Education - School Leadership

Key programme benefits to future students
The programme will prepare aspiring leaders with the knowledge, skills, confidence and qualifications for senior school leadership positions.

This programme is delivered by leading lecturers across three institutions (UL, University of Galway and UCD) as well as by tutors with extensive experience in the area of educational leadership.

This programme is part funded by the Department of Education and run in centres across the country.

Key Fact: In addition to learning about the theory and practice of leadership, participants will also experience two situated learning opportunities (leadership visits) over the duration of the programme.

Autumn Modules Year 1
• Professional Growth and Development
• Leading Learning and Teaching in the Irish Context

Spring Modules Year 1
• Leading School Development
• Mentoring and Coaching
• Situation Learning - Organisation

Autumn Modules Year 2
• Managing the Organisation
• Developing Leadership Capacity
• Situation Learning - School based

Academic entry requirement
NFQ 8 (Hons) and Teacher Education Qualification.

Registration status
This course is open to all qualified teachers who hold a recognised post in a recognised primary or post primary school, and who are fully registered with the Teaching Council under the appropriate Teaching Council Registration Regulation i.e. Regulation 2 or 4 of the Teaching Council (Registration) regulations 2009 up to 25th July 2016 or Route 1 or 2 of the Teaching Council (Registration) Regulations 2016 and The Teaching Council (Registration) (Amendment) Regulations 2016 thereafter.

Position and experience
Applicants must have a minimum of five years post-qualification experience as a practising teacher. and must have a teaching position in a primary or post-primary school recognised and funded by the Department of Education and Skills.

Declaration
Evidence in writing from the principal of the participant’s school confirming that the teacher (at the time of application) holds a teaching position in the school and is not on secondment.

This course is open to approximately 300 participants.

Ready to apply?
Upload documents and academic information
Gather the required documents listed below and complete the GPS application form using the button below. You will have an opportunity to return to your GPS application and submit any outstanding documents if they become available later. Applications without all required information and documentation will not be eligible for entry to the programme.

Documents to include:
Evidence in writing from the principal of the participant’s school confirming the school is in receipt of Department funding, that the teacher (at the time of application) holds a teaching position in the school and is not on secondment; Please note if you are a teacher you only need your Principal to sign the form. If you are the Principal you need the Chairperson of the school to sign the letter.

Download the declaration letter.

Certificate of your Teaching Council Registration
Results for examinations mentioned on your application form and/or confirmation of the award. Graduates of UL need only provide us with their UL Student ID number.
Certified translations of your award and transcripts, if they are not in English.
A copy of passport for verification of photo and full legal name.

Additional information request
Once your application has been received and verified by the Graduate and Professional Studies Department you will emailed a link to provide us with some additional information. This will allow you to identify your preferred regional centre(s) and confirm your acceptance of the programme's terms and conditions. Please be aware due to the volume of applications we receive for the programme it may take a week or more for your personalised link to be sent to the email address you provided in your GPS Application.

Once we have reviewed your application, we will be in touch.

Preparing your Application:
1. Research your programme: Each postgraduate programme at University of Limerick is unique. Explore your course content, duration, fees, and entry requirements on ul.ie.

2. Check Eligibility: Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the course you are interested in. This usually includes your undergraduate degree award, subject specialities, English language proficiency (for non-native speakers), and any specific requirements for the course.

3. Prepare Documents: Gather all the necessary documents. This typically includes your academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, and references. If English is not your first language, you’ll also need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency.

4. Online Application: Once you are ready to apply, visit your postgraduate programme page on ul.ie/gps and use the Apply Now button to access UL’s online application system. You will need to create an account if you are a new user.

5. Complete the Application: Fill in the application form with all the required details. This will include personal information and academic history.

6. Upload Documents: Upload all the necessary documents that you prepared earlier. Make sure they are clear and legible.

7. Submit Application: Review your application thoroughly to ensure all information is correct and then submit your application. The application fee for your postgraduate application is €50. This includes an option to choose a second choice.

8. Track Your Application: After submission, you can track the status of your application through the online application system.

9. Interview: Depending on the programme, you may be invited for an interview. This could be in person or online.

10. Acceptance: If your application is successful, you will receive an offer email from the university. You will need to accept this offer to secure your place.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and places offered to successful candidates. This means that it’s a good idea to apply as early as possible to increase your chances of securing a place.

Please note that these steps are a general guide and the exact process may vary depending on the specific programme and your individual circumstances. Always check the University of Limerick website or contact the postgraduate admissions department for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

18 months part-time, blended.

Autumn

Graduate careers
This programme addresses the areas of leadership capacity published by the Department of Education and Skills in Looking at our School (2016).