The M.Ed. programme comprises five pathways listed below, four of which each focusing on a distinct specialism within education and the final one 'Critical Perspectives' which allows you to design your own bespoke Masters based on subjects of interest. Please note, not all specialisms may run in a given academic year. Timetables are individual to each pathway and applicants can get an indication of the pathway timetables, see timetable link at the bottom of the page.

• Critical Perspectives on Education (Open Pathways)
• Drama in Education
• Leadership and Policy in Education
• Psychology of Education
• Teaching and Learning (Higher Education)

Routes to M.Ed.

In addition to the five pathways available on the M.Ed., many of the strands may offer students the opportunity to study over different periods if time-

• 1-Year Full-Time
• 2-Year Part-Time
• 3-Year Part-Time

Notes

2-year part-time students wishing to progress to the dissertation year must submit their completed coursework for the taught component of the programme (5 modules in defined pathway, 4 modules in open pathways) by May 10th of the year following entry to the programme.

3-year part-time students wishing to progress to the dissertation year must submit their completed coursework for the taught component of the programme (5 modules in defined pathway, 4 modules in open pathways) by May 10th in their second year of the programme.

• M.Ed Dissertation Proposal & Form (PDF) 

Application Deadlines

The closing date for applications for the 2025-26 academic year is 30th June 2025 with the exception of Drama in Education (May 30th 2025 ). Applications for all pathways for 2025-26 should be made through the web portal system.

Please note that not all pathways/modules may run in a given academic year and all are subject to minimum and maximum student numbers.

Please note - applications for pathways on this course may close in advance of the listed deadline if we recruit the required number of applicants. Thus, we advise applicants to apply expeditiously.

Admission Requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good honour's degree (normally a 2.1 or equivalent). In order to complete the application, electronic copies of undergraduate degree transcripts, the email addresses of two academic referees and an up-to-date CV are required. Professional experience in the field of education is desirable for all pathways and is a requirement for some pathways. 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.

Link to M.Ed. Proposed Dissertation Form: https://www.tcd.ie/media/tcd/education/programmes/postgraduate/masters-in-education/TCD-MEd-Proposed-Dissertation-Form.pdf 

Will the M.Ed. qualify me to be a teacher?

No. The M.Ed. is an academic programme and not a professional programme. While the M.Ed. allows students to explore issues in education and aims to enhance participants' knowledge and practice in educational spheres, it is not designed so as to qualify graduates to teach.

What is the deadline for applications?

The deadline for strands is June 30th 2025, with the exception for Drama in Education and Music in Education strands (May 31st 2025).

English language requirements

Trinity College accepts the following English Language tests;

IELTS (Academic version) and IELTS Indicator : Grade 6.5 overall

TOEFL and TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition: 88 internet-based, 570 paper-based, 230 computer-based

• IELTS: Grade 6.5 overall
• TOEFL: 88 internet-based, 570 paper-based, 230 computer-based
• University of Cambridge: 
  Proficiency Certificate, Grade C or better (CEFR Level C1 or C2) 

Advanced Certificate, Grade C or better (CEFR Level C1 or C2) 

• Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE Academic: a minimum score of 63 to be eligible (with no section score below 59)
• Duolingo English Test: minimum overall score of 120/160, dated since January 2020.
• An award certificate with a minimum II.1 overall score from Trinity's Centre for English Language Learning and Teaching's Pre-Master's Pathway Programme. The Pre-Master’s Pathway Programme is an academic English course for international students with conditional offers for postgraduate study at Trinity. Passing the programme means you meet Trinity’s English language requirement and can progress to your postgraduate course without retaking IELTS or any other exam. 

When will I be informed of the decision on my applications?

Applications are assessed and offers are made on a rolling basis. For non-EU students, we aim to communicate a decision on applications within three weeks of receiving the completed application.

Who should I choose as my referees?

Two academic references are generally required. These are normally provided by lecturers who have taught the applicant. In some circumstances, professional references may be accepted e.g. from schools principals.

Who should I contact for more information?

For general M.Ed. queries, please contact the M.Ed. administrators at mastered@tcd.ie, or by telephone: +353-1-896-3568

For queries that relate specifically to individual strand content, please contact the strand leader (contact details available within each strand description).

What documentation do I need to apply?

• Third level qualification results - 2.1 honours degree from an Irish university (or equivalent)
• Professional experience in the field of education is desirable.
• Fluent command of English (minimum requirement, IELTS 6.5 or alternative, as per here)
• Bachelor degree and Academic Transcripts
• 2 letters of recommendation
• CV
• Applicants to the 1-year Full-Time M.Ed. route must also submit an outline of their area of research interest (1-2 pages) 

The M.Ed. programme fees for the academic year 2024/2025 are as follows: