Education - School Guidance Counselling

The MEd School Guidance Counselling degree is designed to advance the professional development of School Guidance Counsellors and builds on the Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Guidance Counselling (PGDEGC). This one-year programme involves participation in regular research-support seminars and consultation with supervisors towards the completion of a thesis.

The programme builds on the Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Guidance Counselling (PGDEGC) and includes participation in regular research-support seminars and ongoing consultations with supervisors towards the completion of a thesis.

Academic Qualification: Applicants must have successfully completed the one-year Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Guidance and Counselling (PGDEGC) or an equivalent programme, with at least second-class honours, grade 1.



Thesis Proposal: Applicants must submit a proposal of no less than 2,500 words that:



Identifies a research issue

Situates the problem in relevant scholarly literature(s)

Proposes a research plan



English Language Proficiency:

If English is not your first language, proof of proficiency is required. For details on accepted tests and required scores, see here.

Maynooth University's TOEFL code: 8850



Important: Applicants are required to email the Programme Director, Dr. Ece Gokmenoglu, prior to submitting their application at: schoolguidancecounselling@mu.ie

Closing Date : 30 June 2025



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 part-time

Start Date: September 2025 (Exact start date to be confirmed)

This MEd SGC builds on the PGDSGC (Post Graduate Diploma in School Guidance Counselling) and aims to advance school-based Guidance Counsellors’ professional development. The programme is recognised by the Department of Education and Skills and the National Centre for Guidance in Education as a professional, international qualification in Guidance Counselling.



Career opportunities for master's graduates include:



Conducting academic research studies to improve guidance counselling services in education.

Teaching and research roles in higher education.

Advising on educational policies and programme development.

Leading guidance-counselling related initiatives in schools.