Master in Education Studies (Further Education)

Applications are now open and will close in June 2024. Following the close of applications eligible applicants will be invited to interview.

What is the Master in Education Studies (Further Education)?

This two-year, part-time Level 9 course offers suitably qualified candidates the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of further education (FE) while developing and utilising research skills to investigate areas relevant to their professional and personal interests. This programme equips students with the knowledge and skills required to conduct independent research within the FE sector, and is delivered fully online.

Who is the course for?

The course is suitable for graduate students who have 3 years experience working in the Further Education sector, and has been designed to facilitate students with varying levels of experience and qualifications such as:

Graduates of the Professional Diploma in Education (Further Education) (PDE-FE)
Those working in the sector who do not hold a PDE-FE qualification
Applicants with primary degrees in areas related to education who are interested in learning more about adult education
Those who hold an ITE qualification in post-primary education
Staff working in non-teaching roles (such as resource and tutors) in Further /Adult Education

Please note: the MES in FE is not an initial teacher qualification, and will not qualify students to obtain registration with the Teaching Council of Ireland. Those wishing to obtain a teacher qualification should consider the Professional Diploma in Education (Further Education) also offered by MIE.

What will I study?

In year 1 of the programme, students will study:

Theoretical Perspectives on Further Education: Develops students’ systematic understanding of key theoretical and historical perspectives and debates relevant to FE.
Teaching & Learning in Further Education: Principles and theories related to the practice of adult education. Students will explore methodologies, curriculum design and assessment practices aimed at supporting the teaching of diverse learners within Further Education contexts.
Policy & Practice in FE: examines a range of themes and contemporary educational issues relevant to further education. This lecture and workshop-based module will explore the governance and regulation of further, community, and adult education through the examination of relevant policy and practice documents.
Leadership & Management: Students will explore styles of leadership, the empowerment of people, strategic & project management, and organisational strategies as related to FE, and gain both theoretical knowledge while developing and enhancing their practical leadership skills
Innovation in Curriculum & Design: Systematic understanding of the processes and techniques of curriculum design and innovation. This module will provide students with a knowledge of models of curriculum development theory and equip them with the skills required to utilise equitable instructional design practices, such as UDL, within the further education sector.
Supporting Communities of Reflective Practice: provide students with an advanced understanding of how to establish a PLC in their local Centres, with a particular focus on collaborative reflective practice.

In Year 2 of the programme, students will study:

Research Methods & Dissertation: Provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the research methodologies most commonly employed by researchers in the field of education. Qualitative and quantitative approaches (based on descriptive statistics) particularly suitable to research and study in Further Education will be explored. The module aims to ensure that students have the research skills to conduct and write a quality research dissertation and any future independent research projects.

What are the course aims?

Demonstrate a systematic understanding of contemporary issues in Further Education theory, policy and practice; (CLO1)
Articulate critical awareness and appreciation for diverse perspectives in Further Education; (CLO2)
Demonstrate practical expertise and knowledge in Further Education; (CLO3)
Critically evaluate and enhance their own practice in Further Education; (CLO4)
Provide a rationale for the practice of ethical education and research; (CLO5)
Demonstrate skills of criticality and reflection required for effective research-practitioners; (CLO6)
Design and implement a piece of research that makes an original contribution to the body of knowledge within Further Education; (CLO7)
Demonstrate effective communication skills for a wide array of audiences; (CLO8)
Outline a plan for self-directed and independent lifelong learning and continuing academic/professional development. (CLO9)

How is the course assessed?

Continual assessment is utilised on this programme and each module utilises formative and summative assessments which make use of a variety of tools, such as: discussion board posts, blog posts, digital portfolio, written papers, group projects, and other activities.

The final assessment for the Research Methods module is a written dissertation of 15,000 words.

Early Exit Award

Students have the opportunity to exit this course with a Postgraduate Diploma (Further Education) upon successful completion of Year 1

General Information

Duration: 2 years part-time

Method of Provision: Fully online weekday evenings and weekends

Award Level: NFQ 9

ECTS Credits: 90

Awarding Body: Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

English Language Requirement: Please check with [email protected].

Minimum Entry Requirements

An Honours Bachelor Degree (minimum level: Second Class Honours – 2.1)
At least three years teaching experience or equivalent professional experience (e.g. work in a related field or sector (such as post-primary or higher education as a teacher, tutor or resource support), or advanced study in education.
In exceptional circumstances, applicants who meet the Honours Degree requirement but who do not have the necessary teaching or equivalent experience, may be required to satisfy the course admissions committee, through the interview process and a written academic assignment, that they have the ability to complete and benefit from the course.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): This programme aligns with Trinity’s standards for IELTS as applied to postgraduate applicants: English Language Requirements

Delivery Mode

Method of Provision: Fully online weekday evenings and weekends

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Course Fees

The fee for the course is €3,950 per annum. International student fees are €15,950 (a bursary of €8,950 is available to applicants, for the current year).
Please note fees may be revised each year.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit an online application and are typically required to undergo an interview.

Contact Details:

Please contact [email protected] to express your interest in this course or if you have any general queries.