Work Placement

In each year of the programme, you will undertake a structured work placement designed to extend your understanding of education beyond the classroom. This experience enables you to apply theoretical knowledge and content learned in academic modules in real-world contexts, while also drawing on and developing the transferable skills gained throughout the programme in a meaningful and practical way. Each year, focuses on a particular group of learners. In Year 1, students work in adult and community education settings. In Year 2, placements focus on adolescent and youth contexts and in Year 3, students engage in early childhood settings.

Placements can be completed in a setting of the student’s choosing, allowing them to align their experience with their educational interests. Across all years, students may choose placements that reflect particular areas of interest, such as social justice, arts and culture, or policy and practice, supporting them to explore different pathways within education.

In the final year, students undertake an eight-week internship during which they become immersed in an educational environment tailored to their interests and career goals. Previous graduates have completed internships in the Irish Film Institute, Dublin Zoo, ChildVision, Aisling Project, INTO, NCCA and Fighting Words.  

 

Work Placement Requirements

  1. Valid Garda Vetting Disclosure
  2. MIE Insurance letter
  3. MIE Shared Vetting Agreement
  4. Completed GDPR training

 

Supports Available During Placement

  • Work Placement Coordinator (Years 1-3)
  • Internship Coordinator (Year 4)
  • Work Placement Mentor
  • Pre-work placement workshops
  • Extended library loans

 

Placements on the B.Sc. Education Studies

Organised by

MIE Work Placement Coordinator and the student

When?

Semester 2

Duration

3 weeks

Age Group

Adult Education

Required Geographical Location

None

Possible Year 1 - Adult & Community Education Settings

  • Adult learning centres (e.g. literacy and numeracy support)
  • Community education organisations
  • Family resource centres
  • Libraries and community hubs
  • NGOs supporting migrant or refugee education

Organised by

The student, supported by the MIE Work Placement Coordinator

When?

Semester 2

Duration

3 weeks

Age Group

Adolescent Education

Required Geographical Location

None

Possible Year 2 - Adolescent & Youth Settings

  • Youthreach centres and FET colleges
  • Youth services and clubs (e.g. Foróige-type organisations)
  • Alternative education programmes
  • After-school and homework support projects
  • Community-based youth development initiatives

Organised by

The student, supported by the MIE Work Placement Coordinator

When?

Semester 2

Duration

3 weeks

Age Group

Early Childhood Education

Required Geographical Location

None

Possible Year 3 - Early Childhood & Child-Focused Settings

  • Preschools and early years services
  • Montessori and childcare settings
  • Primary school support roles (non-teaching contexts)
  • Child-focused NGOs and family support services
  • Arts, sports, or cultural organisations working with children

Organised by

The student, supported by the MIE Internship Coordinator.

When?

Observation Days: Semester 1

Internship: Semester 2

Duration

8 weeks

Age Group

Adult/Adolescent/Early Childhood Education

Required Geographical Location

None