Education for Human Rights & Equality

The timely Masters of Education in Education for Human Rights and Equality is a two year part-time, programme providing an academic qualification for educators interested in human rights and equality offered by MIC Thurles. The programme is designed to develop participants’ knowledge and critical understanding of human rights and equality in the field of education to enable them in their professional capacity to integrate knowledge, handle complexity and formulate judgements to promote the upholding of human rights and equality.



Key Features

The programme is delivered fully online and welcomes participants worldwide to explore human rights and engage in discussion, peer learning, research and reflexive practice in a stimulating, challenging and safe environment. The programme will use the flipped classroom model and incorporate the principles of Universal Design for Learning. The programme will draw from international and national practitioners to offer a unique learning opportunity and will be coordinated and taught by Dr Catherine Stapleton and colleagues at MIC, many of whom have international educational experience. Assessment is flexible and varied involving submission of written assignments, groupwork, online engagement and presentations. All is done in the knowledge of participants having busy lives and, where possible, flexibility will form part of that assessment to play to people’s strengths and work context.



Programme Background



This programme recognises education's fundamental role in advancing social justice, human rights and equality in an ever-evolving world. The general assembly when proclaiming the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948, mandated all peoples and all nations to strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms. Moreover, Article 26 of the (UDHR) states that education shall be directed towards “the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms” (United Nations, 1948, Art 26.2).



Addressing the needs of a changing world and an increasingly diverse population is complex and multi-faceted with education playing a fundamental role. Quality education on human rights and equality can foster the development of values of peace, co-operation, tolerance, and mutual understanding as well as capacities for non-violent resolution of conflicts, alongside finding solutions to humanities greatest challenges (Williams 2006).

Part-time (over two years)



Year 1 - Semester 1

Historical Understanding of Diversity & Human Rights EDU694 (9 ECTS)

Leadership for Change and Managing Diversity and Conflict EDU691 (9 ECTS)

Education and the Law EDU608 (9 ECTS)



Year 1 - Semester 2

Philosophy and Practice EDU692 (6 ECTS)

Contemporary issues in sustainably and global citizenship education: ethics, beliefs, integration, and equality EDU678 (12 ECTS)

Education for Human Rights & Equality: Applied Research Project EDU693 (12 ECTS)



Year 2 - Semester 1

Dissertation 1 EDU654 (6 ECTS)

Principles & Practices of Research in Education EDU602 (9 ECTS)



Year 2 - Semester 2

Dissertation 2 DUU655 (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).



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.



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.



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.

2 years part-time, fully online.

Career Progression

This programme is aimed at all who have an interest in human rights and equality and particularly those working in the field of education. The flexible design makes it attractive to national and international participants.