This degree programme allows Level 8 Education graduates to proceed to a Master’s qualification in an area of interest related to their practice. The course has been specifically designed to facilitate working educators in order for them to successfully complete all modules of the programme on weekday evenings and on intensive courses during the summer. The award of Master of Education (Research in Practice) has a Level 9 (NQF) Maynooth University accreditation.
Maynooth University Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education
ToggleWhat does this course aim to do?
Students will be enabled to develop and improve their professional practice through critical reflection as espoused by leaders in the field of action research (Dewey 1933; Schon 1987; Eraut, 1994 & Mc Niff 2002). A key priority for the programme is to motivate students to consider elements of their own practice that warrant further examination, engage in a cyclical process of reflection, planning and action leading to improvement in educational outcomes.
What does the course content include?
This programme aims to provide opportunities for educators to explore and examine aspects of their own practice with a view to improving the educational experiences of the students in their care. Central to the programme is the development of a reflective disposition which is a core principle underpinning action research.
Who is eligible?
This programme is primarily aimed at candidates who are working in the Primary and Early Childhood Education sectors and who wish to develop their practice through Action Research. Candidates are required to be in regular employment in an educational setting and to meet one of the criteria listed below:
1. A four year level 8 Bachelor of Education degree or equivalent with a minimum grade level of 2.1, be fully probated, and registered with the Teaching Council.
2. A level 8 degree in Early Childhood Education with a minimum grade level of 2:1.
3. A level 9 Postgraduate Diploma in Special Educational Needs (PDSEN) or Higher Diploma in Primary Education, be fully probated and registered with the Teaching Council.
What is involved in obtaining the Masters?
| Principles of Action Research | Semester 1 August 2021 - 3 days |
24 contact hours 250 Independent hours |
| Methodologies: Teacher as Researcher |
Semester 1 |
24 contact hours 250 Independent hours |
| Teacher as Critically Reflective Practitioner |
Semester 1 |
24 contact hours 250 Independent hours |
| Implications for Educational Improvement | Semester 2 |
24 contact hours 250 Independent hours |
| Dissertation | Semester 1 and 2 |
34 contact hours 250 Independent hours |
Course Modules include
| EDF685 |
Principles of Action Research Credits:7.5 |
Semester 1 August 2021 – 3 days (EPV approved) |
| EDF686 | Methodologies: Teacher as Researcher Credits:7.5 |
Semester 1 Tuesdays |
| EDF687 |
Teacher as Critically Reflective Practitioner Credits:7.5 |
Semester 1 Tuesdays |
| EDF688 |
Implications for Educational Improvement Credits:7.5 |
Semester 2 Tuesdays |
| EDF689 |
Dissertation Credits:30 |
Semester 1 & 2 |
| Credits for BA (ECED MH801) entrants* for year 1. |
Contemporary Issues in Working with Families and Communities Module code: ED673 Credits:10 Leadership and Mentoring in the Early Years Context Module code: ED672 Credits:10 Play and Enquiry-Led Curriculum/Pedagogy Module code: ED671 Credits: 10 |
Year 1 |
*30 credits required as a ‘top up’ for BA (ECED MH801) graduates to be completed in year 1 prior to completing Modules EDF685 - EDF689 in year 2.
How is the degree assessed?
Students will be required to write a critical consideration of a case study in action research, maintain an e-portfolio of learning throughout the course, produce other written tasks as part of a dissertation and engage in presentations during specific modules.
What are the course components?
- Blended learning
- Use of external agencies
- Research based in Educational Setting
How to apply
Online application only through PAC.
B.Ed/PDSEN graduates please select MH52L under Taught Programmes
BA Early Childhood graduates please select MH54L under Taught Programmes
http://www.pac.ie/main.php?inst=mh&ln=e
As part of the application process you will be required to upload the following:
- Transcripts.
- Evidence of Garda Clearance.
- Evidence of Teaching Council registration (B.Ed amd PDSEN graduates only)
- Two references.
Closing date for receipt of completed online applications is 20 May 2022.
Please note shortlisting may apply.
Contact us
Should you have any further questions please email:
froebel.department@mu.ie
Flyer
Please click on the following link to access further information on the M.Ed (Research in Practice)
MH52L Flyer
Please click on the following link to access further information on the M.Ed (Early Years specialism) course breakdown
MH54L Flyer
Testimonials
"The course was manageable in terms of general workload and expectations. The course directors were consistently supportive and available to always answer questions which was really appreciated."
"Overall, it was a very enjoyable process and I feel like I will take the skills I have learned and will continue to engage in self-study research in my classroom. The support provided by the supervisors and staff was helpful and practical along the way."
"Really enjoyed the programme, found it great to research a topic of my choosing, great support from lecturers and supervisors, would definitely recommend to others."
"I think it is a fantastic course as you can pursue research in an area of particular interest!."
"My research exceeded my expectations on what it has taught me for both my personal and professional development. Thank you."
"The course is extremely well structured, and assignments suit the school calendar. It promotes great individual critical thinking and growth as a teaching professional."
Recent Graduates and their work
Some notable achievements by our recent gradautes are outlined below.
One of our students working in the Early Childhood sector, Racheal Govan, was invited to share her research experience at an online Research Symposium hosted by Early Childhood Ireland in October this year. The theme of the Symposium was ‘New Realities in Research in Early Learning & Care – First 5’. Congratulations to Racheal on contributing to this event.
Eilis Meagher class of 2021 has her study cited in The Irish Times in November 2021 https://www.irishtimes.com/news/education/social-skills-turn-taking-playing-games-they-missed-it-all-1.4735528
Congratulations to Dean Vaughan who was awarded the INTO research bursary in 2019 for his studies. Dean will have the opportunity to share the completed thesis entitled ‘Fostering children’s expressive language skills through Aistear: The Early Childhood Framework (2009)’ on the INTO website. Dean has also had an article published in September 2021 InTouch https://intouch.into.ie/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&edid=8640d3bb-4d42-4ac1-8781-d996c1715cde