Education with Specialisms

Programme Overview

The Master of Education (MEd) with Specialisms programme is designed for all those interested in enhancing their professional knowledge, understandings and skills. Offered on a full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 year) basis, a modular design enables students to register for specific core M Ed modules and select others from a diverse range of specialisms, thus accumulating credits in a flexible way. In this fashion, students will build their own customised M Ed from the available modules tailored to their own professional specialisation, research areas and personal interests. This hybrid model, which comprises an innovative, interconnected, future-ready suite of modules will promote teacher agency in their learning and workplace as well as providing a unique, rigorous and compelling intellectual challenge.



Key Features

• Students build their own customised M Ed from the available modules tailored to their own professional specialisation, research areas and personal interests



• Students may choose to select interdisciplinary modules or M Ed designated pathways



• All modules (core and elective) are delivered using a blended, hyflex or completely online format



• Greater choice in terms of time, place, pace, content and mode of learning ensures a personalised, tailored, student-centred learning experience as well as providing a unique, rigorous and compelling intellectual challenge



• Principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) are embedded in programme design, development and implementation, i.e. multiple forms of representation, engagement and expression



• Guided by a programme-level approach, a diverse range of innovative, authentic, flexible accessible and inclusive assessment types and formats is utilised across M Ed modules



• An enabling and supportive infrastructure facilitates students to share insights and innovations and engage in collaborative reflection and strategic planning fostering an effective learning culture and a community of practice.

Master of Education (M Ed) with Specialisms



The programme is comprised of the following core modules:

• Systematic Approaches to Practitioner Research

• Inclusive Education Policy and Practice

• Principles and Practice of Research in Education

• National and International Trends and Current Issues

• Dissertation modules * 2



Full-time Structure

In Semester 1, students complete four core M Ed modules (National and International Trends in Education, Systematic Approaches to Practitioner Research, Principles and Practice of Research in Education and Dissertation 1) and select one elective modules from the list below, or one module related to their specialism area. In Semester 2, students complete two core M Ed modules (Inclusive Education Policy and Practice and Dissertation 2) and select two elective module, or two modules on their specialism area.



Part-time Structure

In Semester 1, students complete two core M Ed modules (National and International Trends in Education, Systematic Approaches to Practitioner Research) and select two elective modules from the list below, or one module related to their specialism area. In Semester 2, students complete one core M Ed modules (Inclusive Education Policy and Practice,) and will select two elective modules or two modules on their specialism area. In Year 2, (i.e. semester 3 & 4) students engage with two core modules in Semester 3 (Principles and Practice of Research in Education and Dissertation 1) and one core module (Dissertation 2) in Semester 4.



Areas of Specialism:

Specialism in Music

Specialism in STEM

Specialism in Religious Education

Specialism in Climate Action and Global Education

Specialism in Wellbeing Education

Specialism in Language

Specialism in Philosophy with Children

Specialism in Teaching and Learning Enhancement in Higher Education

Specialism in Education and the Law

Specialism in Instructional Leadership and Change

Specialism in Early Childhood Education

Specialism in Child Protection

Specialism in Leading Professional Learning for Educators

Specialism in Leading Digital Education



Semester 1 Elective Modules

Leadership and Management in Education

Education and the Law

Introducing Wellbeing into Education 1

Foundations of Music Education 1

Religious Education and the Search for God

Religious Education - Approaches, Policy and Contexts

Key Paradigms in STEM Education

Contemporary Trends and Issues in Music Education

Education for Sustainability, Outdoor Learning and Climate Justice

Critical Analysis and Reflection on Wellbeing 1

Second Language Acquisition and Learning: Theory and Practice

Contemporary Issues in Sustainability and Global Citizenship Education: Ethics, Beliefs, Integration And Equality

Enhancing Academic Practice 1

Legal Foundations of the Education System

Developing Instructional Intelligence and Expertise

Harnessing the Reggio Emilia Concept of the Environment as the Third Teacher to Enrich Young Children’s Learning in Early Childhood and Primary School Settings

Legal Requirements for Child Protection



Semester 2 Elective Modules

Foundations of Music Education 2

Communications and Industry

Religious Education and Inter-Belief Dialogue

Critical Engagement with Spirituality in the Environment

Critical Perspectives and Policy in STEM

Expanding the Boundaries of STEM

Religious Education and the Search for God

Children’s Agency as Local Citizens – Creative Approaches for Teaching Local History

Geo-literacy: Use of Children’s Literature for Promoting Education for Global Citizenship

Critical Analysis and Reflection on Wellbeing 2

Leadership of Wellbeing in Education

Bilingual Education and Bilingualism

Content and Language Integrated Learning: Theory and Practice

Exploring Ethical Issues with Children through Philosophy

Philosophy with Children: Nurturing Curiosity in the Primary Classroom

Surveying the Forefront of High Education Practice

Enhancing Academic Practice 2

Legal Rights in Education

School Liability and Teacher Accountability

Coaching, Conferencing and Leading Professional

Leading Instructional Innovation and Change

Harnessing the Power of Playful Pedagogies to Propel Young Children’s Learning in Early Childhood and Primary School Contexts

Harnessing the Power of Voice through Purposeful Engagement and Participation to Enrich Young Children’s Learning in Early Childhood and Primary School Settings

The Role and Responsibilities of Schools in Child Protection

The Practicalities of Child Protection in Schools

Virtual Exchange Module

Applicants will be considered for direct entry into the M Ed programme on the basis of possession of a Primary Degree in Education (Level 8 NFQ) at a minimum of Honours 2.2. Applicants who have a 2.2 Honours degree in other disciplines may be considered if they have substantial and relevant professional experience.



Applicants for the full-time programme must provide an outline of the dissertation proposal (500 words) as part of their application. For further information relating to this please contact the Programme Coordinator.



For direct entry into Year 2 of the part-time programme, applicants will hold a Professional Development Graduate Diploma in Education (Level 9 NFQ) at a minimum of Honours 2.1.



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.



For English language requirements go to: https://www.mic.ul.ie/international/international/essential-information/english-language-requirements

How To Apply

EU Applicants

Applications for the Master of Education (M Ed) with Specialisms are now copen.



To apply, please see "Application Weblink" above.



Closing date for applications is 4pm, Friday 24 July 2026.



EU Applicants:

061 205160 / 204348

TaughtProgrammes@mic.ul.ie



Non-EU Applicants

You are advised to contact the MIC International Office before applying:

E: International@mic.ul.ie T: +353 61 204988 /+353 61 774790



To apply, please see "Application Weblink" above.



Non EU Applicants:

+353 61 204988 / +353 61 774787

International@mic.ul.ie

1 year full-time / 2 years part-time. Delivery Mode: Students have the option of engaging online (Hyflex) or face to face (at weekends).

Career & Further Study Opportunities

Graduates of the programme are working as teachers, principals, inspectors, professional learning providers, policy advisors, lecturers and researchers in schools, colleges universities at home and abroad. Graduates also have the option to complete further study to PhD level; see MA / PhD in Education by Research for additional information, including entry requirements.