Education Studies - Leadership in Christian Education

This programme offers participants the opportunity to advance their study in education and to prepare for school leadership within faith-based schools. It is equally suited to those who currently hold leadership positions and those who aspire to such roles. This programme has been endorsed by the Centre for School Leadership and is recognised as being suitable for aspiring leaders, new senior leaders, established school leaders and system leaders in Irish education.

What is the Master in Education Studies (Leadership in Christian Education)?
The course provides the knowledge and skills necessary for leadership, management and governance in education. It uniquely offers a theological and spiritual background to help, support and develop a faith-based ethos within a school.

Who is the course for?
It is designed for primary and post-primary teachers who wish to pursue leadership and management training for faith-based schools working a multicultural and pluralist society. It is also an opportunity for aspiring and established leaders to pursue their own faith, academic and professional development.

What will I study?
In year 1, students will study four discrete modules related to leadership, management and theology. In year 2, students focus on an area of interest related to Leadership in Christian Education, develop research skills and write a dissertation.

Year 1
Module 1 – Leadership in Education
– Leadership in education
– Emotional and relational competence for leadership
– Psychology of leadership
– Group dynamics

Module 2 – Leadership and Theology
– Introduction to theology
– Christian anthropology
– Adult faith and leadership

Module 3 – Leadership and Management
– Legislation and education
– Governance of schools
– Leading teaching and learning

Module 4 – Leadership of a Christian School
– Leading the sacramental and liturgical life of a school
– Leading a christian school
– Christian schools as inclusive schools: responding to social movements

Year 2
Dissertation Module
– Research methodologies and research ethics
– The research design process
– Research proposal
– Dissertation

Minimum entry requirements

– An honours degree (level 8) with second class honours or higher and at least three years teaching experience or equivalent professional experience. – In exceptional cases students who meet the honours degree requirement but do not have the necessary experience, or who meet the professional experience but have only a level 7 degree may be considered for the course. Candidates may be shortlisted and invited to attend an interview and complete a written assignment as appropriate.

– English Language Requirement: IELTS Level 6.5 (or equivalent).

How is the course assessed?
Assessment is linked to the modular nature of the course and consists of a variety of assessments in year 1, followed by a research proposal and dissertation in year 2.

ECTS Credits: 90

2 years part-time.