Program Overview

Introduction to the M Ed / Structured PhD in Literacy Education

The Department of Language and Literacy Education, Mary Immaculate College, is pleased to announce a M Ed / Structured PhD in Literacy Education. This program is in response to recommendations for high-quality professional development in effective literacy instructional practice in recent policy reports at the national level.

Key Features of the Program

The M Ed / Structured PhD in Literacy Education fosters the development of research, critical thinking, and communication skills within the context of the evolving nature of literacy in the twenty-first century. In line with national and international recommendations, this program seeks to promote literacy leaders within schools and communities whose literacy knowledge reflects the highest standards of academic rigor. It is of particular interest to:

• Classroom teachers
• Aspiring literacy leaders
• School principals
• Policy makers
• Those engaged in the provision of continued professional development in the area of Literacy Education

Program Overview

The program is delivered through blended learning approaches and provides participants with the opportunity, in a collaborative setting, to reflect critically and synthesize key issues, debates, and controversies in Literacy Education.

Program Content

The first two semesters of Year 1 of the program will consist of taught discipline-specific modules, including research modules. The core modules in Semester One will explore the nature of literacy in the 21st century and provide foundational knowledge on literacy acquisition and diversity in the developmental trajectory of same. The core modules in Semester 2 will focus on inclusive instructional practice, literacy difficulties, early interventions, and literacy leadership.

Specific Modules

• Semester 1 (Year 1):
  • Foundations of Literacy Acquisition and Development
  • Diversity in Literacy Acquisition and Development
  • Advanced Research Methods 1: Principles and Practices of Research in Education
  • Critical Approaches to Children's Literature
  • Autumn Masterclass
• Semester 2 (Year 1):
  • Inclusive Literacy Pedagogy
  • Promoting Effective Literacy Leadership in Educational Settings
  • Advanced Research Methods 2: Critical and Interpretive Research in Educational Settings
  • Leadership and Learning
  • Spring Masterclass

Exit Points and Progression

Students who intend to exit the program at the end of Semester 2 of Year 1 may qualify for a Postgraduate Diploma in Literacy Education qualification, provided they fulfill the University requirements for such an award. Students who intend to exit with a Master's degree in Year 2 will begin working on their dissertation proposals in Semester 2 of Year 1 and will begin work on the dissertation in Semester 1 of Year 2 of the program.

Structured PhD

Students may decide at the end of Semester 2 of Year 1 to continue onto the PhD stage of the program. Those prospective doctoral candidates will develop a research proposal and participate in the International Research Methods Summer School (IRMSS) during the summer semester.

PhD Program Structure

• Semester 1 (Year 1) to Semester 2 (Year 1): Same as the M Ed program
• Summer (Year 1): Individual doctoral thesis work under the supervision of a designated supervisor and Doctoral Studies Panel, and participation in IRMSS
• Semester 3 (Year 2) to Semester 8 (Year 4): Individual doctoral thesis work under the supervision of a designated supervisor and Doctoral Studies Panel, with specific research methods and generic skills modules

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for this program are:

• A first-class honors primary degree or upper second-class honors (2.1) primary degree (Level 8, NFQ) in a relevant or cognate discipline that incorporates a substantial education or social science component
• Or a Master's degree or equivalent qualification (Level 9, NFQ), at a minimum 2.2 honors level, in Literacy Education
• A minimum of two years' experience as a teacher of Literacy or Literacy Education or related fields may be considered as a basis for entry on a case-by-case basis
• For applicants for whom English is not a first language, evidence of English proficiency is required, with an IELTS composite score of 6.5 7.0 with no less than 6.0 in any one component

Application and Selection Process

Places on the program will be offered based on qualifications, performance at interview (if applicable), language proficiency level (if applicable), PhD proposal (for PhD applicants), and applicants' references. The application process involves submitting a completed application form along with supporting documents, including university transcripts, certificates, and English language competency certificates (if applicable).