MASTER OF Education PROGRAMME (m. ed.): 2013 - 2015

In September 2013, the School of Education will be offering the newly-designed, two-year, part-time, Master of Education (MEd) programme (PAC code, GYA47).

Minimum Entry Requirements

Those eligible to apply will have:

- A degree at level 8; and
- A teaching qualification (or equivalent)

In addition, a minimum of two-three years teaching experience, or relevant professional experience in education, will normally be required.

Classes take place on Wednesdays during term from 5-9pm, along with sessions during school mid-term breaks and potentially during other holidays. For full information, and application procedures, please read the information below. 

Programme description

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) is a part-time, modular post-graduate programme. In year one, students complete six modules which include elements of the Educational Sciences and Professional Studies. In year two, 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.  

Programme aims and objectives

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. 

Programme Structure

Year One: 60 ECTS
1. Psychology of Learning and Teaching (10 ECTS)
2. Curriculum Studies (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)

Assessment

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

Fees

Please refer to the Fees Office NUI Galway to confirm fees for 2013/2014.

http://www.nuigalway.ie/fees  

Application Process

Applications to this programme are made online via the Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC), http://www.pac.ie/

(Relevant PAC application code GYA47)

***CLOSING DATE: 29 March 2013 (extended to 31 May 2013)***

Application consists of:
- The completed application form;
- The Personal Statement (In no more than 500 words, discuss your motivation(s) for wishing to pursue the Master of Education programme);
- Two references (one academic and one professional); and
- All required supporting documentation.

Selection Criteria

- Applicant’s prior academic achievement on the qualifying award(s)
- Standard of the Personal Statement

Career Opportunities

As a result of the strong professional orientation of the programme, completion of the Master of Education has enabled graduates to enhance their professional practice and contribute to the development of policy and practice in the education context within which they work and/or at national level. Graduates have followed career paths into positions in educational administration and leadership, regional/specialist support services, national organisations, and educational research. Graduates are actively encouraged to disseminate their research through appropriate conference and/or publication opportunities and a number of MEd graduates have gone on to complete further research at doctoral level.

The award of Master of Education will be made at

- First Class Honours (H1): 70 - 100%
- Second Class Honours, Grade 1 (H2.1): 60 - 69%
- Second Class Honours, Grade 2 (H2.2): 50 - 59%                                                
- Pass: 40 - 49%

for performance at the requisite level.

For further information, please contact:

Dr. Elaine Keane, Programme Director
Office:  Room 6, 14, University Road.
Tel:  Internal: 3032.  External: 353 (0)91 493032
Email:  elaine.keanenuigalway.ie         

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