Critical Perspectives on Education (Open Pathways)

Who is this course for?

The programme is intended for persons who wish to gain a comprehensive and contemporary understanding in a number of disciplines that inform educational theory and practice. It is appropriate for practitioners working at all levels in education (primary, post-primary and tertiary) as well as those who have a professional interest in education.

Course Details

The newly designed M.Ed. Critical Perspectives (Open Pathways) offers an exciting opportunity to take full control of your learning journey. With extensive flexibility, you can design a bespoke programme by selecting from 25 cutting-edge modules that align with your career aspirations and interests.  

At the heart of the new M.Ed. Critical Perspectives (Open Pathways) is a strong focus on flexibility and research. You will complete six modules, each worth 10 ECTS, in a highly personalised, blended format. You will engage in two core research modules, gaining deep insights on educational research, as well as four modules, tailored to your areas of interest within the educational landscape.  

Whether you aim to engage with educational policy, language, the arts, psychology, early intervention, diversity and inclusion, science or mathematics in education, you will have the tools to make a meaningful impact. Tailor your experience to suit your interests, choosing either in-person or online options, and create a learning experience that works best for you. This is your chance to diversify your expertise and shape your educational future. 

Apply today for a September 2025 start! The closing date for applications for the 2025-26 academic year is 30th June 2025 . Applications for all strands for 2025-26 should be made through the web portal system. 

If you choose the M.Ed. Critical Perspectives (Open Pathways), you will complete:  

• Two core research modules, ‘Academic Literacy’ and ‘Research Methods’. 
• Two core subject modules (one per semester), choosing from 12 key pathways: Arts Education, Diversity and Inclusion, Early Intervention, Higher Education, Language Education, Leadership and Policy, Mathematics Education, Psychology of Education, Science Education and Critical Perspectives.
• Two choice modules (one per semester), selecting from 25 unique modules within the key pathways above, to tailor your learning to your interests. 

Amounting to 60 ECTS (six 10-ECTS modules), plus: 

• The Dissertation, focused on a research area of your choice, aligned with your core academic interests (30 ECTS). 

The M.Ed. Critical Perspectives (Open Pathways) option is designed for individuals interested in an interdisciplinary approach, exploring multiple subject areas in the field of education, focusing on a combination from the 12 key pathways. 

Apply today for a September 2025 start!  Applications for The Critical Perspectives M.Ed. (Open Pathways) close on June 30, 2025.  

Course Modules for Critical Perspectives (Open Pathways)

Pick two subject specific modules as your Core modules (One from Semester one and one from Semester two) and you can pick an additional two as your Choice modules.

Please see blue buttons below with helpful information to assist your choice module selection. 

Teaching and learning strategies

A variety of teaching and learning strategies may be used throughout the programme, including group discussion, presentations, e-learning and online resources, case-studies, lectures and individual reading and research.

Further information

For enquiries about course content please email mastered@tcd.ie  Tel: 01 896 3589