MASTER OF EDUCATION (RESEARCH IN PRACTICE) (PART TIME)

Program Overview

The Master of Education (Research in Practice) at Maynooth University is a part-time program designed for educators seeking to enhance their practice through Action Research. It emphasizes the concept of teacher as researcher and prepares graduates for roles in curriculum development, policymaking, and educational leadership. The program is accredited by the Teaching Council of Ireland and delivered by the Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education.

Program Outline

• Develop a reflective disposition, a core principle underpinning action research.
• Align with Teaching Council policies such as Induction (Droichead) and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) (Cosán) that promote teaching as a lifelong learning continuum and the concept of teacher as researcher.
• Support the concept of teaching as innovative professional practice, combining academic study with research in practice.
• Prepare successful candidates to serve key roles in the educational community as curriculum and policy developers.

Description:

The Master of Education (Research in Practice) is a postgraduate program designed for educators who wish to improve their practice through Action Research. The program is rooted in the philosophy of Friedrich Froebel, his contemporaries, and later scholars, and builds upon the concept of teacher as researcher. Students in this program are expected to be working in the Primary and Early Childhood Education sectors and meet one of the following criteria:

• A level 8 Bachelor of Education degree or equivalent with a minimum grade level of 2.1, be fully probated, and registered with the Teaching Council.
• A level 9 Postgraduate Diploma in Special Educational Needs (PDSEN) or Higher Diploma in Primary and/or Secondary Education, be fully probated and registered with the Teaching Council.
• A level 8 degree in Early Childhood Education with a minimum grade level of 2:1.

Degree Overview:

• Based on a distinctive, interdisciplinary approach to the natural sciences, social sciences, engineering and technology, and the arts and humanities.
• Provides opportunities for thousands of first year students to join each September to begin a level 8 degree.
• Offers postgraduate studies renowned for its rigorous programmes, supportive campus environment and welcoming academic community.
• Facilitates exchange incoming (ERASMUS and Study Abroad), study abroad incoming, summer and tailored programmes.
• Serves as the first point of contact for international students applying for full-degree, Erasmus, Study Abroad, and Summer School programmes, and supports MU students who wish to study abroad.

Outline:

Structure:

• 4 x 7.5 credit modules x 48 hours contact time = 144 hours
• 1 x 30 credit module = 34 hours (Action Research-based Dissertation)
• 250 hours independent learning for each module

Duration:

Unique Approaches:

• The program emphasizes Action Research as a core approach to improving educational practice.

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

• Curriculum and policy developers
• Educational researchers
• Teacher educators
• School leaders

Opportunities:

• Opportunities to work in various educational settings, including schools, universities, and government agencies.

Outcomes:

• Graduates are prepared to make a significant contribution to the field of education.

Other:

• The program is offered on a part-time basis.
• The program is designed to be flexible and accommodate the needs of working professionals.
• The program is offered in English.
• The program is accredited by the Teaching Council of Ireland.
• The program is recognized by the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI).
• The program is delivered by the Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education at Maynooth University.

Contact:

• Coordinator: Dr Bernadette Wrynn
• Address: Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare