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Email academic.registry@tcd.ieUnlock new perspectives on education with our Master in Education (M.Ed.) programme. Designed for those looking to engage deeply and critically with the field of education, this stimulating programme allows you to tailor your studies to your unique interests through specialist and flexible open pathways. Whether taken full-time (1 year) or part-time (2–3 years), the M.Ed. focuses on educational research, theory and practice, with specialised modules that deepen your expertise in your areas of interest. In addition, there is a strong focus on designing and conducting educational research through taught research methods modules and the thesis project.
There are 5 options you can select from. Four specialised pathways with a direct entry route: Leadership and Policy; Drama in Education; Higher Education; Psychology of Education.
And one flexible open pathways entry route (Critical Perspectives- Open Pathways) where you can select a core specialisation (2 modules) and additional electives (2 modules) from the following areas: Arts Education (Drama, Music and Performative Language Education); Assessment; Early Intervention for children with Special Education Needs; Educational Theory, History and Policy; Higher Education; Inclusive Education; Language Education; Leadership; Mathematics Education; Psychology of Education; Science Education; Technology in Education
This programme will equip you with the skills and knowledge to make meaningful contributions to your field, grounded in an understanding of your own personal and professional context.
This course is suited for those with a serious interest in education practice, policy and research. Our students are those aiming to work in education policy, development or research as well as educators looking for career development in a wide range of contexts. It suits educators and educational leaders and those in educational support roles from all sectors (early years, primary, post-primary, further education and higher education) as well as from both formal and informal learning contexts. We aim to cultivate graduates who will become future change-makers committed to the power of education to create a more just and sustainable society. The M.Ed. offers both specialist and flexible open pathways through the programme.
Please note: The M.Ed. is not a teacher education programme. See our PME (Professional Master in Education) programme if you are looking for an accredited teacher education programme which meets teacher certification requirements in Ireland and the EU.
Our students develop a wide range of academic and transferable professional skills and an in-depth critical understanding of the field of education. This depth and range of development are of great benefit to them in their professional lives and our graduates are well placed to develop their careers further in exciting ways.
Graduates from the M.Ed. have gone on to achieve great success in a wide variety of contexts related to education. Those already teaching have often progressed to senior leadership roles in their organisations. Others have found new opportunities in other settings. Many of our graduates have taken up central roles in education policy and curriculum development and implementation and in professional development organisations. Some graduates go on to work internationally on education and development projects, whilst others have developed innovative educational projects in their own contexts. A good number of graduates undertake further research on doctoral programmes.
This Master’s programme is 90 credits delivered full-time over one academic year or part-time over 2 or 3 years. The taught component comprises 6 modules totalling 60 credits including modules in core areas of focus as well as research design and methods. Students also complete a substantial research dissertation supported by their academic supervisor which accounts for a further 30 credits.
In the specialised pathways option, students take 4 fixed core modules in the specialist area as well as the research methods modules. These specialised pathway are programmes are in the following entry routes: Leadership and Policy; Drama in Education; Higher Education; Psychology of Education.
On the flexible open pathways entry route (Critical Perspectives- Open Pathways) students take 4 modules, 2 in their core area of focus and 2 additional choice electives. The modules in the flexible open pathways entry route are offered in: Arts Education (Drama, Music and Performative Language Education); Assessment; Early Intervention for Children with Special Education Needs; Educational Theory, History and Policy; Higher Education; Inclusive Education; Language Education; Leadership; Mathematics Education; Psychology of Education; Science Education; Technology in Education.
Click here for further information on modules/subjects.
An introduction to the Master in Education (M.Ed.) programme at Trinity College Dublin.
September 2025
Dr Erika Caterina Piazzoli
Dr Noel Ó Murchadha
31st July 2025 (except for Drama in Education and Music Education 31st May 2025)
Applicants are normally expected to hold a good honour's degree (normally a 2.1 or equivalent). They should also have two academic referees (applicants with work experience can instead provide one academic and one professional referee). In order to complete the application, electronic copies of undergraduate degree transcripts and an up-to-date CV are required. Professional experience in the field of education is desirable. Applicants who have completed their primary degree through a medium other than English should provide confirmation of their linguistic proficiency in English (e.g. certification at grade 6.5 IELTS, or equivalent). Applicants to the 1-year Full-Time M.Ed. route must also submit an outline of their area of research interest (1-2 pages) as part of the application process.
All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements. For more details of qualifications that meet Band B, see the English Language Requirements page here.
Click here for a full list of postgraduate fees.
To apply, click on the relevant Apply Link below
+353 (0)1 896 3568
+353 (0)1 896 3568
https://www.tcd.ie/education/courses/
Register your interest in studying at Ireland’s leading university, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin.
Earning my degree at Trinity greatly informed my world view, elevated my academic thinking, and prepared me to achieve my professional goals. Every aspect of the program was highly engaging and challenging. Attending the Summer School in Drama in Education offered an important and powerful opportunity to work with teachers and artists from across the globe. The expertise of the faculty provided me with a solid theoretical and practical foundation to facilitate meaningful arts-based lessons and shift the way the arts are integrated in classrooms in my own country. I thank Trinity for preparing me to follow my vision, to be a global citizen, and to employ high quality methods both in terms of research and practice. My experiences at Trinity, and specifically, the Drama in Education Summer School, have directly impacted my career. I am a proud graduate of Trinity, and no matter where I travel or what I do, I will always consider it my home away from home.
Adjunct Professor at Millersville University
