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Faculties & Departments
Department of Education
Courses
Contents:
- Initial qualifications in teaching.
- Further study options for qualified teachers (primary and secondary).
- Qualifications in schools guidance counselling
- The Doctor of Education Programme (Ed.D)
- Research degrees – M.Litt and PhD in education
Initial qualifications in teaching.
If you are interested in becoming a qualified secondary teacher, there are two routes you can follow. First, you can complete an undergraduate degree, and then study for the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE), formerly known as the “H.Dip”, a one-year full time course leading to a qualification in teaching. Second, you can enrol in the B.Sc Education, a modular four year science degree with education, where you will study scientific subjects and education at the same time.
Further study options for qualified teachers (primary and secondary).
We offer a series of options for qualified teachers wishing to engage in further studies. The Master of Education (M.Ed) is a two year taught programme, which provides taught courses in key aspects of education, an opportunity to develop research and critical reflection skills, and an opportunity to pursue a detailed study and prepare a thesis on a specific area of interest. For those who wish to focus specifically on school leadership, we offer a Master of Education,School Leadership (M.Ed SL), which is similar in structure but focussed specifically on management and leadership in education.
We also provide two one-year taught courses focused on school leadership and management. The Postgraduate Diploma in Education Management (PGDEM) is a one year part-time taught course aimed specifically at teachers currently holding leadership positions (at all levels) in their schools, or who aspire to do so, with the knowledge, understanding attitudes and skills required for successful modern school management. For many participants, this course is also an opportunity to return to academic work, and to start on a path towards a Masters degree. In addition we offer the Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Leadership (PGDEL) also known as Toraiocht, in conjunction with the Leadership Development for Schools support service of the Department of Education and Science. This is a one-year part-time programme offered in a number of centres throughout the country, aimed at teachers who aspire to senior school leadership positions. A minimum of four years teaching experience is required.
A Postgraduate Diploma/M.Ed. in Innovative Learning is offered as a restricted-entry course. It is open to teachers in schools participating in the TL21 Transfer Initiative – a research-led professional development programme for teachers, run jointly by the NUI Maynooth Education Department and five of the regional Education Centres in Leinster (Kilkenny, Portlaoise, Kildare, Drumcondra, Blackrock). The Postgraduate Diploma/M.Ed. in Innovative Learning provides opportunities for teachers to undertake action research work on their own practice, in collaboration with professional colleagues.
Qualifications in schools guidance counselling
Qualified teachers who wish to qualify as school guidance counsellors can undertake the Postgraduate Diploma in School Guidance Counselling (PGD GC), a one year full time course which results in a recognized qualification as a school guidance counsellor. For some, this course is also the starting point for undertaking a Master of Education in School Guidance Counselling (M.Ed. GC).
The Doctor of Education Programme (Ed.D)
For professionals in senior positions in the education system wishing to pursue studies at doctoral level, the education department, in conjunction with the department of Adult and Community Education, offers a Doctor of Education (Ed.D) programme. This is a three year part time course of study including a substantial thesis on an area of interest.
Research degrees – M.Litt and PhD in education
For skilled researchers wishing to pursue specific research topics, we offer two options. The M.Litt in education and the PhD in education both provide an opportunity for a researcher to undertake a study in a topic of interest under the guidance of an academic supervisor. In both cases participants may be required to undertake some taught courses as agreed with the supervisor.