Leadership

The MEd (Leadership) deploy a broad concept of leadership that can be applied to teachers at different stages of their career within schools as organisations. The Professional Diploma in Educational Leadership (PDEL) is aimed at primary and post-primary teachers in the Irish education system.



Include some face-to-face sessions (typically on Saturdays to accommodate travel and attendance from all corners of the country).



Our experience is that the combination of on campus days and online teaching and learning provide a dynamic and transformative learning experience for all students

We are committed to developing our students’ critical voice through reading, discussion, peer learning, presentations and critical review. Furthermore, these participative learning experiences will ensure that high quality learning outcomes are achieved.

Stage 1 Options - A)3 of:

MEd Leadership students in their first year must select the following three modules.

EDUC41620 Contemporary Issues Autumn 10

EDUC41640 School leadership and the quality of teaching and learning: actors, agency, activities Autumn 10

EDUC41800 School Transformation Spring 10



Stage 1 Options - D)4 of:

Students who have completed the UCD PDEL or Year 1 of the MEd Leadership should select the following four modules.

EDUC42890 Research Methods (Blended) Autumn 10

EDUC43270 School Effectiveness Autumn 10

EDUC42910 Research Methods 2 (Blended) Spring 10

EDUC42050 Thesis: School Leadership Summer 30

Applicants must hold an honours degree at undergraduate level (or equivalent) from a higher education institution, a recognised teaching qualification and have a minimum of three years’ teaching experience in either the primary or post-primary sector.



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/



We are offering direct entry to Year 2 of the MEd Leadership programme (W328) for recent graduates of the UCD Professional Diploma in Educational Leadership (W342) who have achieved a 2.1 grade or higher. This pathway is only recommended for graduates of the Professional Diploma in Educational Leadership W342 who have completed the course in the last five years. Students who have already successfully completed the blended Professional Diploma in Education Studies (Leadership) at UCD may carry their 30-credits from the Diploma into the Masters Programme and complete the remaining 60 credits.

Apply online



The application for this programme has a rolling deadline meaning that applications will close when all places have been filled. For this reason, early application is advised. This course tends to be oversubscribed annually.

2 years part-time Blended

General application route(s) to Leadership:

W328 Leadership

Master of Education Part-Time

Commencing September 2026



Additional special entry route(s) to Leadership:

These options have additional eligibility requirements to cater for specific applicant cohorts. You should not apply via these routes before consulting the requirements or contacting the responsible UCD office.



W328 Leadership

Master of Education Part-Time

Commencing September 2026

MEd Leadership Year 2



This application route is for UCD PDEL pathway students only, for entry to year 2 of the programme

Many of our graduates have gone on to take up leadership roles within their schools.