Leadership of Wellbeing in Education

Programme Overview

The promotion of wellbeing has gaining an increased profile in many settings including education. Hence the importance and relevance of the new M Ed in Leadership of Wellbeing in Education programme in Mary Immaculate College. This two-year part-time Level 9 programme will provide participants with the skills to assume leadership positions in the promotion of wellbeing in a variety of educational settings and in the wider community.

The programme will look at wellbeing across the educational spectrum: through Early Childhood, Primary and Post-Primary; it will empower participants to reflect on the diversity of perspectives relating to wellbeing in education through participation in face-to-face and online learning. Participants will engage with research pertaining to wellbeing and related areas and will be facilitated in the application of the various paradigms to their own settings.

The M Ed draws on the specialist expertise at Mary Immaculate College in a variety of disciplines relating to wellbeing, including Physical Education; Social, Personal and Health Education; and Development Education. The importance of an integrated approach to wellbeing will be evident throughout the programme.

Key Features

The M Ed in Leadership of Wellbeing in Education programme will consider the different theoretical presentations of wellbeing and examine how learners can be empowered to take ownership of the many dimensions of their wellbeing as they progress through their education. The programme will demonstrate ways in which wellbeing can be promoted across the curriculum, recognising the impact of the hidden curriculum and the role of the many key stakeholders in education. The promotion of teacher wellbeing will also be a significant aspect of the programme with participants being facilitated to reflect on how they internalise the concept in their own lives.

The programme will equip participants in the development of leadership skills in relation to wellbeing in education. In addition participants will be enabled to conduct high level research in relation to wellbeing in education, thus providing themselves with a strong evidence base for future school initiatives.

The M Ed LWE programme, now in its third year, has been gaining increasing momentum in terms of profile and participation and more recently received endorsement from the Centre for School Leadership (CSL) in recognition of its excellent innovation and relevance to current Irish Education policy and practice.

Subjects taught

The M Ed in Leadership of Wellbeing in Education programme will take place over the course of four semesters (two academic years) with the taught components taking place mainly in Year 1. The programme will be scheduled on evenings and on Saturdays. As part of the programme, participants will attend one residential weekend in Delphi Adventure Resort, Leenane, Connemara, Co. Galway.

M Ed in Leadership of Wellbeing in Education

Modules will be taught in a blended format (face-to-face and online), and are as follows:

• Critical Analysis and Reflection on Wellbeing 1

• Critical Analysis and Reflection on Wellbeing 2

• Introducing Wellbeing into Education 1

• Introducing Wellbeing into Education 2

• Wellbeing for Identity, Belonging and Citizenship and

• Leadership of Wellbeing in Education

• Research Methods 1

• Research Methods 2

Students will also be required to engage weekly with a range of research papers, podcasts, videos and/or reflective exercises as part of the programme. The online content is delivered through the Moodle platform in MIC.

Entry requirements

• Applicants should have at least a second class honours (2.2 minimum) primary degree (Level 8, NFQ) in a relevant or cognate discipline that incorporates a substantial education component.

• It is expected that applicants should have a minimum of two years’ experience as a teacher whose work incorporates a significant focus on wellbeing and related fields.

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

For English language requirements go to: https://www.mic.ul.ie/international/international/essential-information/english-language-requirements

Please note: This programme is limited to a maximum of 15 participants per cohort.

Application dates

How to Apply

EU Applicants

To apply, please see "Application Weblink" above.

Closing date for applications is 4pm, Friday 24 July 2026.

Please Note: This programme is not open to applications from non-EU countries.

Duration

2 years part-time. Delivery Mode: Blended: Two Saturdays on campus per module and online lectures.

Fees