Masters Degrees in Education, Ireland

The MLitt in Education is a research degree, aiming to support students in engaging in an educational project of the highest academic standard, aligned with their own research interests. Students work with a lead supervisor and the support of the departmental advisory team, to undertake research activity and write a masters thesis. This research work is supported by a customised series of taught modules (agreed annually with the department and the supervisor) which is completed with a cohort of fellow research students.

Students will normally enter the programme following completion of a Master’s level degree in Education or a related discipline, and with substantial (normally at least 5 years) of professional experience. Recognising the experience and prior educational experiences of students, an individual programme of study will be developed for each student in conjunction with his/her supervisor and approved by the student’s advisory team and/or the head of department. This individual work programme will seek to provide a balance of inputs including (i) insights into a range of thinkers and ideas in education, (ii) research skills, (iii) academic skills including critical reading and academic writing, and (iv) opportunities to engage critically with the material with a group of interested peers. Students will normally take taught modules to the value of 30 credits over the course of their structured PhD. Students may apply for a transfer to the PhD programme.

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This specialisation is of interest to teachers of science in second level schools, and others with a professional interest in science education. The course is designed to: (i) extend participants knowledge and understanding of the principles and practice of science education in Ireland, and internationally; (ii) update participants' knowledge of their subject specialism.

Components Include:

The contexts of science education
Learning theories in science education
The student in science education
Research issues in science education

The course has a taught component and a dissertation. The duration will normally be two years part-time or one year full time.

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Entry Requirements

Applicants must have the following academic qualifications:
(a) An honours Bachelor degree (major award at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications) or a major award at Level 9 or a major award at Level 10 on the National Framework of Qualifications, and

(b) one of the following sets of second level qualifications:

(i) in the Leaving Certificate Examination from 1969 onwards: a grade C3 or above in Higher Level Irish; a grade D3 or above in Mathematics (Ordinary or Higher level); and a grade C3 or above in English (Ordinary level) or grade D3 or above in English (Higher level); or

(ii) in the Leaving Certificate Examination prior to 1969, Honours in Irish and passes in English and Mathematics; or

(iii) in the Northern Ireland GCSE and GCE A Level Examinations: a Grade C at GCE A Level Irish; a Grade C at GCSE Level in both English and English Literature or Grade B at GCSE Level in either; and a Grade D at GCSE Level in Additional Mathematics or a Grade C at GCSE Level in Mathematics.

Applicants must provide evidence to the Higher Education Institution that their degree is placed as a major award at the appropriate level on the National Framework of Qualifications. Applicants must meet all entry requirements by Friday 3rd July 2016 and provide documentary evidence of meeting these requirements.

Please note that a minimum entry requirement of a H2.2 Bachelor Degree at Level 8 will apply from September 2016.

Alternatives to second-level qualifications in Irish, English or Maths:
A Pass in a University First Arts Examination in Irish, English or Mathematics will be accepted in lieu of the Leaving Certificate Examination GCE/GCSE requirement for the relevant subject.

In the case of Irish, a Grade C in the Matriculation Examination (which existed up to 1992) will also be accepted in lieu of the Leaving Certificate Examination/GCE/GCSE requirement. In addition, the following are accepted as satisfying the Leaving Certificate Examination/GCE/GCSE requirement:
· Dioplóma sa Ghaeilge, Level C1, NUIG

· Dioplóma sa Ghaeilge, Level B2, NUIG

· Dioplóma sa Ghaeilge, NUI Maynooth

· Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge (TEG) at Level B2, NUI Maynooth

· Diploma in Arts (Applied Irish), University College Cork

· Dioplóma sa Ghaeilge Fheidhmeach, UCD

· Dioplóma sa Ghaeilge (An Ghaeilge sa Saol Comhaimseartha), University of Limerick

· Diploma in Irish at the University of Ulster

In the case of Mathematics, a Pass in that subject in the Matriculation Examination will also be accepted in lieu of the Leaving Certificate Examination/GCSE requirement.

Eligible applicants will be required to undergo an Interview and an Oral Irish Examination. Applicants who get a "fail" grade in either the Interview or oral Irish Examination will be eliminated from the competition. The purpose of the Interview is to ascertain the suitability of the applicant for participation in a primary teacher education programme.

The Oral Irish Examination will comprise:
- conversation on everyday topics and on books read by the applicant; and
- reading correctly and intelligently a suitable passage of prose or poetry and explaining the matter read.

Applicants should note that a high standard of fluency is required in the Oral Irish Examination and should prepare for the examination accordingly.

