Education
The Master of Education programme (MEd) of St Mary’s is designed around professional competences for the teaching profession. The programme has been developed to advance teacher professional learning through an integration of educational theory and classroom practice.
| Award Name | Postgraduate Diploma at UK Level 7 |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Queens University Belfast |
| NFQ Level | |
| Award Name | Postgraduate Certificate at UK Level 7 |
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Queens University Belfast |
| NFQ Level | |
| Award Name | Degree - Masters at UK Level 7 |
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Queens University Belfast |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Postgraduate Diploma at UK Level 7 | Queens University Belfast | ||
| Postgraduate Certificate at UK Level 7 | Queens University Belfast | ||
| Degree - Masters at UK Level 7 | Queens University Belfast |
Duration
3 years part-time.
Entry Requirements
Candidates for admission to the Masters programme in Education should normally hold either:
(a) Qualified teacher status and an honours degree or equivalent qualification or
(b) An honours degree or equivalent qualification with at least two years’ professional experience in an educational, training or professionally related context.
Careers / Further progression
Careers
Graduates from this degree have found the skills and knowledge learned to be beneficial in their workplace by improving their professional practice. In the case of teachers this has meant the development of research-informed practice and the ability to lead professional development within their schools. A higher degree can enhance employment prospects and help secure future promotion.
Further information
Academic Year: 2024-25.
Fees and Funding: New Postgraduate Tuition Fee Loan.
Students wishing to complete a course do so, on a self-funding basis but are eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Tuition Fee Loan. Students may apply for a Postgraduate Tuition Fee Loan of up to £5,500. The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £5,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study.
For full terms and conditions, please contact Student Finance NI:
+44(0)28 25661444
StudentFinance-PG@eani.org.uk
www.studentfinanceni.co.uk
For further information please contact the College's Finance Office, telephone 02890 268234.
Application Procedure
Application for a part-time MEd course can be made online (see "Application Weblink".
Application forms for entry to the MEd programme should be submitted to the Academic Registry Office no later than two weeks prior to the commencement of a course. Late applications will be considered subject to the availability of places.
Academic Registry Office
St Mary’s University College
191 Falls Road
Belfast BT12 6 F E
Tel: +44 (0)28 9026 8320
Programme Aims
St Mary’s provides teachers and education-related professionals with a stimulating, welcoming and supportive environment in which they have the opportunity to work alongside a strong community of fellow professionals. The programme has the following aims:
- Embed a culture of self-evaluation by providing opportunity for critical reflection.
- Ensure that teachers receive targeted and supportive professional development, needed to strengthen leadership capacity and raise achievement in schools.
- Facilitate school improvement by encouraging and promoting professional collaboration and sharing of best practice.
- Inspire creativity, passion and optimism in the teaching profession.
- Make educational excellence and success accessible to all.
- Nurture the talent and ambition of teachers who are committed to their own professional development.
- Promote personal excellence, teamwork and leadership among educational professionals.
- Support career-long professional development
Master of Education (MEd)
The MEd is designed to meet the diverse needs of educational professionals by offering a wide range of modules, delivered in a flexible way and covering contemporary school-based issues including:
- Educational Management
- Well-Being
- Special Education; and
- Effective Training.
The programme is aligned with the competence-based model of teacher education. It is offered on a part-time basis (normally 3 years), and there are three award levels (Certificate, Diploma, Masters). The content consists of a blend of practitioner and research perspectives.
Dissertation Students
Successful completion of the research methods module is a requirement before a student can proceed to dissertation study. Dissertation students must also have their dissertation proposal formally approved by the MEd Course Team in St Mary’s. Students whose dissertation research merits dissemination to the rest of the profession will be invited to make an electronic version of their dissertation available to the College library catalogue.
All accredited modules are assessed by coursework. There are no formal, written examinations. Results are made available following the External Examination process. This may take up to eight weeks to complete. Results for the dissertations and details of awards are made available in December, in time for Christmas graduation at the University. Distinction or commendation may be awarded on the recommendation of the Board of Examiners.
Professional Development & Personal Excellence:
St Mary’s provides teachers and education-related professionals with a stimulating, welcoming and supportive environment in which they have the opportunity to work alongside a strong community of fellow professionals.
The contribution to Teacher Professional Learning consists of a range of accredited modules that may be taken on a stand-alone basis or that may contribute to one of the following awards:
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education Studies
- Postgraduate Diploma in Education Studies
- Master of Education
Awards:
- Pass with commendation will be awarded to those graduating with a Master of Education, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate who achieve an average mark of at least 60%.
- Pass with distinction will be awarded to those graduating with a Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate who achieve an average mark of at least 70%.
- Pass with distinction will be awarded to Master of Education candidates who achieve at least 70% in the dissertation, no less than an average of 65% in each of the other modules and an overall average of at least 70%.
St Mary’s University College
191 Falls Road
Belfast
BT12 6FE
Tel: +44 (0)28 9026 8320