Education

The Master of Education (M Ed) programme is designed for all those interested in enhancing their professional knowledge, understandings and skills. Offered on a full-time (one year) or part-time (two years) basis, this modular design enables students to register for specific core M Ed modules and select others from a diverse range of electives, thus contributing to flexible, agile and individualised learning pathways. MIC, as a globalised provider, especially welcomes international students to this modular, hyflex M Ed programme.

Key Features

Students build their own customised M Ed from the available modules tailored to their own professional specialisation, research areas and personal interests

Students may choose to select interdisciplinary modules or M Ed designated pathways

All modules (core and elective) are delivered using a blended, hyflex or completely online format

Greater choice in terms of time, place, pace, content and mode of learning ensures a personalised, tailored, student-centred learning experience as well as providing a unique, rigorous and compelling intellectual challenge

Principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) are embedded in programme design, development and implementation, i.e. multiple forms of representation, engagement and expression

Guided by a programme-level approach, a diverse range of innovative, authentic, flexible accessible and inclusive assessment types and formats is utilised across M Ed modules

An enabling and supportive infrastructure facilitates students to share insights and innovations and engage in collaborative reflection and strategic planning fostering an effective learning culture and a community of practice.

Programme Content
The programme is comprised of the following core modules:

Applied Research Project
Inclusive Education Policy and Practice
Principles and Practice of Research in Education
National and International Trends and Current Issues
Dissertation modules * 2
Full-time Structure: In Semester 1, students complete three core M Ed modules (Applied Research Project, Principles and Practice of Research in Education and Dissertation 1) and select two elective modules from the list below. In Semester 2, students complete three core M Ed modules (Inclusive Education Policy and Practice, National and International Trends and Issues in Education and Dissertation 2) and select one elective module.

Part-time Structure: In Semester 1, students complete one core M Ed module (Applied Research Project) and select two elective modules from the list below. In Semester 2, students complete two core M Ed modules (Inclusive Education Policy and Practice, National and International Trends and Issues in Education) and will select one elective module. In Year 2, (i.e. semester 3 & 4) students engage with two core modules in Semester 3 (Principles and Practice of Research in Education and Dissertation 1) and one core module (Dissertation 2) in Semester 4.

Academic Programme Structure:

Semester 1 Elective Modules

Theory and Practice in Education
Ensuring Criticality and Reflexivity in Educational Research Design
Leadership and Management in Education
Leadership and Management Portfolio
Education and the Law
Introducing Wellbeing into Education 1
Critical Analysis and Reflection on Wellbeing 1
Foundations of Music Education 1
Religious Education and the Search for God
Religious Education - Approaches, Policy and Contexts
Key Paradigms in STEM Education
Building School, Family, Community Partnerships for Learning
Philosophy with Children: Nurturing Curiosity in the Primary Classroom
Content and Language Integrated Learning in Contemporary Education

Semester 2 Elective Modules
Curriculum Design, Development and Evaluation
Promoting Effective Literacy Leadership in Educational Settings
Foundations of Music Education 2
Psychology and Sociology of adult education
Communications and Industry
Cleachtas Pleanála agus Measúnaithe
Ceannasaíocht agus Bainistíocht
School Self-Evaluation and Whole School Planning: Leading and Managing curriculum change
Religious Education and Inter-Belief Dialogue
Religious Education: Scripture and the Sacraments
Exploring Ethical Issues with Children through Philosophy
Critical Engagement with Spirituality in the Environment
Leading mentoring in Early Childhood and Primary School Contexts

Applicants will be considered for direct entry into the M Ed programme on the basis of possession of a Primary Degree in Education (Level 8 NFQ) at a minimum of Honours 2.2. Applicants who have a 2.2 Honours degree in other disciplines may be considered if they have substantial and relevant professional experience.

Applicants for the full-time programme must provide an outline of the dissertation proposal (500 words) as part of their application. For further information relating to this please contact the Course Coordinator.

For direct entry into Year 2 of the part-time programme, applicants will hold a Professional Development Graduate Diploma in Education (Level 9 NFQ) at a minimum of Honours 2.1.

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.

English Language Requirements

Applicants for whom English is not a first language must provide evidence of their proficiency level English in the form of an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) composite score of 6.5 – 7.0 with no less than 6.0 in any one component, or IELTS equivalent accepted by UL. Such applicants will also be required to undergo an interview through English.

Applications for September 2022 entry are now open.

Closing date for receipt of completed applications: 31 May 2022.

3 years part-time

How To Apply
Download and complete the application form (link below).
•The application form must also include your university transcripts and contact details for two referees.
•In the case of non-native English speakers, a copy of IETLS is also required, or equivalent.

Please pay the non-refundable €50 application fee using Realex (view course webpage for link), and return the application form by email to: Admissions@mic.ul.ie or by post to: Admissions Office, Mary Immaculate College, South Circular Road, Limerick, Ireland, V94 VN26.

Career Opportunities
The programme should be of particular interest to teachers at an early stage of their teaching career. The Graduate Certificate is intended for teachers who want to further develop themselves and their professional practice as teachers, while also developing as mentors to other teachers, particularly beginning teachers. Students who meet certain minimum achievement criteria in the Graduate Certificate are invited to progress to a Graduate Diploma and Master's Degree.