Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE)

Entry Requirements

St Marys University College night photograph

On admission applicants must possess:

A high level of competence in Irish, both written and oral, commensurate with competence to teach the primary school curriculum.
A good honours degree (2.2 or above)
GCSE (grade C or above) in English Language, Mathematics and Science. For applicants from the Republic of Ireland, the equivalent qualification for English and Mathematics is Leaving Certificate Ordinary Level Grade D or above. For Science, the minimum requirement is Junior Certificate at Higher Level, Grade C or above.

Candidates are Interviewed as part of the selection process. Oral and written Irish language proficiency is among the competences that are evaluated at interview.

Download our Prospectus

Find out more by downloading our prospectus.

Download prospectus

Student Experience

Go raibh míle maith agaibh as gach rud le linn na bliana. Bhí bliain den scoth agam.

Aileen Mc Fadden

Irish-medium PGCE

Well what can I say about St Mary’s, I have really enjoyed studying the IME PGCE course here. The lecturers ensured that classes were so practical and fun, it was just like being back at school. I can’t wait to bring all of what I have learnt in the short year into the classroom along with me. I loved every minute of studying in St Mary’s, it has a very warm welcoming for you as a student from day one from the staff, students right down to the catering staff. You are always made welcome early in the morning before classes right up to closing time in the library at night by the security staff. I wish I could come back in September I have made friends for life in lecturers and in my class itself.

Make the right choice & apply, you genuinely won’t be disappointed.

Nicole Clarke

Irish-medium PGCE

How to apply

Applications are open for September 2026 entry.

Applications are made online and should be submitted to the Academic Registry Office by Friday 6th March, 2026.

PGCE Online Application