Digital Leadership in Education

Programme Overview

The Graduate Certificate/Diploma/MEd in Digital Leadership in Education is designed for those working in education to support them to lead, design, implement and evaluate an integrated and innovative model of digital learning within their educational contexts. Learners will work collaboratively to solve problems that explore the elements key to a successfully digital learning ecosystem in particular the relationship between digital learning policy; digital pedagogies; digital equality, diversity and inclusion (Digital EDI); open and distributed e-leadership; digital literacy and wellbeing and digital infrastructure when planning digital learning in their individual schools or educational institutes.



Key Features

A future focused programme which adopts an integrated approach to developing 21st Century educational leadership skills, the programme encourages learners to explore the relationship between open and connected leadership, e-leadership, digital literacies, digital wellbeing, digital EDI and digital pedagogies which are key for modern educational leadership and a successful digital learning ecosystem.



Delivered using a hyflex model learners can choose how they wish to engage with the programme material and with each other. Learners will cultivate cross-sectoral communities of practice to work collaboratively to bridge theory and practice and develop a digital learning ecosystem that considers the needs of the whole educational community including students, educators, parents, communities.



Based on an innovative, inclusive digital pedagogical approach the programme models and fosters a transformative digital learning experience based on principles of Universal Design for Learning, Heutagogy, Transformative Learning and Learner agency.



Learners will reflect on the dilemmas and problems experienced within a digital-learning era and how they can become agents for change at micro, meso, macro and mega levels to develop a sustainable model of digital learning within their institutes and across the education sector as a whole.

Full-time Option (over one year):

Please Note: Non-EU applicants can apply for all three full-time programme options, but the Certificate and Diploma options are online only until further notice.



Certificate in Digital Leadership in Education

Semester 1

Digital EDI (9 ECTS)

Digital Pedagogies (9 ECTS)



Semester 2

Open Leadership (12 ECTS)



Diploma in Digital Leadership in Education

Semester 1

Digital EDI (9 ECTS)

Digital Pedagogies (9 ECTS)

Applied Research Project (12 ECTS)



Semester 2

Open Leadership (12 ECTS)

Digital infrastructure (9 ECTS)

Digital Literacies (9 ECTS)



M Ed in Digital Leadership in Education

Semester 1

Digital EDI (9 ECTS)

Digital Pedagogies (9 ECTS)

Applied Research Project (12 ECTS)

Principles & Practice of Research (9 ECTS)

Dissertation 1 (6 ECTS)



Semester 2

Open Leadership (12 ECTS)

Digital infrastructure (9 ECTS)

Digital Literacies (9 ECTS)

Dissertation 2 (15 ECTS)



Part-time Option (over two years):

Certificate in Digital Leadership in Education

N/A



Diploma in Digital Leadership in Education

Year 1, Semester 1

Digital EDI (9 ECTS)

Digital Pedagogies (9 ECTS)

Year 1, Semester 2

Open Leadership (12 ECTS)



Year 2, Semester 1

Applied Research Project (12 ECTS)



Year 2, Semester 2

Digital infrastructure (9 ECTS)

Digital Literacies (9 ECTS)



M Ed in Digital Leadership in Education

Year 1, Semester 1

Digital EDI (9 ECTS)

Digital Pedagogies (9 ECTS)

Applied Research Project (12 ECTS)



Year 1, Semester 2

Open Leadership (12 ECTS)

Digital infrastructure (9 ECTS)

Digital Literacies (9 ECTS)



Year 2, Semester 1

Principles & Practice of Research (9 ECTS)

Dissertation 1 (6 ECTS)



Year 2, Semester 2

Dissertation 2 (15 ECTS)

Applicants should hold a relevant degree / Postgraduate Diploma / Professional Master at 2.2 Honours Level or higher (Level 8 - National Framework of Qualifications).



It is expected that applicants should have a minimum of two years’ experience in education.



Places on the programme will be offered based on the above, based on qualifications, performance at interview (if applicable), language proficiency level (if applicable), and application form.



In cases where the applicant does not meet normal entry requirements, the applicant can be assessed on prior learning in line with University policy and procedures on the Recognition of Prior Learning. The admission procedures will include an interview wherein the prior learning and experience of applicants in education will be assessed.



For English language requirements, go to https://www.mic.ul.ie/international/study-in-ireland/essential-information/english-language-requirements

How to Apply

Please see "Application Weblink" above.



EU Applicants:

Applications for the Graduate Diploma/ M Ed in Digital Leadership in Education are now open. Closing date for applications is 4pm, Friday 24 July 2026.



Non-EU Applicants:

You are advised to contact the MIC International Office before applying: E: International@mic.ul.ie T: +353 61 204988 /+353 61 774790

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time.



Delivery Mode: Students have the option of engaging online (Hyflex) or face to face (at weekends).

Career & Further Study Opportunities

Our programmes in Digital Leadership in Education are designed for those working in education to support them to lead, design, implement and evaluate an integrated and innovative model of digital learning within their educational contexts. Learners will work collaboratively to solve problems that explore the elements key to a successful digital learning ecosystem, including the relationship between digital learning policy; open and distributed e-leadership; digital literacy and wellbeing and digital infrastructure when planning digital learning in their individual schools or educational institutes.



MEd Graduates have the option to complete further study to PhD level; see MA / PhD in Education by Research for additional information, including entry requirements.