter of registration confirming the modules you are taking.

Q: I'm completing a postgraduate programme for the subject I want to teach, so I don't have a transcript. What should I provide?
A: You must include a letter and your Semester 1 transcripts that provide proof of the modules on the course and their credits.

Q: Is my degree sufficient to teach a specific subject?
A: You should refer to the Teaching Council website for the most accurate and up-to-date information on subject requirements.

Q: I don't have my School Placement Form yet. What's the deadline for submission?
A: The  School Placement Form should be uploaded by the closing date, in exceptional circumstances where securing placement is delayed for any reason: 13th July 2026 (5.00pm)

Please see the FAQ section of the programme page for programme related queries 

DC905 - PME Programme FAQs

The basic requirement for entry is an eligible level 8 primary degree with a minimum of 2.2 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) or its equivalent, as defined here. Those who are in their final year and have not yet completed their degree at the time of applying, will be evaluated on the examination results of the most recently completed academic year (not ERASMUS or equivalent) and should fill in the previous years percentage marks in the PME Additional Questionnaire. Applicants can be made a conditional offer on them being successful in their final degree examination. Please see an example in this document on how to calculate the percentage marks.

In the case of degree courses assessed by Grade Point Average (GPA or QCA), the most recently completed academic year (not including Erasmus) will be the relevant one.

Applicants who hold an eligible primary degree at the time of application are evaluated on their level 8 degree results. Points will be awarded based on:

1. Performance in an eligible level 8 primary degree and
2. Additional relevant academic qualifications if any
3. Relevant professional experience if any

• Please note that full *certified transcripts for ALL qualifications for which points are being claimed from, MUST be provided in order for these points to be awarded
• Transcripts must:
  • be legible,
  • be in the correct file format, Jpeg, word, pdf (no heic)
  • must not be password protected

*Certified transcripts include modules, grades and credits for all completed years of study, with overall grade and stamp/seal/signature of the issuing university.

Points for Academic Performances
Points are based on the overall percentage mark obtained in the appropriate examination as confirmed by the applicant's university or awarding body, or as determined by DCU Admissions based on information received. In the case of awards other than NFQ awards, equivalences will be calculated. 

DCU Admissions reserves the right to make such determinations, judgements, and calculations which it feels appropriate, based on the information in its possession, in assigning points to academic performance results, additional qualifications and professional experience. Please note that no extenuating circumstances apply and scoring is strictly adhered to for determining the offer of places.

Who needs to Calculate points for the level 8 Primary Degree?

1. Those who are in their final year and have not yet completed their degree at the time of applying, must calculate their overall percentage to calculate their score using the most recently completed academic year (not ERASMUS or equivalent)
2. Those who have completed their degree and are not given an overall percentage/GPA/QCA must use the marks from their final year to calculate their overall percentage which will give provide the score

How to Calculate points for the level 8 Primary Degree
Note: To calculate the applicants overall percentage mark (if not stated on the transcripts),, please apply the following calculation: Multiply the mark awarded for each module by the corresponding ECTS credits to determine a weighted value. Total the weighted values together and divide by the total number of credits for that academic year. 

Please refer to the example below for clarification:

Divide the total weighted value (3220) by the total ECTS credits (60) = Overall percentage mark of 53.6.

The overall percentage 

Points for Undergraduate & Primary Degree Performance

Sample Calculations based on the above points table

1. Student A received 63% in subject X and 52% in subject Y. Both subjects were in an eligible level 8 degree for which an honours award is available. Student A's overall percentage mark is (63 + 52) 2=57.50% which is equivalent to 40 points.
2. Student B received 63% in subject X and 52% in subject Y. Both subjects were in an eligible level 8 degree for which an honours award is NOT available. Student B's overall percentage mark is (63 + 52) 2=57.50% which is equivalent to 34 points.
3. Student C has taken a two-subject eligible level 8 degree, one subject 'T' for which honours is available and the second subject 'U' for which honours is not available. Student C received 58% in the honours subject 'T' and 54% in pass subject 'U'. To calculate an overall points score for Student C, the 58% honours component is converted to the equivalent in points (i.e. 41 pts). Then the 54% pass component is converted to the equivalent in points (i.e. 33 pts). Both points values are then added and divided by 2 to attain an average points score (i.e. 41pts + 33pts=74 pts / 2=37 points).
4. Student D has taken an honours level 8 degree programme made up of a number of modules/courses. Student D's overall percentage mark is 64.32%, which is equivalent to 44 points.
5. Student E has taken a pass level 8 degree programme made up of a number of modules/courses. Student E's overall percentage mark is 64.32%, which is equivalent to 38 points.

Note:

• This sample does NOT apply to the Single Honours Level 8 Degree from University College Cork (1989 - 1999).
• In those cases where information is made available concerning honours/pass designation at modular level, weighted average points scores will be calculated.

Points for Additional Qualifications
Please note that full transcripts for all qualifications included MUST be provided in order for these points to be awarded:

The applicant can only claim/be awarded points for qualifications that the applicant has provided the full certified transcripts of, put another way the applicant MUST upload full certified transcripts for any awards they wish to claim points for. The qualification must be completed for it to be eligible for points.

