The unique Bachelor of Education in Education and Psychology at Mary Immaculate College (MIC) marked 20 years in existence this month.
First launched in 2004, this programme—which had the highest points for any education course in the country for CAO 2024—remains the only one of its kind in Ireland, offering students the opportunity to earn both a Psychology degree and a primary teaching qualification concurrently.
Since its inception, the B Ed & Psych programme has sustained strong demand and consistently high entry points. It was originally conceived to address a pressing shortage of Educational Psychologists in Ireland. Two decades on, it has become one of the most competitive routes into both the education and psychology professions.
Professor Emer Ring, Dean of the Faculty of Education at MIC, paid tribute to the programme’s enduring success:
“I am very proud to mark this 20-year milestone. As one of the most innovative Initial Teacher Education programmes in Ireland, the B Ed in Education and Psychology programme has produced graduates who have made significant contributions not just to primary teaching and education, but also in areas related to psychology. The programme is a great example of cross-faculty collaboration, which is evident in the professional accreditation of the programme from the Teaching Council, and the Psychological Society of Ireland. This success would not have been possible without the vision and commitment of all those involved in making this programme a reality two decades ago, and also those who have worked tirelessly to maintain such a high standard of excellence and innovation ever since.”
Reflecting on the origins of the programme, Dr Suzanne Parkinson, Lecturer in Developmental and Educational Psychology and one of its founders, explained:
“The B Ed in Education and Psychology programme came about as a result of a lot of research, initially looking at the very long pathway towards training for Educational Psychologists. Up until 2012 you had to have an education degree, a psychology degree, experience in the classroom teaching and experience in special education. Then you had to find a course in Ireland that would let you do postgraduate training to become a professional Educational Psychologist.
When I interviewed for my job in MIC as a lecturer in Educational Psychology, one of my interview proposals was that a shorter pathway to the preliminary requirements for this field would be looked at. I was very lucky that the former President of MIC [then a member of the academic staff], Professor Eugene Wall was at the other side of the table interviewing me. It really took his imagination and his fancy. Later on, we were very lucky really that Eugene happened to be an Educational Psychologist and was able to bring it forward, so it was a shared endeavour.”
MIC also now offers a Professional Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology—a highly sought-after three-year, full-time professional training course.
Some of its first graduates have been reflecting on how it shaped them and their careers. Seán Flanagan, a member of the programme’s first ever class, remembers it fondly:
“As a member of the first cohort of ‘B Ed and Psychs’, I have found that schools really value the programme. The course was challenging, and at times intense, but there was still plenty of scope to participate in the extra-curricular and social activities that comprise a well-rounded college experience. Following graduation, I went straight into primary teaching and built up some fabulous and lasting experiences across four years, before returning to MIC to train as an Educational Psychologist.”
Lorraine Madden, another graduate from the first class and now a Chartered Child Educational Psychologist and Clinical Director of EPT Clinic, credits the programme with launching her career:
“This course launched me into a career that I absolutely love. Throughout my time working as a primary teacher, then as a HSE psychologist, and now working in EPT Clinic, I have consistently been aware of what a privilege it is to work in an area that I am truly passionate about. I am grateful for the guidance, encouragement, and training I received in MIC. Looking back over my career to date, I am most proud of my part in writing the Psychological Society of Ireland's (PSI) Best Practice Guidelines for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorders for Children and Adolescents, of my time as Chair of the Special Interest Group in Neurodiversity (PSI), and also being the 2022 Recipient of the ‘Contribution to Professional Practice’ award from (PSI). I am also grateful to have published a number of research papers, chapters and books. I could not recommend this programme highly enough.”
Eimear Coffey, also part of the first graduating class, and now NCSE Specialist Lead for Education and Curriculum Cross Sectoral, echoed those sentiments:
“My choice of the B Ed and Psychology programme was rooted in a deep interest in education, in particular supporting children and young people with additional needs. The knowledge and skills I developed in this programme served to further my enthusiasm for developing inclusive education in Ireland. I worked in a variety of class settings and then took up a secondment with the NCSE as a Behaviour for Learning and Wellbeing advisor. I recently have taken up the role of NCSE Specialist Lead for Education and Curriculum. The B Ed in Education and Psychology opens up several career pathways, allowing you to explore where your expertise and talents are best suited.”
To mark the occasion, staff gathered on the MIC Limerick campus for a small celebration on 6 May.
Click here to learn more about the Bachelor of Education in Education and Psychology programme.