Applicants will be advised by the relevant Centre (Dublin and/or Limerick) of the date, time, venue, etc, of their Interview and Oral Irish Examination and must attend these examinations at their own expense. The location will be either Dublin and/or Limerick.

Overview

The Professional Masters of Education (Primary) is a full-time, two year course designed to equip student-teachers with the range of knowledge and skill related to the profession of primary school teaching and its curriculum. The course structure enables student-teachers to make real connections between the theory and practice of education. This is achieved through the blend of methodology and foundation discipline courses on offer.

See the website https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/froebel-department-primary-and-early-childhood-education/our-courses/professional-master-education-primary

Course Structure

The course comprises aspects of teacher education such as foundation studies (e.g. psychology, sociology, history and philosophy of education), professional skills development (e.g. developing high levels of competency in professional English, Mathematics and Irish) and curriculum and methodology (e.g. pedagogy associated with the primary school curriculum).

Career Options

The Professional Masters of Education (Primary) is designed to prepare students to be primary school teachers in the Republic of Ireland.

How To Apply

Applications to Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education, Maynooth University and Marino Institute of Education, Dublin should be completed online at maestro.mie.ie/appcentre this system will open at 5pm on January 30.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 5p.m. on Friday, 10th March.

All applicants should also note the selection procedure detailed here https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/froebel-department-primary-and-early-childhood-education/professional-masters-education-primary-teaching

Find information on Scholarships here https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/study-maynooth/postgraduate-studies/fees-funding-scholarships

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The specialism is provided for recognised teachers in primary, secondary and tertiary education, youth leaders, drama and theatre in education practitioners and others with a professional interest in the arts in education, who have a primary degree or equivalent. Students will be involved in practice focused workshops and seminars covering approaches to drama and theatre in formal (primary, secondary and tertiary level) and non-formal educational settings.

Drama is both an art form in its own right and also a highly effective teaching and learning methodology, and students will be introduced to the philosophies underpinning this creative educational approach, to its history, and to a wide range of drama and theatre in education techniques and to their use in diverse educational contexts.

Components include:

The nature of the art form and key components in drama
Key practitioners and their work in structuring drama and theatre sequences for learning
Advanced issues in drama and theatre education
Online critical reading seminar

The course has a taught component delivered as a Summer School with on-line support during the academic year, and a dissertation. The duration will normally be two years part-time or three years part-time or one year full time.

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The M.Ed. in Leadership and Management in Education offers participants the opportunity to undertake a general study of the theory and practice of educational leadership and management. The course aims at enabling participants to understand and critique theories and practices of educational leadership and management in light of current research and professional experience. The integration of theory and practice is central to the course.

This course may be offered in regional Education Centres.

Components Include:

Leadership and Management in Education: An Introduction
Leading and Managing Human Relations in Education
Leading and Managing Learning in Schools: Student Learning and Professional Learning
Leadership and Management in Education: Legal Issues

The course has a taught component and a dissertation. The duration will normally be two years part-time or three years part-time or one year full time.

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Overview

The Higher Diploma in Further Education is made up of three areas of professional development:
1. Foundation Disciplines of Adult and Further Education
2. Professional Studies
3. Teaching Practice

Applications may be made through PAC (http://www.pac.ie) using code MHA90. The closing date for the next point of entry (September 2015) is 28 February 2015.

Registration with the Teaching Council of Ireland

1. Candidates are responsible for checking their own eligibility to register with the Teaching Council of Ireland separate from their application to Maynooth Universityfor the Higher Diploma in Further Education.

2. Candidates are required to contact the Teaching Council of Ireland for further information as applicants are dealt with on an individual basis.

3. Applicants wishing to register as a teacher in the Further Education sector must meet the requirements set out in the
Teaching Council Ireland FE Regulations

The Higher Diploma in Further Education is a professional teaching qualification in further education. It provides student teachers with the theoretical knowledge and the practical and reflective skills required to confidently work in further education settings. The course includes a 100 hours teaching practice.

Course Structure

Modules include sociology of adult and further education, learning methodologies, philosophy of adult education, curriculum studies and assessment methods, ethics and teaching practice.

Career Options

This course has professional accreditation of Further Education Initial Teacher Education from the Teaching Council of Ireland, enabling graduates to work in adult education teaching settings.

