NUI Galway - Education

Course Overview/Contact:

The Master of Education (MEd) is a newly-designed, two-year, part-time, modular postgraduate programme. With participants from a wide range of educational contexts and disciplines, the MEd offers a dynamic learning environment that aims to foster
collaborative learning. Given the nature of the programme, there is a strong emphasis on developing the capacity for self-directed learning and research, with appropriate support from academic staff and a personal supervisor. Specifically, the programme aims to provide participants with the opportunity to a) re-engage with theory, research and practice in elements of the Educational Sciences and Professional Studies, and to b) design and conduct a piece of educational research to a high professional standard.

Please note GYA47 Master of Education is a separate programme to the Initial Teacher Education programme, the Professional Master of Education (PEG01). A teaching qualification, or equivalent, is one of the entry requirements to GYA47 Master of Education.

Career Opportunities:

Graduates have found employment in areas such as education leadership and management, education support services, and curriculum development bodies. The programme also facilitates general career advancement. Students typically report that their own view of professional practice has been greatly enriched by practitioner research. Further research opportunities exist at PhD level.

Programme Content:

The programme combines a taught element with research in the field of education. It is comprised of two components, totalling 60 ECTS credits. Classes take place on Wednesdays during term from 5–9pm, along with sessions during school mid-term breaks and potentially during other holidays.

In Year One, students complete six modules, which include elements of the Educational Sciences and Professional Studies. In Year Two, the taught research methodology modules are specifically designed to equip participants with the necessary research skills to enable students to complete a minor research thesis of 20,000–25,000 words. Teaching and learning strategies include lectures, workshops, tutorials and seminars.

Entry Requirements & Assessment:

Each of the modules is assessed through specific assignments, which may include academic papers, oral presentations, and/or other exercises as deemed appropriate by the relevant lecturers. A minor thesis of 20,000–25,000 words is also completed in year two.