Graduate Certificate / M Ed in Middle Leadership and Mentoring in Primary and Post-Primary Settings

The aims and objectives of the programme include:

• To understand and critique the policy developments associated with school leadership and in particular those associated with the emerging concept of middle leadership in all current educational settings.
• To learn of the different leadership styles and practises, how they are more than personality based and that different forms of leadership may be required at different times for different circumstances in different contexts.
• To recognise the specific role of school leadership in leading learning (for both teachers and students), while also exploring how it compares and contrasts with leadership in other settings.
• To know more about how teachers learn and explore the role of middle leadership across the continuum of teacher learning in the context of ITE, NQT, lifelong learning and promotion of a culture that is supportive of professional learning communities.
• To develop a deeper understanding of the place of collaboration and conflict in leading learning in healthy communities of practice which includes colleagues and students as well as with parents/guardians and other interested stakeholders.
• To support greater understanding and skill acquisition in the area of mentoring in schools with particular reference to the pedagogical aspects, including the language of pedagogy and the skills associated with feedback.
• To develop participant’s research knowledge and research skills. This includes interpreting data to inform leading learning at curricular and instructional levels.
• To explore goal setting and how change in practice with colleagues can be initiated, implemented, sustained and reviewed. Attention will be given to relational trust and other aspects of social/professional capital within school contexts.
• To reflect as an individual but also with others on the impact of leading learning in a manner that is inclusive of all students and all staff irrespective of setting.
• To practice leadership in a variety of roles and for a variety of purposes so as to enhance participant’s competence and confidence as middle leaders.

Typical Programme Outline

The minimum entry requirements for eligibility are as follows:

(Year 1) For entry into the Graduate Certificate in Middle Leadership and Mentoring in Primary and Post-Primary Settings, applicants will normally hold a minimum 2.2 Honours degree (at level 8) in education (primary or post-primary). Applicants who have a 2.2 Honours degree in other disciplines may be considered if they have substantial and relevant professional experience. Acceptance under this category will be subject to an interview and considered in light of the UL Policy on Accredited Prior Learning.

(Year 2) Entry into the Masters in Education in Middle Leadership and Mentoring in Primary and Post-Primary Settings, is contingent on achieving a 2.2 in the Graduate Certificate in Middle Leadership and Mentoring in Primary and Post-Primary Settings. Further information regarding the Master's component of the progammes can be obtained by emailing the Programme Coordinators.

Click here for English language requirements.

Registration will be conditional upon successful completion of the Garda Vetting/CRB checking process.

EU Applicants

Applications for the Graduate Certificate / M Ed in Middle Leadership and Mentoring are now open.

To apply, please complete all the steps below:

1. Download and complete the application form here (application fee Payment Ref Number required).
2. You will be required to send your university transcripts.
3. In the case of non-native English speakers, a copy of IETLS (or equivalent) is required.
4. Please pay the non-refundable €50 application fee here using Stripe, and return the completed application and transcripts by email: to TaughtProgrammes@mic.ul.ie.

Closing date for applications is 27 June 2025.

Non-EU Applicants

You are advised to contact the MIC International Office before applying:

E: International@mic.ul.ie  I  T: +353 61 204988 /+353 61 774790

Entry requirements may vary according to country of origin. For information that is specific to your home country, click here.

To apply, please complete the following:

1. Download and complete the application form here (application fee Payment Ref ID required)
2. Please pay the non-refundable €50 application fee here using Stripe, and email the completed application form, along with supporting documents below, to International@mic.ul.ie.

What to include with your Application

You will be required to send:

1. University transcripts
2. If English is not your first language/language of qualification, you will require:

• English translation of transcript/qualification
• Your English Language Competency Certificate (Academic IELTS or equivalent)

Transferring from another 3rd Level Institution

The transfer route into MIC depends on the content overlap of your new and old course and the number of places on the new course in the year you apply. Before submitting an application you should contact International@mic.ul.ie where we will consider your case with the relevant Head of Department of the course you wish to transfer to.

EU/Non-EU Status Assesments

The designation of a student as being from the EU or a Non-EU country determines the fees they will pay at Mary Immaculate College (MIC) i.e. there may be cases where a non-EU national acquires EEA citizenship during the course of their third level studies and would qualify for EU fees, for example.

Click here for more information on EU/Non-EU assessments which will be conducted by MIC International office to determine status.

Fees

For information on Postgraduate Fees please click here.