Program Overview

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Education - School Leadership - Master of Education

Brief Description

The Master of Education in School Leadership is a part-time, one-year program aimed at students who have completed a level 9 Postgraduate Diploma in School Leadership. The program provides aspiring and established leaders with a research-informed perspective of leading a learning organization.

Overview

During this program, students will:

• Acquire a clear understanding of the complexity of school leadership
• Develop an advanced and integrated practical and theoretical understanding of school leadership
• Design and conduct a social scientific inquiry into an aspect of school leadership
• Develop cognitive and technical research skills and apply them to research in school leadership

Programme Content

Key information:

• Complete part-time over one year
• Designed for working professionals
• Blended delivery – in-person seminars with distance learning modules
• Supervision throughout the program will take place via online meetings
• Evening or recorded lectures
• Timetable provided after registration
• Modules taught during spring semester
• Submit dissertation at the end of the final semester

Students will learn through a blend of:

• Lectures, workshops, and hands-on activities
• Reflective practice and guided research
• Regular feedback from faculty and peers

Year 1

Spring Semester

• Advanced Research Methods 1: Research Design (EN6503) aims to advance candidates' proficiency in reading, critically analyzing, and conducting research appropriate to educational settings

Summer Semester

• M. Ed Thesis (EN6504) supports students to begin framing their research thesis and develop their ideas through a review of literature as the basis for designing and collecting data

Autumn Semester

• M. Ed Thesis (contd.) (EN6505) places an emphasis on a student's thesis writing, focusing on analysis and writing the final thesis drafts

Books and journal articles needed for the course will be available online through the UL Glucksman Library.

Entry Requirements

• Applicants should have successfully completed a Postgraduate Diploma (NFQ Level 9) in School Leadership or equivalent with at least a second-class honor, grade 2 (2:2)
• Applicants should have at least 2 years of relevant work experience
• The university may shortlist and invite applicants to an interview

International students:

• For details on country-specific qualifications, visit postgraduate entry requirements for international students

Checklist of documents:

• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Copy of birth certificate or passport
• English translation of qualifications and transcripts
• Copy of CV

English Language:

• English Language Competency certificate
• For details on accepted language qualifications, visit English Language Requirements

Fees

EU €4,060 – Non-EU €4,000

Please note that international study visas are only available to students studying full-time in Ireland. This program does not qualify for a study visa.

Annual fees are billed by semester. Once registered, students may be eligible to apply for a monthly payment plan.

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website.

Funding

Find further information on funding and scholarships.

Graduate Profile

The M.Ed School Leadership can lead graduates to the following sectors and careers:

• School Principal
• School Vice-Principal
• Head of School / Head of Department

Catherine Daly, graduated with a Master of Education in School Leadership in 2025:

I chose this program to enhance my knowledge and understanding of leadership and to improve as a leader within my school. At the time, I wanted to build on the foundation of the learning I had developed through the PDSL, and this was the natural next step.

I am now part of middle management in my school, holding a post of responsibility as Programme Co-ordinator. The MESL program challenged me most in balancing the academic demands with the realities of school life, but it also pushed me to grow in ways I hadn't expected. The support from my supervisor Niamh Lafferty was second to none, and she made the program both enjoyable and intellectually stimulating.

The most rewarding part was seeing my learning translate directly into improved leadership practice- making tangible changes that positively impacted all stakeholders within the school. The MESL program gave me not just knowledge and expertise, but also confidence in my decision-making, a valuable professional network, and opportunities I certainly never dreamt of before!

My advice to anyone considering this program is simple: if you've completed the PDSL, don't think twice- go for it. The skills, insights, and connections you'll gain will stay with you throughout your career.