How To Apply

Online application only http://www.pac.ie/maynoothuniversity

PAC Code
MHA90

The following documents should be forwarded to PAC, 1 Courthouse Square, Galway or uploaded to your online application form:

Certified copies of all official transcripts of results for all non-Maynooth University qualifications listed MUST accompany the application. Failure to do so will delay your application being processed. Non-Maynooth University students are asked to provide two academic references and a copy of birth certificate or valid passport.

In addition to details forwarded to PAC and the application details on PAC, each applicant is required to provide a short narrative in which they outline why they are applying for the course, what they hope to get from it, both personally and professionally, and what experience they will bring to the course. This narrative should be inserted into the PAC personal statement text box.

Applications via PAC are reviewed and those who are deemed appropriate are interviewed with a view to determining the suitability for the course for the student and the suitability of the student for the course. All successful applicants are required to secure Garda Clearance before undertaking placement.

Find information on Scholarships here https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/study-maynooth/postgraduate-studies/fees-funding-scholarships

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Overview

This level 9 (90 credits) taught Masters course is offered on a modular basis. This means students can choose how many modules they take each semester and design their own programme to suit their lifestyle. Each module counts for 10 credits. With this flexibility, students may complete their Master’s degree full-time over the course of one year or part-time over the course of a number of years. It is possible to study modules of particular interest without completing a Masters degree or to exit with a Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Studies after completing 60 credits.

The Master of Education course is designed for primary and post-primary teachers, aspiring and existing leaders, early childhood educators, and other students and professionals interested in the field of educational studies. It aims to develop a deeper understanding of professional practice and the field of education as an academic discipline.

Course Structure

Students can choose between taking a Specialism and taking a General degree with the option of completing either a Thesis or a Capstone Project at the end of the programme. Key features of both options are outlined in the table below.

Specialism Option

General Option

Four M.Ed Specialisms are on offer:

 

• Educational Leadership
• Teacher Education
• Early Childhood Care and Education (in conjunction with Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education)
• Social Justice Education

 

Students will write a Thesis or Capstone project within their Specialism

 

Students choosing the M.Ed. General will have more choice in module offerings.

 

Students can write their Thesis or Capstone Project on a topic of interest, chosen in conjunction with a supervisor.

 

A range of educational research methodologies are taught as key components of the course to support students in developing the necessary research skills to conduct their own research, and to interpret and interrogate research around key educational issues.

The Thesis will count for 30 credits and a Capstone Project will count for 20 credits of the Master of Education. Modules will be delivered on various weekday evenings or as intensive courses over weekends or during the summer.

For more information https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/education/master-education-20172018

Duration: 1 year Full-time

PAC Code

MH52G

The following documents should be forwarded to PAC, 1 Courthouse Square, Galway or uploaded to your online application form:

Certified copies of all official transcripts of results for all non-Maynooth University qualifications listed MUST accompany the application. Failure to do so will delay your application being processed. Non-Maynooth University students are asked to provide two academic references and a copy of birth certificate or valid passport. Applicants are only required to submit the names and contact details of 2 referees.

Find information on Scholarships here https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/study-maynooth/postgraduate-studies/fees-funding-scholarships

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This specialism is for students who wish to undertake a more broadly based Master's programme and draws on the School of Education's national and international expertise in research and teaching in a range of disciplines and fields.

Modules include:

Educational Assessment and Evaluation
Language Education
Educational Psychology
Philosophy of Education
Sociology of Education
History of Education
ICTs and Education
Education and Social Policy
Leadership Education
Traditions, Powers and Contexts

The course has a taught component and a dissertation. The duration will normally be two years part-time or three years part-time or one year full time.

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Overview

This level 9 (90 credits) taught Masters course is offered on a modular basis. This means students can choose how many modules they take each semester and design their own programme to suit their lifestyle. Each module counts for 10 credits. With this flexibility, students may complete their Master’s degree full-time over the course of one year or part-time over the course of a number of years. It is possible to study modules of particular interest without completing a Masters degree or to exit with a Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Studies after completing 60 credits.

The Master of Education course is designed for primary and post-primary teachers, aspiring and existing leaders, early childhood educators, and other students and professionals interested in the field of educational studies. It aims to develop a deeper understanding of professional practice and the field of education as an academic discipline.

Due to the flexible nature of the programme, students can choose to complete modules at their own pace and can take one or more modules per year, up to 8 years. Students can opt for a M.Ed with Specialism or M.Ed. General. It is possible to study modules of particular interest without completing a Masters degree. Students, for example, might also exit with a Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Studies after completing 60 credits.

