The MLitt programme is offered to candidates with specialist interest and experience in education.
Postgraduate research is encouraged in the Faculty of Education to facilitate:
* The personal and professional development of individuals.
* Development of a coherent body of research in order to inform educational policy at national and local school level.
Research is undertaken by each student under the guidance of a supervisor. The research, whether at Masters or at Doctoral level, is usually presented in a written thesis supported, if necessary, by visual documentation. Other forms of research media are considered where appropriate.
Typically, the final submission entails a thesis of 35,000 to 45,000 words for MLitt. The MLitt by research is normally completed in two years full-time study. Part-time modes of study are also available.
While most applicants come from an art and design background, the Faculty also welcomes enquiries from graduates in other disciplines, such as dance, drama, literature and music. Typically, postgraduate students in Education are honours graduates (1st or 2nd class) or highly experienced teachers or professional practitioners.
The Faculty of Education promotes a substantial body of research at postgraduate level which can inform policy development in a changing national and local context.
The education research community is in an unprecedented position to influence major national initiatives such as:
* The revised primary curriculum in Irish schools which includes significant developments in the arts.
* New programmes at second-level including the Junior Certificate School Programme, Transition Year, Leaving Certificate Applied and Leaving Certificate Vocational programmes.
* Further Education – the growth of courses at Post Leaving Certificate level (PLCs) and at other levels outside the formal school system.
* Higher Education – the quality of provision, access and achievement in higher education, including art and design education.
* Adult and Continuing Education – lifelong-learning is emerging as perhaps the most important area for educational development in the future.
* Non-formal education – innovative programmes in educational settings outside the traditional school – for example Youthreach, Community Development programmes and prison education.
* Community Arts – the growth of community arts programmes has been dramatic in recent years.