UCC proposes primary teaching masters course

The Department of Education is assessing an application from University College Cork to set up a new primary teaching masters degree programme.

Cork Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice asked education minister Helen McEntee about a proposal from UCC to introduce a professional master of education (PME) for primary teaching course.

Currently, primary teaching can only be studied at either undergraduate or masters level in Dublin and in Mary Immaculate College, Limerick.

Mr Rice asked for a timeline for the department’s decision on UCC’s application.

Ms McEntee said: “There has been ongoing engagement between department officials and UCC, and following a meeting this summer, the department received an official request from UCC seeking approval to introduce a primary PME programme.

“This request is still under consideration with due regard being given to, inter alia, available data on primary teacher supply needs in coming years. Each year, the number of students admitted to primary Bachelor of Education and PME programmes in State-funded higher education institutes is determined by my department, having regard to teacher supply and demand issues, and available resources, noting that additional places have a direct cost implication for the department.

“When considering newly proposed programmes, this department would favour new programmes being introduced in areas where there is an identified national need and giving due regard to prevailing teacher supply and demand.

“Once the assessment of the request has been finalised, and subject to any further engagement or clarification, a decision will be issued to UCC.”

It comes as there were nearly 140 unfilled primary teaching posts in Cork as of March 2025, the latest date for which data is available.