The MEd is a modular programme which can be studied in a flexible timescale within a five year period. Students can design their own programme from the available modules to suit their own professional specialisation, research areas and personal interests.

• A total of 120 credits (or 60 credits in the case of a holder of one of the approved postgraduate diplomas) must be accumulated before a candidate is eligible for the award of the degree of MEd;
• Applicants are limited to studying a maximum of 30 credits in any one Semester (i.e. a maximum of 60 credits in any one year);
• In the Semester that the student is registered for the compulsory Dissertation module (ED6035) no other taught modules can be selected;
• All taught modules are normally completed in advance of completing the Dissertation module (ED6035). The topic of the dissertation must be related to an area of specialisation and/or a module area previously studied;
• If a student takes a break from studies (having completed at least one module) and wishes to re-enter the course, he/she will be required to contact the Department of Education in writing by 1 April prior to returning to study. Any student who registers and withdraws from the programme (without paying fees or completing at least one module) must re-apply for the programme.

ED6035 Dissertation in Education (30 credits)
All students must attend the required 12 hours of research seminars, develop a detailed research proposal of 2,500 words and write a dissertation of 15,000 words. Every effort will be made to accommodate student's choice in their dissertation topic within the resources and expertise of the school. The dissertation must be submitted by mid-June of the academic year in which it is to be examined.

Elective Modules
Note: The School of Education reserves the right to change modules and to limit the number of modules on offer. It is anticipated that the following 15 credit modules will be available in 2021/22:

ED6042 Learning as Identity: Teaching Implications (15 credits)
ED6050 Sport Pedagogy in Physical Education and Youth Sport (15 credits)
ED6056 Developing Numeracy in the Classroom (15 credits)
ED6059 Intersections of Identity and Practice in Inclusive Education (15 credits)
ED6060 Child Development, Play and Active Learning in Early Childhood (15 credits)
ED6067 Collaborative Practice in Educational Leadership (15 credits)
ED6068 Student Voice and the Irish School Experience (15 credits)
ED6077 Best Practices and Current Debates in Mathematics Education (15 credits)

Examinations
Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards 2021/2022 Book and for each module in the Book of Modules, 2021/2022.

Postgraduate Diploma in Education Studies
Candidates on the 120 credit route who pass at least 60 credits of taught modules may elect to exit the programme and be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Education Studies.

Postgraduate Certificate in Education Studies
Candidates who pass at least 30 credits of taught modules may opt to exit the programme and be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Education Studies.

Programme Learning Outcomes for MEd (Modular) (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Specify how the variety of modules studied contributed to their continuing professional development;
• Discuss key issues pertaining to teaching, learning and education in the 21st century;
• Reflect critically on the role of the teacher in the contemporary classroom;
• Display understanding of some core relevant educational theories and perspectives;
• Source, read, understand and critically discuss relevant professional literature;
• Relate relevant professional literature, policy and research to their classroom or appropriate professional practice site;
• Design, conduct and write up a research study pertaining to some element of their professional practice;
• Discuss the complexity of the research process.

Programme Learning Outcomes for Postgraduate Diploma in Education Studies (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Specify how the variety of modules studied contributed to their continuing professional development;
• Discuss key issues pertaining to teaching, learning and education in the 21st century;
• Reflect critically on the role of the teacher in the contemporary classroom;
• Display understanding of some core relevant educational theories and perspectives;
• Display understanding of the broad field of educational studies and the various modes of research within that field.

Programme Learning Outcomes for Postgraduate Certificate in Education Studies (NFQ Level 9, Minor Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Specify how the modules studied contributed to their continuing professional development;
• Discuss issues pertaining to teaching, learning and education in the 21st century;
• Reflect critically on the role of the teacher in the contemporary classroom.