Education with Specialisms - Online

Overview

The Master of Education degree is a professional development course for teachers and other adult educators, who wish to update their knowledge and qualifications. The award has been developed in conjunction with the teaching community and is designed to ensure you will have the opportunity to explore contemporary issues in education which impact upon your own professional practice. The full Master’s programme will normally take you up to 3 years to complete, but you can exit with the Postgraduate Certificate (normally after 1 year) or Postgraduate Diploma (normally after 2 years).

Year 1

The Reflective Professional



Optional Modules:

Collaborative learning online

Building Teams and Managing Resources

Inclusive and Special Education: Developing and Analysing Practice



Year 2

Research Design and Initiation

Research Project



Optional Modules:

Leadership for learning

Strategic Development Planning

Children's Learning and Assessment



Year: 3

Optional Modules:

International and Comparative Education

Dissertation

Applicants must normally:

(a) have gained



(i) a degree from a university of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, from the Council for National Academic Awards, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council, or from an institution of another country which is recognised as being of an equivalent standard; or



(ii) an equivalent standard (normally 50%) in a Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma or an approved alternative qualification, e.g. a professional qualification; and



(b) be currently working in a teaching or training environment.



English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.



Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.



• For English language requirements go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/english-language-requirements



• For Your country go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/country



Exemptions and transferability

The PGDip/MEd with Specialisms comprises six 30-credit point modules (180 credits in total).



You may be able to enter the course at a higher stage or claim exemptions from particular modules. We call this process the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL). You can gain APL credits based on awards that you hold (certificated learning) or life experiences that you have accrued (experiential learning). In the case of certificated learning, awards must have been achieved within the last five years.



There is a limit to the number of APL credits that you can claim against our course. See the table below:



Award: Postgraduate Diploma in Education with Specialisms

Comprising: 120 credits

Maximum APL claim: 60 credits



MEd with Specialisms

Comprising: 180 credits

Maximum APL claim: 120 credits

Your Application

You can apply directly to Ulster at any time of year. We advise that you submit your application no later than two weeks prior to your course start date. This is to ensure there is sufficient time for your application to be reviewed and, should you be made an offer, time for you to complete all the necessary pre-enrolment tasks.



Some programmes will have specific deadlines as additional selection (e.g. interview, portfolio submission etc) is required, so please check the course page to ensure you have sufficient time to complete your application.

It is possible to complete the course fully online so that your physical attendance is not required. Webinar attendance requirements will depend on the modules that you select.

Start Date: September 2026.

Careers and Opportunities

In addition to improving your career portfolio, this course will allow you to develop higher level skills of argument and critical thinking as well as developing academic writing skills and research capability. Having a Masters level qualification should enhance potential career advancement, and is a useful preparation for Doctoral level study.



Past students who have taken the specialisms Learning and Teaching, Inclusive and Special Education and ICT have used the qualifications for career advancement, while several of those studying or having completed the Leadership and Management modules have been successful in gaining Vice-Principal and Principal posts both in Northern Ireland the Republic of Ireland. Other pathways have also led to enhanced professional practice and career advancement.