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M Ed in Educational Leadership and Management

The 'At a Glance' section below is indicative only.

Available: Full-time/Part-time

NFQ Level: 9*

Duration: 1 yr FT/2 yrs PT

Location: MIC Limerick

Delivery Mode:

Blended

Assessment:

Continuous Assessment

  • Programme Overview
  • Programme Content
  • Entry Requirements
  • How to Apply
  • Ask a Question

Programme Overview

Lead with confidence. Shape the future of Education. The flexible, part-time Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Management (M Ed ELM) extends MIC’s strong commitment to the principle of professional development in the education system. The programme supports those interested in and/or involved with leadership and management in a multitude of educational contexts in gaining new skills and knowledge to excel.

Programme Overview

The M Ed in Educational Leadership and Management (M Ed ELM) at MIC is a flexible, research-informed postgraduate programme designed for current and aspiring educational leaders. Available as a two-year part-time programme or, from September 2026, as a one-year full-time programme; it provides the knowledge, skills and professional confidence required to lead effectively in a rapidly changing educational landscape.

Grounded in both research and practice, the programme prepares participants to respond to contemporary challenges in education, including school improvement, inclusion, policy implementation, organisational change and collaborative leadership. Graduates are equipped to lead with vision, integrity and purpose, making a positive impact in schools and other educational settings in Ireland and internationally.

Eamonn Mitchell, Programme Coordinator for the M Ed in Educational Leadership and Management
M Ed in Educational Leadership and Management
Delivered over four semesters on a flexible part-time basis.

Why choose the MEd in Educational Leadership and Management?

  • Flexible study options: choose between a two-year part-time pathway or a one-year full-time route.
  • Evening and weekend delivery enables working professional to balance study with professional and personal commitments.
  • Taught by experienced practitioners and leading scholars with extensive expertise in educational leadership and management.
  • Strong emphasis on the integration of theory, research, and professional practice.
  • Opportunities to apply learning directly within participants’ own educational settings.
  • Development of research expertise through a dissertation or practice-based capstone project.
  • Exit award available after 60 credits with a Graduate Diploma in Educational Leadership and Management.

Career Opportunities 

The programme supports educators at every stage of leadership development, from emerging and middle leaders to experienced senior leaders looking to deepen their expertise.

Testimonial: Kieran Morrissey, M Ed in Leadership and Management

The Master's in Educational Leadership and Management was an incredibly rewarding experience. As a part-time, two-year programme, it allowed me to balance my studies with my role as a primary teacher. I chose this programme to broaden my horizons in education, and it exceeded my expectations. The small class size was a significant advantage, providing an intimate learning environment where I could engage with and learn from experienced leaders in the field. The content was equally enriching, covering essential topics like educational leadership theories and the critical role leaders play in the education system. The knowledge and insights I gained have already started to impact my teaching and leadership approach. This programme has not only expanded my understanding of education but also equipped me with the skills to take on leadership roles with confidence. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to grow as an educational leader.

Contact

Dr Maria Varvarigou,Programme Coordinator 

T: +353 61 204569 
Email: Maria.Varvarigou@mic.ul.ie


Joanne Keane, Postgraduate Support, Faculty of Education

Email: PGEducation@mic.ul.ie

NFQ Levels

*Postgraduate Certificates are Level 9 Minor Awards, Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters are Level 9 Major Awards and PhDs are Level 10 Major Awards on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), awarded by the University of Limerick.

Programme Content

M Ed in Educational Leadership and Management

The core modules include:

  • Leadership and Management in Education; 
  • Education and the Law; 
  • Systematic Approaches to Practitioner Research; 
  • School Self Evaluation and Whole School Planning; 
  • Organisational Psychology applied to Educational Contexts; 
  • Inclusive Education, Policy, and Practice;
  • Principles and Practice of Research in Education. 

Assessment Modes

Assessment methods are varied and authentic and include portfolios, presentations, individual and group projects, document analysis, and a 20,000-word dissertation or practice-based Capstone Project. Students complete a project in their own educational setting, ensuring that learning is directly relevant to professional practice.

Entry Requirements

A minimum 2.2 Honours Bachelor's degree (major award at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications) or a major award at Level 9 or Level 10 on the National Framework of Qualifications (normally). Applicants should be currently working in a relevant education setting and will normally have a minimum of two years relevant work experience in an education setting. Other applicants with substantial and relevant prior experience and/or learning may also be considered in light of the UL Policy on Accredited Prior Learning and subject to an interview.

How to Apply

Applications for the M Ed in Educational Leadership & Management are now open.


Please Note: This programme is not open to applications from non-EU countries. Application fees are non-refundable due to applicant ineligibility. See International programme listing here.

EU Applications

To apply, please complete all the steps below:

  1. Download and complete the application form here (application fee Payment Ref Number required).
  2. Please pay the non-refundable €50 application fee here using Stripe, and return the completed application and transcripts by email: to TaughtProgrammes@mic.ul.ie.

What to include with your Application

You will be required to send:

  1. University transcripts and certificates (including MIC and UL transcripts is applicable).
  2. If English is not your first language/language of qualification, you will require:
  • English translation of transcript/qualification
  • Your English Language Competency Certificate (Academic IELTS or equivalent)

Closing date for applications is 4pm Friday 24 July 2026.

 

For up to date information about fees click here.

Contact
Programme Coordinator
Dr Maria Varvarigou
+353 61 204569
Maria.Varvarigou@mic.ul.ie
Contact
Postgraduate Support, Faculty of Education
Joanne Keane
PGEducation@mic.ul.ie

Ask a Question

  • Programme Overview
  • Programme Content
  • Entry Requirements
  • How to Apply
  • Ask a Question

Mary Immaculate College
South Circular Road
Limerick, Ireland
V94 VN26
Tel: +353 61 204300