Program Overview

Program Overview

The MA/PhD in Education by Research at Mary Immaculate College offers a range of postgraduate research options. The program has attracted exceptional interest, and the number of registered postgraduate research students continues to grow from year to year.

Academic Departments

The Faculty of Education consists of the following academic departments:

• Learning, Society and Religious Education
• Language and Literacy Education
• Arts Education and Physical Education
• Reflective Pedagogy & Childhood Studies
• Educational Psychology, Inclusive and Special Education
• STEM Education

Program Structure

The MA thesis is capped at a maximum of 180 ECTS credits, and the PhD thesis is capped at a maximum of 270 ECTS credits. Both programs are in the form of a master-apprentice model, with research being the only focus.

Assessment

The research master's is assessed by the submission of a research thesis. The PhD is assessed by the submission of a research thesis and defense of same at a Viva Voce examination.

Entry Requirements

The requirements for entry to a research master's, professional doctorate, or PhD degree are:

• An appropriate master's or equivalent qualification
• An honours primary bachelor's degree with a minimum classification of 2.1 honours or equivalent qualification
• An honours primary bachelor's degree with a classification of 2.2 honours or equivalent qualification
• A degree, or equivalent qualification, other than that specified, and a minimum of four years' acceptable professional experience at an appropriate and relevant level

Departmental Research Expertise

Departmental research expertise includes:

• Learning, Society and Religious Education: Philosophy of Education, Sociology of Education, History of Education, Wellbeing, Global Education, Policy and Leadership of Education, Religious Education, Pedagogy of History, Pedagogy of Geography, Development Education, and Intercultural Education
• Language and Literacy Education: Literacy Education, English as an Additional Language, Gaeltacht Education, Immersion Education, Content Language Integrated Learning, Bilingualism, Multilingualism, and Curriculum Development

Application Process

The application process involves submitting an application form, which must include supporting documentation, such as university transcripts and a copy of IELTS (or equivalent) for non-native English speakers. A non-refundable application fee is also required.

Fees

For information on postgraduate fees, please refer to the relevant section. US students should note that this program is eligible for US Federal Aid.

EU/Non-EU Status Assessments

The designation of a student as being from the EU or a Non-EU country determines the fees they will pay at Mary Immaculate College. Assessments will be conducted by the MIC International office to determine status.

Research Areas

Research areas include:

• Learning, Society and Religious Education
• Language and Literacy Education
• Arts Education and Physical Education
• Reflective Pedagogy & Childhood Studies
• Educational Psychology, Inclusive and Special Education
• STEM Education

Duration

The duration of the program is:

• MA: 2 years
• PhD: 4 years

NFQ Levels

The program is offered at the following NFQ levels:

• MA: Level 9
• PhD: Level 10