Master in Education (M.Ed.)

Overview

Course Overview

Unlock new perspectives on education with our Master in Education (M.Ed.) programme. Designed for those looking to engage deeply and critically with the field of education, this stimulating programme allows you to tailor your studies to your unique interests through specialist and flexible open pathways. Whether taken full-time (1 year) or part-time (2–3 years), the M.Ed. focuses on educational research, theory and practice, with specialised modules that deepen your expertise in your areas of interest.

In addition, there is a strong focus on designing and conducting educational research through taught research methods modules and the thesis project. There are 5 options you can select from. Four specialised pathways with a direct entry route: Leadership and Policy; Drama in Education; Higher Education; Psychology of Education, and one flexible open pathways entry route (Critical Perspectives - Open Pathways) where you can select a core specialisation (2 modules) and additional electives (2 modules) from the following areas: Arts Education; Assessment & ICT in Education; Early Intervention; Higher Education; Inclusive Education; Language Education; Leadership & Policy; Mathematics Education; Music in Education; Psychology of Education; Science & Society; Philosophy & Social Policy in Education.

Is This Course For Me?

This course is suited for those with a serious interest in education practice, policy and research. Our students are those aiming to work in education policy, development or research as well as educators looking for career development in a wide range of contexts. It suits educators and educational leaders and those in educational support roles from all sectors (early years, primary, post-primary, further education and higher education) as well as from both formal and informal learning contexts. We aim to cultivate graduates who will become future change-makers committed to the power of education to create a more just and sustainable society. The M.Ed. offers both specialist and flexible open pathways through the programme.

Please note:  The M.Ed. is not a teacher education programme. See our PME (Professional Master in Education) programme if you are looking for an accredited teacher education programme which meets teacher certification requirements in Ireland and the EU.

Career Opportunities

Our students develop a wide range of academic and transferable professional skills and an in-depth critical understanding of the field of education.  This depth and range of development are of great benefit to them in their professional lives and our graduates are well placed to develop their careers further in exciting ways.

Graduates from the M.Ed. have gone on to achieve great success in a wide variety of contexts related to education. Those already teaching have often progressed to senior leadership roles in their organisations.  Others have found new opportunities in other settings.  Many of our graduates have taken up central roles in education policy and curriculum development and implementation and in professional development organisations.  Some graduates go on to work internationally on education and development projects, whilst others have developed innovative educational projects in their own contexts. A good number of graduates undertake further research on doctoral programmes.

Course Structure

This Master’s programme is 90 credits delivered full-time over one academic year or part-time over 2 or 3 years. The taught component comprises 6 modules totalling 60 credits, including modules in core areas of focus as well as research design and methods. Students also complete a substantial research dissertation supported by their academic supervisor which accounts for a further 30 credits.

In the specialised pathways option, students take 4 fixed core modules in the specialist area, as well as 2 research methods modules.  These specialised pathway are programmes are in the following entry routes: Leadership and Policy; Drama in Education; Higher Education; Psychology of Education.

On the open pathways entry route (Critical Perspectives- Open Pathways) students is more flexible. Students take 4 modules: 2 research modules, 2 in their core area of focus, 2 additional choice modules.  The modules in the flexible open pathways entry route are offered in Arts Education; Assessment & ICT in Education; Early Intervention; Higher Education; Inclusive Education; Language Education; Leadership & Policy; Mathematics Education; Music in Education; Psychology of Education; Science & Society; Philosophy & Social Policy in Education.  

Click here for further information on modules/subjects.

This programme will equip you with the skills and knowledge to make meaningful contributions to your field, grounded in an understanding of your own personal and professional context.