Course Structure

Students can choose between taking a Specialism and taking a General degree with the option of completing either a Thesis or a Capstone Project at the end of the programme. Key features of both options are outlined in the table below.

Specialism Option

General Option

Four M.Ed Specialisms are on offer:

 

• Educational Leadership
• Teacher Education
• Early Childhood Care and Education (in conjunction with Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education)
• Social Justice Education

 

Students will write a Thesis or Capstone project within their Specialism

 

Students choosing the M.Ed. General will have more choice in module offerings.

 

Students can write their Thesis or Capstone Project on a topic of interest, chosen in conjunction with a supervisor.

 

A range of educational research methodologies are taught as key components of the course to support students in developing the necessary research skills to conduct their own research, and to interpret and interrogate research around key educational issues.

The Thesis will count for 30 credits and a Capstone Project will count for 20 credits of the Master of Education. Modules will be delivered on various weekday evenings or as intensive courses over weekends or during the summer.

Duration: 2 or more years, up to 8 years part-time

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Overview

The PGDip in Higher Education is designed specifically for academic staff currently teaching in the higher education sector (e.g., teaching in universities, institutes of technology, or other designated higher education institutions). One of the central aims of this programme is to provide opportunities for academics to deepen their awareness and build their knowledge of a range of practical and theoretical issues fundamental to learning and teaching within higher education. Additionally, this programme aims to help academic teaching staff feel more confident about their teaching roles and the ways in which they can support student learning and enhance the learning experience for all students. Minimum English language requirements: IELTS: 6.5 minimum overall score, TOEFL (Paper based test): 585, TOEFL (Internet based test): 95, PTE (Pearson): 62. National University of Ireland Maynooth's TOEFL code is 8850.

Visit the website http://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/centre-teaching-and-learning/our-courses/postgraduate-diploma-higher-education

Course Structure

The Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education is comprised of four modules (totalling 60 ECTS) which are taken over two semesters. In the main, there will be one scheduled session each week. Sessions will likely run each Friday (subject to confirmation). Sometimes it may be necessary to have additional classes. Please note that course participants will be advised in advance if attendance at other sessions is required. Participants in the Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education due to begin in February will attend sessions from February to May and from September to January. Across the modules, lectures, seminars, workshops and group-led discussions will form the basis of the sessions.

Career Options

The course aims to provide academic teaching staff with opportunities to develop and extend their professional practice. All sessions are designed to offer course participants a platform through which they can experience, practise, reflect on and expand their repertoire of various strategies and techniques to promote the student learning experience. Thus, the course will help academics to develop their current and future teaching practice.

How To Apply

Online application only http://www.pac.ie/maynoothuniversity

PAC Code
MH51H

The following information should be forwarded to PAC, 1 Courthouse Square, Galway or uploaded to your online application form:

Certified copies of all official transcripts of results for all non-Maynooth University qualifications listed MUST accompany the application. Failure to do so will delay your application being processed. Non-Maynooth University students are asked to provide two academic references and a copy of birth certificate or valid passport.

Find information on Scholarships here https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/study-maynooth/postgraduate-studies/fees-funding-scholarships

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Overview

The overall aim of the Structured MLitt Programme is to facilitate the students in making an original contribution to the knowledge base in the field of adult and community education through research. This programme is designed to facilitate students to complete within a reasonable time. The Structured MLitt takes two years full-time or three years part-time to complete. The Department is particularly interested in working on research projects concerning radical perspectives on adult learning theory, theoretical and practical studies of community development, women’s education, adult basic education, human development programmes, adult guidance and counselling, interventions with marginalised adults and their communities as well as topics in higher education.

Closing date:
Research applications are generally accepted at any time

See the website https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/adult-and-community-education/our-courses/mlittresearch-15

Minimum English language requirements:
• IELTS: 6.5 minimum overall score
• TOEFL (Paper based test): 585
• TOEFL (Internet based test): 95
• PTE (Pearson): 62

National University of Ireland Maynooth’s TOEFL code is 8850

Course Structure

The Structured MLitt programme meet the needs of professionals in the field of Adult and Community Education. The compulsory modules are designed to facilitate students’ progress throughout the programme.

