Mary Immaculate College (MIC) is delighted to announce the launch of a diverse range of new specialisms on its popular Master of Education (M Ed), making it one of the most distinctive programmes of its kind in the country. The existing modular design enables students to register for specific core M Ed modules and select others from an exciting range of eleven new specialisms in areas as varied as STEM Education and Education and the Law, thus accumulating credits in a flexible way. The customised nature of the programme, which is offered on a full-time (one-year) or part-time (two-years), allows for flexible, agile and individualised learning pathways.
According to Dr Emma O’Brien, Director of Taught Postgraduate Studies in Education at MIC: “The Level 9 modular M Ed with Specialisms is designed for all those interested in enhancing their professional knowledge, understanding and skills in education. With the addition of the new specialisms, students have even more flexibility to build their own customised M Ed by choosing from the available modules that best suit their own professional needs, research areas, personal interests and mode of learning.”
The programme is comprised of a number of core modules including Inclusive Education Policy and Practice, Systematic Approaches to Practitioner Research, National and International Trends and Current Issues in Education, as well as a dissertation module. The full range of specialism options includes Music, STEM Education, Religious Education, Climate Action and Global Education, Wellbeing Education, Language, Teaching and Learning Enhancement in Higher Education, Education and the Law, Instructional Leadership and Change, Early Childhood Education and Child Protection.
Dr O’Brien adds: “All the programme modules, whether core or specialism, are delivered using a blended, hyflex or completely online format thus giving greater choice in terms of time, place, pace, content and mode of learning. We want to ensure that each student on the M Ed with Specialisms at MIC benefits from a personalised, connected, student-centred learning experience as well as a unique, rigorous and compelling intellectual challenge. MIC as a globalised provider, especially welcomes international students to this modular, hyflex M Ed programme.”
The Principles of Universal Design Learning (UDL) – engagement, representation and action/expression – have been embedded in the programme design, development and implementation from the outset. The programme also features a diverse range of innovative, authentic, flexible and inclusive assessment types and formats ensuring an enriched learning experience for all students.
Applicants with a primary degree in education (Level 8 NFQ) at a minimum of Honours 2.2 will be considered for direct entry into the Master of Education (M Ed) with Specialisms. Applicants who have a 2.2 honours degree in other disciplines may be considered if they have substantial and relevant professional experience.
In cases where the applicant does not meet the normal entry requirements, the applicant can be assessed on prior learning in line with university policy and procedures on the Recognition of Prior Learning. The admission procedures will include an interview wherein the prior learning and experience of applicants in education will be assessed. For direct entry into Year 2 of the part-time programme, applicants should hold a Professional Development Graduate Diploma in Education (Level 9 NFQ) at a minimum of Honours 2.1.
