Education with Specialism's

Students can also choose to complete the M Ed as a modular programme in which they can choose from a broad range of modules or an M Ed specialism in a number of areas including:



Specialism in Music

Specialism in STEM Education

Specialism in Religious Education

Specialism in Climate Action and Global Education

Specialism in Wellbeing Education

Specialism in Language

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



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.

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



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 Course 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.



English Language Requirements

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.

EU Applicants



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



To apply, please complete all the steps below:



Download and complete the application form here (application fee Payment Ref Number required).

Please pay the non-refundable €50 application fee here using Stripe, and return the completed application along with the supporting documents below by email only to TaughtProgrammes@mic.ul.ie

What to include with your Application



You will be required to send:



University transcripts and certificates

If English is not your first language/language of qualification, you will require:

English translation of transcript/qualification

Your English Language Competency Certificate (Academic IELTS or equivalent)



Applications will close on 27 June 2025.

1 year full-time / 2 years part-time



Delivery Mode:

Students have the option of engaging online (Hyflex) or face to face (at weekends).

Applications for the Master of Education (M Ed) are now open.



Applications will close on 27 June 2025.