Education - Adult & Community Education

The MEd in Adult and Community Education is particularly suited to those who are seeking ways of understanding the connections between theoretical frameworks and the assumptions that underpin their work practices. This programme will provide the opportunity for participants to:



- critically reflect on their experience in the field

- develop the public debate on social justice and critical citizenship

- have a thorough grounding and an understanding of the background to and influences on research in adult and community education

Year 1

ADVANCED THEORIES IN ADULT AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION AD601 10 Year-Long Compulsory

Required ADVANCED GENDER STUDIES IN ADULT AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION AD602 10 Year-Long Compulsory

Required POWER, POLITICS AND SOCIETY: ADULT EDUCATION IN CONTEXT AD603 10 Year-Long Compulsory

Required HISTORY OF ADULT AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION AD604 10 Year-Long Compulsory

Required ETHICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ADULT EDUCATION AD605 10 Year-Long Compulsory

Required KEY CONCEPTS IN ADULT LEARNING AD607 10 Year-Long Compulsory

Required THESIS & RESEARCH COMPLETION AD610 10 Year-Long Compulsory

Required RESEARCH METHODS IN ADULT & COMM. EDUCATION AD611 10 Year-Long Compulsory

Required GROUP/INDIVIDUAL SUPERVISION & REFLEXIVE RESEARCH AD612 10 Year-Long Compulsory

Applicants must hold a minimum of a bachelor honours degree (NFQ Level 8) with a minimum of second-class honours, grade 1 (2:1) (NFQ Level 8) degree in one of the Social Sciences (Adult Education, Community Work, Social Care, Sociology, Political Science, Economics, Psychology, Anthropology, Education etc.) or have a minimum grade of a grade 1 (2:1) (NFQ Level 8) Postgraduate Diploma in Adult, Community and Further Education/the Higher Diploma in Further Education.



Selection will be based on application, interview and references. Interviews will take place between February and June. The interview will include a discussion of the candidate's proposed research topic. Applicants personal statement needs to indicate why they feel they are suitable and what their research interests are.



Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applicants need to have at least 3 years experience.



Please note: the University may waive these entry conditions in certain cases.

Closing Date :14th August 2026

1 year Full-time

Career Options

The MEd is particularly suited to those who are seeking theoretical frameworks from which to explore and question the assumptions that underpin their work practices and critical reflection.