Find out how to apply here https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/adult-and-community-education/our-courses/mlittresearch-15#tabs-apply

Find information on Scholarships here https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/study-maynooth/postgraduate-studies/fees-funding-scholarships

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Overview

The MEd in Adult and Community Education is particularly suited to those who are seeking ways of understanding the connections between theoretical frameworks and the assumptions that underpin their work practices. This programme will provide the opportunity for participants to:
- critically reflect on their experience in the field
- develop the public debate on social justice and critical citizenship
- have a thorough grounding and an understanding of the background to and influences on research in adult and community education

Minimum English language requirements:
• IELTS: 6.5 minimum overall score
• TOEFL (Paper based test): 585
• TOEFL (Internet based test): 95
• PTE (Pearson): 62

Course Structure

Modules include advanced gender studies, advanced theories in adult and community education, ethical perspectives, power and politics, research methodology and group supervision and reflexive research.

Career Options

For professionals working in the adult education sector including further education, this course provides the theoretical frameworks with which to explore and question the assumptions that underpin their workplace experience. It will also enable them to build critical reflection with respect to power relationships (among them gender, class, race, ethnicity and disability), pedagogical approaches and professional practice.

How To Apply

Online application only http://www.pac.ie/maynoothuniversity

PAC Code
MHA92

The following documents should be forwarded to PAC, 1 Courthouse Square, Galway or uploaded to your online application form:

Certified copies of all official transcripts of results for all non-Maynooth University qualifications listed MUST accompany the application. Failure to do so will delay your application being processed. Non-Maynooth University students are asked to provide two academic references and a copy of birth certificate or valid passport.

Find information on Scholarships here https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/study-maynooth/postgraduate-studies/fees-funding-scholarships

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Overview

The PME course is designed to prepare high quality teachers for today’s second level schools. Students undertake a study of the principles of teaching and learning, develop practical teaching skills, and engage in a supervised teaching placement in at least two second-level schools. Students normally take disciplinary courses in the teaching of two curricular subjects.

The course normally commences in late August and lectures and school placement end in May. Examination results are usually available in late June.

Course Structure

School Based Experience

In the first year, school placement is carried out on two full days a week in a second level school where the principal and members of staff have agreed to co-operate with Maynooth University Education Department. Students spend about 65 days per year in a school within a 85 kilometer radius of Maynooth. In addition there is a period of ‘block’ teaching in January, of approximately three weeks continuous work in schools. Students make their own arrangements for teaching practice.

Teaching, Learning, Assessment and Curriculum /The Teacher as a Critically Reflective Practitioner

The central focus of these modules is on enabling the student to develop a repertoire of pedagogical skills and to adopt a professional, self-analytical and reflective approach to classroom practice. These course elements are aimed at deepening the student’s understanding of the processes of teaching and learning, of assessment, of education, of pupils and their psycho-social development, of schools within their social context and of the structure and development of the system within which they work. Among the research sources that inform these modules are pedagogical and curriculum studies, the history and structure of education, educational psychology, sociology of education and the philosophy of education. 

Teaching/Learning Seminars in Subject Methods

These consist of seminars/lectures/workshops devoted to the methodology teaching and learning of school subjects.

Duration: 2 years Full-time

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The Masters programme in Education and the Arts is offered on a part-time basis over two years. It is designed for practising teachers (both primary and secondary) who have a particular interest and aptitude in the arts and education, artists who specialise in educational practice and policy-makers or administrators in the arts or in education. The programme will have a collective arts approach i.e. it is neither an integrated arts programme nor a programme in any specific discipline. It will seek to look to the issues, practices and theories that underpin music, visual arts, dance, drama and literature in education. A range of modules will be offered in year one, examining both practice and theory. They will be offered via a summer school, an online module and weekday evening classes in Mary Immaculate College. Year two of the programme will consist primarily of research and the completion of a dissertation.

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Note: this course is currently undergoing Teaching Council accreditation and details of the course may be adapted as a part of this process.

The Professional Masters in Education (PME) is a required qualification for persons wishing to work as post-primary school teachers in the Republic of Ireland and a recognised teaching qualification within the EU. The aim of the course is to prepare new entrants for the teaching profession who are professional in all aspects of their work and who are knowledgeable and reflective about the aims and processes of education and are subject experts in their chosen discipline.

The 2 year full-time PME programme represents a course of professional development for teaching with a significant academic dimension.

Course components include:

(i) Foundation disciplines

(ii) Professional Studies including one specialisation related to post-primary curriculum subjects from the following set (applicants select one at application as their major subject):

Business Studies (including Accounting and Economics);
English;
Geography;
History;
Irish;
Mathematics (including Applied Mathematics);
Modern Languages (including French, German, Italian, Spanish and Other Languages);
Music;
Religious Education;
Science (including Biology, Chemistry and Physics).

(iii) School Placement, including a substantial school-based research project completed in the second year.

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