Qualifications which form a subsidiary part of a higher qualification are not awarded points and level 7 as part of a level 8 award e.g., a National Diploma as part of a Degree Programme.

All additional qualifications beyond a primary level 8 degree being submitted for assessment purposes must be awarded prior to 1st December 2025.

What professional experience can/cannot be used for Points?
Applicants for the PME may have professional experience related to their proposed teaching subjects, or professional experience in working with young people. In recognition of the value of these experiences, some additional points can be awarded. However, to ensure verifiability, points can only be awarded for paid employment which can be verified through appropriate documentation. To claim additional points, the referee will need to complete the form sent to them which states start and end dates, and a description of the role showing the start and end dates, and the applicant should be prepared to provide tax records to support this if required.

Points are only awarded for professional experience which is deemed relevant. The two main categories of experience which are considered relevant are:

1. experience of professional work* (at graduate level) related to the teaching subject, and
2. experience of working with young * people in a role sufficiently related to teaching. 

In each case the experience must be over a sustained period and must be of a sufficiently high level to merit the allocation of additional points.

Please note that:

1. Points cannot be awarded where the information provided is ambiguous or incomplete.
2. Points awarded for professional experience are entirely at the discretion of the DCU Admissions team.
3. Points are not awarded for teaching in a post-primary school in Ireland while unqualified (i.e. with no post-primary teaching qualification), applicants will not be awarded points for substitute teaching.

Points for Relevant Professional Experience
In the case where applicants are claiming points for professional work experience the applicant must have

• Indicated this in the “Relevant Professional Experience” section on the PME Additional Questionnaire form
• Completed the Recommendation request form nominating a referee(s)

The applicants referee must have 

• Completed and returned the recommendation request to DCU by the Application Closing Date. The referee must state the dates and nature of the employment to verify work experience being claimed for points purposes.

Points are awarded in two categories:

• Full-time paid professional experience. Up to five points may be awarded in recognition of full-time paid employment which is deemed relevant, and which can be verified. If the experience is deemed relevant and can be verified, one point is awarded per year of employment, up to a maximum of 5 points.
  • Full-time employment is taken to mean full time hours. Continuous employment for at least 9 months is required to claim points for one year.
• Part-time paid professional experience. Up to two additional points may be awarded in recognition of part-time paid employment which is deemed relevant, and which can be verified.  If the experience is deemed relevant and can be verified, one point is awarded per year of employment, up to a maximum of 2 points.
  • Part-time can be considered if either;
    • Part-time throughout the year, or
    • Full-time for a period of three months (e.g. summer employment).

Applicants may make a claim for points in either or both categories and may be awarded up to a maximum of 7 points in total.

Until the reference has been submitted notifications will be received from the system that this documentation is outstanding.

Reference must be supplied in English or Irish, references supplied in other languages will not be considered for points.

Note: DCU may seek tax records as further verification of employment.

Appendix

• Notifications
  Please note the system is automated if  notifications are received after the closing date requesting outstanding documentation, any documentation uploaded after the Application Closing Date will not be assessed regardless of any automated responses received.

• Accessible Documents
  All documents must be accessible to the admissions team. It is solely the responsibility of the applicant to upload documents which are legible, accessible and complete. 

• Documents will not be assessed and will result in an unsuccessful application if applicants:

  • Upload password protected documents
  • Upload illegible documents
  • Upload documents in a format we cannot open, correct file format, jpeg, word, pdf, (no heic)
  • Upload incomplete Subject  Declaration Forms
  • Upload declaration forms which are split between a number of different pages, Subject  Declaration Forms must be uploaded in one document per subject
  • Upload incomplete School Placement Forms

Upload

Passport - In date

• (If your passport name is different to the name on your transcripts you must supply a proof of name change e.g. marriage certificate)

Transcripts – Certified – i.e. must have a stamp/signature/seal of the issuing HEI

• Level 8 qualification

• Transcript modules must match what is on your subject declaration form(s)

• Additional qualifications for which you wish to claim points for (if applicable)

School Placement Form - Ensure you have completed all sections

• Your Name

• Application number 

• Subjects you are going to teach 

• School name

• School address

• Name of school principal 

• Principal's signature 

• Date

Subject Declaration Form(s)

• All pages fully completed and uploaded as one document per subject

• Pdf format is the only accepted format 

• Final page - must state

• Name

• Date

• Signature

• Save following the required naming convention of, FirsnameSurname_Subject, eg : JohnSmith_Accounting

Complete

Additional Questions Form - your application will not be assessed if this form is not completed by the closing date listed in the submission timetable

References

Complete - submitted to referees and must be received by DCU by the application closing date

Applicant's Undertaking

• Applicants should be clearly aware that, in completing the online form, and accompanying documentation, they accept all the directions and conditions set out in same and on the website. The DCU Professional Master in Education (Post-Primary Teaching) programme is 2 years fulltime (Flexible Delivery) in duration.

Defective Information: WARNING

• Dublin City University reserves the right not to consider applications, and to cancel any offers of places, in cases where requested information has not been supplied in FULL or where falsified or misleading information has been supplied.
• No responsibility will be accepted for any loss or hardship arising from failure to supply FULL correct and complete information at the appropriate time