Course details

The Master of Education (MEd) is a newly-designed, modular postgraduate programme. students complete six modules which include elements of the Educational Sciences and Professional Studies. the taught research methodology module is specifically designed to equip participants with the necessary research skills to enable students to complete a minor research thesis. Teaching and learning strategies include lectures, workshops, tutorials and seminars.

With participants from a wide range of educational contexts and disciplines, the M.Ed. 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.

Key facts

Entry requirements

  • Primary degree, and
  • Teaching qualification, or equivalent.
  • Honours standard in at least one of the above.
  • Generally, two to three years professional experience is required.

Course outline

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.

Programme Structure:

Year One: 60 ECTS

  1. Psychology of Learning and Teaching (10 ECTS)
  2. Sociology of Education (10 ECTS)
  3. Leadership and Policy Development (10 ECTS)
  4. Contemporary Classroom Methodologies (10 ECTS)
  5. Professional Practice (10 ECTS)
  6. Critical Reading and Academic Writing (10 ECTS)

(Modules offered may vary from year to year)

Year Two: 60 ECTS

  1. Research Methodologies (15 ECTS)
  2. Minor Thesis (45 ECTS)

Requirements and assessment

Assessment is by means of a number of module-linked assignments and a minor research thesis of 20 - 25,000 words.

Updated on 08 November, 2015

About NUI Galway

With over 17,000 students and more than 2,200 staff, NUI Galway has a distinguished reputation for teaching and research excellence in the fields of arts, social science, and celtic studies; business, public policy and law; engineering and informatics; medicine, nursing and health sciences; and science.

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