Master of Education

Course Code:

 

DC984

Course Type:

 

Postgraduate

NFQ Level:

 9

Delivery Modes

Part-Time

Duration

2 Years

INTRODUCTION

The Master of Education is designed for educators who wish to pursue in-depth study in education for both professional and personal development. This programme offers the opportunity to educators to expand their knowledge within a special option.

The MEd is a two year part time programme. In the first year students undertake three core modules (Online) and three modules in their chosen special option (delivery mode indicated below). In the second year of the programme students undertake a thesis with the support of a supervising tutor.

2023/24 Special Options:

  • Digital Learning
  • Leadership and Education - Online
  • Physical Education
  • Religious Education
  • Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) and Wellbeing

Further Special Options information »

PROGRAMME

The Master of Education programme combines educational theory and applied studies and assists learners in the development of up-to-date knowledge in a chosen area of specialisation and beyond. The programme incorporates current educational thinking and the most effective pedagogical practices within a wide range of contemporary educational issues.

The key focus of the programme is that it offers students an opportunity to develop expertise in a chosen field, to critically reflect on your own practice and thinking, while also engaging with educational research and theory. It provides a grounding in research methodology and contemporary educational issues.

The on-going commitment is to provide our students with the highest academic standards in teaching, learning and research, while supporting and fostering differing learning styles and needs.
Overview Document »

COURSE LIFE

A benefit of the Master of Education at DCU is that students may choose from a range of special options. The programme is designed for those working within the education sector. This diversity of backgrounds of students, which the special options of the course attracts, leads to a dynamic learning environment.

The programme is delivered by a team of academics and practising experts with applied experience in their fields. A number of special options allow students to pursue the Masters of Education online.

Life on Campus

We have three academic campuses close to Dublin City centre - they are located in Glasnevin and Drumcondra, and can be reached by public transport (Dublin Bus).

Each campus has libraries, study spaces, restaurants, and on-campus residencies. Sports facilities are located on two of the academic campuses. We also have a dedicated sports campus in the form of St Claire’s. 

Exceptional facilities

DCU students have access to exceptional teaching and learning facilities across our three academic campuses. 

These include modern learning theatres, research centres, new media and TV studio, radio/podcast studios, classrooms, computer suites and advanced labs in the areas of languages, engineering, physics, chemistry and biotechnology, as well as a sports performance centre and training hospital ward. In 2021, we opened our first virtual reality ‘Leadership Lab’, which is located in our Business School.

Construction on our FutureTech building on the Glasnevin campus will get underway in 2022. Once completed, this facility will advance DCU’s international reputation for excellence in science and health, computing and engineering disciplines. It will have the capacity to accommodate an additional 3,000 STEM students on the university’s Glasnevin campus.

Campus life

DCU student facilities boast a fully equipped sports complex with a 25-metre pool, three libraries and The Helix, our renowned performing arts centre.

Our purpose built, state-of-the-art new student centre known as 'The U' serves the needs of a rapidly growing student body of 18,500. It is home to the Student Leadership and Lifeskills Centre, performing arts and cultural spaces for students and the wider community, and the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub.

There are more than 140 clubs and societies for students in DCU, with ‘Clubs & Socs’ days taking place on both the Glasnevin and Drumcondra campuses at the start of the academic year.

Student Supports

We have a number of academic, professional and social supports for students.

Student Advice Centre: Offers a wide range of supports and services to students and advice.

The Writing Centre - drop-in writing workshops for students through the academic year.

Maths Learning Centre - provides maths support for students of all ability levels with maths modules.

Student Learning: facilitate the transition from passive to active learning for students at DCU, by teaching study skills, nurturing critical thinking and building student confidence. 

Careers work with students to help them on their professional journey into graduate employment.

Our student support team offers a comprehensive support programme, helping students make that all important transition into university life and focusing on building confidence and skills which are key to success at third level.

CAREERS

The Master of Education programme is designed to meet the professional and personal needs of teachers and educators.

The course is intended for those who wish to make a significant contribution to the enhancement of professional practice in their chosen special option by reviewing and systematically applying appropriate theories and research to their professional practice.

REQUIREMENTS AND FEES

Requirements

Candidates are required to have a Level 8, Lower Second Class Honors Degree, minimum H2.2.  Candidates may be interviewed for places. 

International Applications

International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above.  In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. For further information on international applications click here.

Fees

Part time

EU Status Fee Part-time

€4,000 per annum/Transfer fee €3,000

Non EU Fee Part time

€8,000 per annum

Next Steps

How to Apply

  • All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal which is available here.  Here's a quick step by step guide if you need help with your application.

Please select the specialism: 

  • Digital Learning
  • Leadership and Education - Online
  • Religious Education
  • Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) and Wellbeing
  • Physical Education

All Applicants must submit

  • Certified academic transcripts for each and every year of study, with certified English translations if applicable
  • Please upload a CV under the "Supplemental Items & Documents" section.
  • Personal statement of 250 words maximum outlining your reasons for applying

Non Native English Speakers - Additional

  • Evidence of English competency which meets DCU entry requirements - see link

Application Deadlines

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or until the following dates:

  • Closing date for EU and non EU applicants is 1st July 2023

EU Applicants

Applications will open November 2022.

Non-EU applicants

  • Applications will open November 2022. If you require a study visa and are a Non EU student, you are not eligible to apply for part-time programmes as study visas are only granted for full-time programmes.

All entry requirements should be met before the commencement of the programme.

Queries

Queries from EU applicants should be directed to postgraduateadmissions@dcu.ie.

Queries from non EU applicants should be directed to internationalapplications@dcu.ie.

Commencement of Programme

Applications will open November 2022.