Education MEd (Modular)

Course details

The M.Ed degree is a modularised programme and can be attained through a credit accumulation process.  The focus being on the continuing professional development of teachers at all levels of education.  Students can design their own special programme from the available modules to suit their own professional specialisation, research areas and personal interests. However, students should not that a minimum and maximum quota of students will be applied to each module. In 2014, selection of students is to be based on teaching qualification, academic record, professional experience and the online supplementary Candidates Statement submitted to PAC.

• CKE59 - MEd Modular (120 credit route) : Applicants meeting the initial entry requirements should apply for the 120 credit route.
• CKE67 - MEd Modular (60 credit route) : Applicants meeting the initial entry requirements and who have an approved postgraduate diploma in the general education area or equivalent (with an honours grade) should apply for the 60 credit route. Equivalencies are subject to the Department and College approval. A total of 120 credits, or 60 credits in the case of a holder of one of the approved diplomas, must be completed. Students are limited to studying a maximum of 30 credits in any one semester (for example a maximum 60 credits in any one year). Teaching periods are September-December and January-March/April).

Course Details

The M.Ed degree offers a variety of taught modules that focus on core areas of the course, e.g. early childhood education, literacy, second language teaching, mathematics, information and communications technology, physical and health education.

The course also explores contemporary issues for education – teaching, learning and assessment, childhood, equality and persity, socio-cultural perspectives, and special educational needs – reflecting the perse needs and interests of those who take this course.

Modules are informed and driven by research, and are assessed by project work that links your professional settings to contemporary educational research. This leads to a dissertation based on your professional educational research interests. 

• ED6012:  Perspectives on Literacy Development 
• ED6018 : Models of Childhood in Postmodern Culture 
• ED6020 : Second Language Learning 
• ED6040 : Topics in Mathematics Education 
• ED6042 : Learning as Identity 
• ED6050 : Sport Pedagogy in Physical Education and Youth Sport 
• ED6051 : The Education of Pupils with Selected Categories of Special Educational Needs          
• ED6054 : Perspectives on Play and Experiential Learning in Early Childhood     
• ED6035 : Dissertation in Education

All students are required to complete the ED 6035 dissertation module (30 credits).  Students are advised that the dissertation module is normally taken only on completion of the required number of other taught modules.

Dissertation students are required to attend and participate in a series of compulsory research seminars and independently prepare a research proposal on their chosen research area. Students must then write a dissertation of 15,000 words under the supervision of an allocated Staff member.

Detailed Entry Requirements

To apply for entry  to the M.Ed degree modular programme you must hold:

• a primary degree and postgraduate Diploma in Education, with a second class honours in one (or its equivalent)
• or have a second class honours BEd degree, (or its equivalent)
• or have a second class honours BSc (Education in Physical Sciences), (or its equivalent)
• or have a second class honours Grade 1 (2H1) BA (Hons) Degree in Early Years & Chilhood Studies (or its equivalent)

Professional teaching experience, equivalent to five full years (excluding initial teacher education), will be considered as an honours equivalent.

Furthermore applicants must also possess a minimum of one year’s post teacher education professional teaching experience, or certified equivalent, e.g. research in schools, voluntary work with schools, working with school teams.

In addition to the above requirements, applicants who have achieved at least a second class honours grade in one of the following postgraduate diplomas (or equivalent – equivalencies are subject to School and College approval) will be eligible to apply for the 60 credit route: (CKE 67)

Approved Postgraduate Diplomas: 

• Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Administration
• Postgraduate Diploma in the Teaching of Religious Education
• Postgraduate Diploma in the Teaching of Science in the Primary School
• Postgraduate Diploma in Special Education Needs/Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Support/Compensatory and Remedial Education
• Postgraduate Diploma in Curriculum Studies (CSPE)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Guidance and Counselling
• Postgraduate Diploma in Italian/Spanish for Post-Primary Teachers
• Postgraduate Diploma in English and the Teaching of English

An tArd Teastas i dTeagasc agus i Litriocht na Gaeilge

English Language Requirement

Course Practicalities

Lectures are timetabled to facilitate working teachers. Each 15 credit module is timetabled for two hours (e.g.5-7 pm or7-9 pm) on one night per week. Lectures are currently timetabled on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during the two 12-week semesters (September-December and January-March/April). You can register for a maximum of 30 credits in any one teaching period.

Assessment

All assessment of M.Ed degree modules is by project work (normally 5,000 words), leading to the completion of a 15,000 word dissertation based on your professional research interests. There are no end-of-year written examinations. All M.Ed degree modules feature readings, reflections, presentations and other in-class assignments.