Education - M-Level Programme for Teachers

St Mary's University College has a long-established tradition in teacher education which includes an M-level programme. The M-level Programme has been approved by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, commending it for its quality and excellence.

The programme consists of a range of accredited modules which may be taken on a stand-alone basis or which may contribute to one of the following awards:

• Postgraduate Certificate in Education Studies,
• Postgraduate Diploma in Education Studies,
• Master of Education.

Programme Aims
St Mary's provides teachers and education-related professionals with a stimulating and supportive environment in which they have the opportunity to work alongside a strong community of like-minded professionals. The aims of the programme are to:

• embed a culture of self-evaluation by providing opportunity for critical reflection.
• ensure that teachers receive targeted and supportive professional development needed to strengthen leadership capacity and to raise achievement in schools.
• facilitate school improvement by encouraging and promoting professional collaboration and sharing of best practice.
• inspire creativity, passion and optimism in the teaching profession.
• make educational excellence and success accessible to all.
• nurture the talent and ambition of teachers who are committed to their own professional development.
• promote personal excellence, teamwork and leadership among educational professionals.
• support career-long professional development.

The specialist options are listed below:
• Curriculum Development and Primary Education
• Developing Physical Education, School Sport and Coaching Science
• Digital Education
• Early-Years Education
• Educational Management and School Organisation
• Effective Teaching (online)
• English and Literacy in the Curriculum
• Irish and Irish-Medium Education
• Leaders for Catholic Schools
• Pastoral Issues
• Special Education

Candidates for admission to the M-level programme in Education should normally hold either:

(a) Qualified teacher status and an honours degree or equivalent qualification or

(b) An honours degree or equivalent qualification with at least two years' professional experience in an educational, training or professionally related context.

See 'Application Weblink' below.

Programme Structure

Courses are on a part-time basis, flexibly structured, and taught in a range of modes of delivery including summer school, distance learning, evening classes and Saturday courses.

Tuition Fees

All full-time and part-time students will be charged tuition fees. This includes PGCE students. For students who are Northern Ireland domiciled, these are currently £4,160 per year and are normally subject to an annual inflationary uplift. A student will be liable for the full tuition fee at the point of enrolment and registration. This includes a non-refundable element of 25% of the calculated tuition fee.

Tuition Fee Loan
Students may defer their fees by applying for a Tuition Fee Loan, currently up to a maximum of £4,160, by paying the full fee directly to the College or by a combination of taking out a fee loan for part of the fees and paying the rest directly to the College.

A single application form PN1 is used in applying for a fee loan, for loans for living costs and maintenance grants and for the St Mary's College Bursary. Students can apply online or download an application form via the Student Finance Northern Ireland website www.studentfinanceni.co.uk.

Once applications have been assessed, the local branch of Student Finance NI will send the student a Student Notification which will include details of the amount of the fee loan the student has requested.

Payment Options
Students who do not avail of the fee loan can pay their fees in one of two ways:

• Direct Debit – Students can complete a direct debit authorisation which spreads the fee over six months from December to May.

• Cash or Cheques – Students who do not complete a direct debit authorisation will receive one invoice in November for the full amount, which will be payable within thirty days.

EU Students
Non-UK EU Students, including students from the Republic of Ireland, can defer their fees by applying for a fee loan, currently up to a maximum of £4,160.

The application is essentially the same as the system for applying for fee loans and other support. EU students may also be eligible for a College Bursary. This will be dependent on the level of their household income. EU students should contact the Student Loan Company EU team by telephoning 0141 243 3570 in Darlington for advice. For maintenance support EU students should contact their local county council.

Application Procedure
Application for a part-time M-level course should be made on the appropriate form, which may be obtained from the College website or at the following address:

Academic Registry Office
St Mary's University College
191 Falls Road
Belfast
BT12 6FE
Tel: 028 9026 8320

Application forms for entry to the M-level programme should be returned to the Academic Registry Office no later than two weeks prior to the commencement of a course. Late applications will be considered subject to the availability of places.