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

Candidates must have a primary degree with a minimum grade of 2:1 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 2:1 in the Postgraduate Diploma in Adult, Community and Further Education/the Higher Diploma in Further Education. These are the minimum entry requirements and meeting these requirements will not guarantee an offer of entry onto the programme



Selection will be based on application, interview and references. Interviews will take place mid-June. The interview will include a discussion of the candidate's proposed research topic.



Should we consider late applications, late interviews will take place in August.



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



Minimum English language requirements:

Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants..



Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850

Applications are open for the 2025/6 academic year. Visit our online application portal to start your application.

We are here to support you throughout the admissions process.



For queries on your postgraduate course options please contact pgstudies@mu.ie

For queries or support on your application process please contact pgadmissions@mu.ie



If you are an international (Non-EU) applicant please contact internationaladmissions@mu.ie

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.