Application Instructions for
DCU Professional Master of Education (Post-Primary Teaching – DC905)
General Statement
Applications for admission to the Professional Master of Education (Post-Primary Teaching) in DCU will be processed in accordance with the regulations, procedures and timetable described in the Postgraduate Applications Centre's Website. No applicant should attempt to complete the Form without first reading these instructions.
Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC) is agent for and acts on behalf of the universities participating in the Application System. The application regulations, procedures and timetable are agreed annually by DCU. The Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC) has no discretion to set them aside so as either to afford special treatment to any applicant over another or to deprive any applicant of his/her entitlement in favour of another.
PAC is purely an administrative facility and does not endorse or recommend this programme. It is the responsibility of each applicant to determine the status and the suitability of any programme chosen.
Instructions for Applicants
Applicants for admission to the Professional Master of Education (Post-Primary Teaching) beginning in Autumn 2023 at Dublin City University are required to complete an application by Friday 10th February 2023. The application fee is €80 and must be paid with a visa card via the PAC system. All supporting documentation must be uploaded by Friday 24th February 2023 onto the PAC System. Applicants will be assessed on the basis of information supplied in the online form together with accompanying documentation. Offers will be made in March 2023.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to supply complete and accurate information.
Each offer of a place on the Professional Master of Education (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 requirements for at least one post-primary curricular subject. Applicants must also secure a school placement. If information supplied is found to be false or incomplete the absolute right is reserved to cancel the offer and the university will NOT accept any responsibility for arrangements, commitments or liabilities undertaken by the applicant on foot of the offer.
Application Timeline and Supporting Documentation
At time of application, you must upload supporting documentation to PAC by Friday 24th February 2023. These documents include:
- Certified copies of Transcripts
- Employer Reference Form (NB: must be signed by employer) Please note, this form is only required if you are claiming relevant work experience for points purposes)
- School Placement Form
- A copy of a valid Passport
Transcripts
Undergraduate (Final Year) Applicants are required to give the results in an overall percentage mark. An original copy or a certified photocopy of the Full Transcript/Statement of Results obtained on the completion of EACH year of study to date (not ERASMUS or equivalent) should be uploaded to PAC.
Graduate Applicants are required to give the results in an overall percentage mark. An original copy or a certified photocopy of the Full Transcript/Statement of Results obtained on the completion of EACH year of study to date should be uploaded to PAC.
Please ensure the information is clear and accurate. Results being submitted for assessment purposes must be in percentage (%) or GPA format only. Please submit a statement from your University confirming your ECTS if it is not clear from your transcripts.
References
In the case where applicants are claiming points for work experience, an employer reference form is a requirement and must be uploaded.
The template for the employer reference can be downloaded here.
School Placement Form
Applicants should secure a school placement in advance of completing their application to the programme. Applicants must upload a completed ‘School Placement Form’ at the time of application. In exceptional circumstances where an applicant has not secured a placement by the time of application a conditional offer may be provided. If an applicant has not secured a placement by 15th July 2023 their offer will be withdrawn. Only students with a secured placement can register with DCU for the programme.
The School Placement form can be downloaded here.
Teaching Council Subject Self-Declaration Forms (Online)
Applicants are required to fill out the relevant Subject Self-Declaration Form(s) online during the application process. This must be completed in full as it is not possible to update this form(s) once the application is submitted.
Assessment of Applications
Applications will be assessed by PAC and will be placed in order of merit. PAC will NOT be able to assess your application unless you clearly indicate that you are the holder of an eligible Level 8 degree, or in the final year of same, and furnish PAC with the required information regarding your subject(s) – via the self-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 on the basis of the applicant declaring that they have a level 8 eligible degree 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 your PAC account frequently for any updates on your application.
Programme Information
Professional Master of Education (Post-Primary Teaching – DC905)
DC905 - Professional Master of Education (Post-Primary Teaching) Prospectus Page
Important Notes to Remember
- ALL Application Fees are non-refundable.
- Offers are issued online via the PAC system. Please check your spam in case PAC notifications are directed there.
- 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.
- It is strongly recommended that you save the application form regularly.
Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC) will continue to issue offers to successful applicants until all places are filled.
Independent Appeals Committee
Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC) has an Independent Appeals Committee to which recourse may be had by applicants who believe that they have been treated unfairly and whose complaints have not been resolved by the Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC). Appeals must be submitted within 14 days of receipt of notification at the offer stage and should be addressed to: The Secretary, Postgraduate Applications Centre Appeals Committee, 1 Courthouse Square, Galway. They should be made in writing, accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation and they should be signed by the appellant. An appeals fee of €64 is applicable, refundable ONLY if the appeal is successful.
Deferred Entry
The PAC/PME system does not allow for deferrals.
Applicant's Undertaking
Applicants should be very 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. All of the Professional Master in Education (Post-Primary Teaching) programmes are 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.
Completeness
All supporting documents for your application must be uploaded onto the PAC System, some of which are mandatory at time of application. Please refer to the documentation requirements here.