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Mathematics Education is a collaborative programme between the School of Education and the School of Mathematics at Trinity College Dublin. This programme aims to act as an enhancement course for developing high quality mathematics educators. It intends to address mathematical content knowledge along with exploring mathematical practices for teachers and highlighting current national and international issues in mathematics education.
Course Contact
Course Strand Leader: Dr Aibhín Bray | Email
* Please note Mathematics Education is not running for 2023-24
Who is this course for?
The course is suited to mathematics educators at all levels of the education system, but particularly second level teachers. It is also for other suitably qualified professionals working in the area of mathematics education, training and support. The course is rooted in practical experience while emphasising the theoretical study of education. Overall the strand aims to integrate theory with practice and is intended for practitioners who wish to gain a comprehensive and contemporary understanding of mathematics education through a research-based programme.
Course Structure
The programme has taught and research components and may be taken on a one year full-time basis or on a two or three year part-time basis.
The taught component comprises of five modules including the common M.Ed. module on Academic Literacy and Research Methods (ALRM). It also includes four distinct strand modules, each including approximately 20 hours of direct contact time. The research component involves carrying out a research project and completing a 20,000 word dissertation, under the guidance of a supervisor.
Course Modules
Module 1: Studies in Mathematics Education
Through an exploration of the philosophy of mathematics education, learning theories in teacher education, and models of teacher knowledge in the classroom, this module provides a foundation in relevant theory and a background to recent reforms.
Module 2: Theories for Inclusive Education in Mathematics and Science
This module supports teachers to recognise and address the learning needs of the increasingly socio-economically, ethnically, linguistically, and culturally diverse populations in their classrooms.
Module 3: Best Practices in Mathematics Education
This module provides opportunities to explore emerging best practices and developments in the teaching and learning of mathematics, thereby offering practical and useful approaches to ensure that students are engaged and developing conceptual understanding of the subject.
Module 4: Current Debates in STEM Education
By investigating research at the frontier and intersection of STEM disciplines, this module supports teachers in developing their own understand of the place of the mathematics within a broader context.
What is the aim of the course?
Overall the course aims to integrate theory with practice and enable students to gain a comprehensive and contemporary understanding of mathematics education through a research-based programme.
Is the course suitable for international students?
Yes, we welcome students from all over the world. This is an important aspect of the course as it enables students to learn from each other and share international best practices in mathematics education.
I am currently in a full time teaching position in Ireland. Is it possible to combine this with the M.Ed. in Mathematics Education?
Yes, the majority of our students are full-time teachers. All of the lectures are timetabled in the evening time (one evening per week) or in the school mid-term breaks (October and February).
I am worried that my mathematical content knowledge will not be strong enough?
The course is primarily a mathematics education course with a focus on current research and best practices in the field. While the 'Geometry and Trigonometry' module is content focused, the overall aim of the module is still concerned with improving the effectiveness of teaching and learning in the domain. This is reflected in the module's mode of assessment where students are asked to complete an essay and develop a portfolio of electronic resources for teaching.
I would like to find out more information about the course…. who do I contact?
Please contact M.Ed. course administrators via email at MASTERED@tcd.ie or via phone at 01-8963568/1290 and they would be delighted to discuss further.
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I have been a mathematics teacher in India for the past 19 years and have always been very interested in the field of education. It was a great opportunity for me to be selected as a part of the class of 2017-18 for the M.Ed. in Mathematics Education in TCD. The nature of this research-based masters helped me hone my skills and enhance my understanding of areas that impact students' learning. The curriculum of the course was inclusive to suit the needs and interests of international students. The way the course was taught by experienced professors created a very stimulating learning environment throughout. The modules were very engaging and worthwhile with excellent content, along with enlightening workshops on pedagogical methods. For my research thesis, I was constantly supported and guided by my supervisor. I am very happy with the journey I've experienced and the skills that I've learned in the process.
M.Ed. Mathematics Education, 1 Year Full-time 2017-2018, Trinity College