Education for Sustainability & Global Citizenship

Key Features

In response to current contemporary issues of climate change, a loss in biodiversity and challenges to world peace challenges for educators are immense. This new programme has been designed to equip educators with the pedagogies and theoretical frameworks to consider these issues. The programme is designed for those working in education including pre-school practitioners, primary and secondary teachers, and those working in non-formal education. The programme will focus on current challenges to sustainability including climate change, and loss of biodiversity. Through Global Citizenship Education (GCED) the programme aims to focus on agency empowering students of all ages to assume active roles, both locally and globally, in building more peaceful, tolerant, inclusive and secure societies.



The programme is designed for those working in education supporting them to integrate education for sustainability and global citizenship in their short term and long term programmes. The is a blended part-time programme over two years, with the on campus components taking place in Limerick. It also includes field trips to sites including the Burren, the Eco Village in Cloughjordan and the Aquarium in Salthill, Galway.



Benefits

Benefits of studying on this programme:

- Provides an introduction to the foundations, pedagogies, curriculum, research, and contemporary issues in Sustainability and Global Citizenship Education;



- Enables students to assess and critically analyse key concepts in sustainability and global citizenship education through critical dialogue, active pedagogies and a research project;



- Allows students to advocate for the promotion of education for sustainability and global citizenship education, both within and beyond schools;



- Provides an opportunity to critically reflect upon aspects of autobiographies to unpack values and experiences that impact on personal and professional approaches to living ethically and sustainably;



- Enables students to analyse and compare existing pedagogical approaches and resources for implementing education for sustainability and global citizenship education in the classroom, including local studies, social justice, intercultural education, outdoor education and ethical education;



- Facilitates the development of skills associated with education for sustainability and global citizenship, such as critical thinking, geo-literacy, visual literacy and debating; and,



- Gives an opportunity to identify and respond to the varied environmental and societal factors which impact on the implementation of education for sustainability and global citizenship in different contexts, including climate change, migration and racism.

Year One

Five SAC (Sustainability and Citizenship) Education modules and one research module constitute the core programme components.



Year Two

Students will select a topic of their choice within the field of education and work under the close supervision of a member of the Faculty of Education who will encourage and monitor the research process and provide feedback when necessary.



SAC 1: Education for Sustainability, Outdoor Learning and Climate Justice

SAC 2: The World in the Classroom: Education for Global Citizenship

SAC 3: Geo-literacy: Use of children’s literature for promoting education for Global Citizenship

SAC 4: Children’s agency as local citizens – creative approaches for teaching local history

SAC 5: Contemporary Issues in Sustainability and Global Citizenship Education: Ethics, Beliefs, Integration And Equality



Research 1: Principles and Practice of Research in Education

Applicants should hold a relevant degree at 2.2 Honours Level or higher (Level 8 - National Framework of Qualifications).



It is expected that applicants should have a minimum of two years’ experience in education.



Places on the programme will be offered based on the above, based on qualifications, performance at interview (if applicable), language proficiency level (if applicable), and application form.



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/study-in-ireland/essential-information/english-language-requirements

EU Applicants

Applications for the M Ed in Education for Sustainability and Global Citizenship 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: Blended with workshops on campus Tuesday evenings and workshops delivered online on Saturdays.

Applications will close on 27 June 2025.