Master of Teaching
The MTeach is designed for serving teachers seeking master's level accreditation for the highest standards of structured, evidence-based teaching, reflection and action in their own classrooms and schools. This qualification provides a learning opportunity in which the study of teaching, and in particular, the study of one's own teaching, can be an evolving, fulfilling and collaborative experience where practitioners theorise their practice, generate personal theories of practice, and learn to articulate the importance and significance of doing so.
The overall outcome of the MTeach is to ensure that educational practitioners are better equipped to address the challenges of pedagogy in the 21st century whilst the principles that underpin the MTeach mean that schools will be better placed to meet individual pupils' learning needs as teachers take a practice-based qualification that is tailored to their personal and professional needs.
I believe the MTeach really enriched my professional life. I found the lecturers very approachable and helpful. As the course was very practical I could actively apply my learning in my classroom. The course was flexible, allowing me to focus my thesis on maths education and literacy. This allowed me to progress in my career: I now work as Home-School-Community Liaison Coordinator, enabling parents to pursue the best for their child-academically, socially and emotionally.
The aims of the MTeach programme are to enable participants to:
- Pursue an interest in improving the quality of teaching and learning in an educational context, beginning with one's own professional practice, whether as a beginning or experienced educational practitioner
- Acquire advanced knowledge and skills in teaching and a deeper understanding of the teaching, learning and assessment cycle
- Obtain the knowledge and skills necessary to engage in critical, action-oriented inquiry at postgraduate level in order to generate personal theories of practice and to articulate the importance and significance of doing so for the improvement in the quality of one's practice
- Meet the demands of a rapidly changing educational and professional environment
- Keep abreast of theory and practice in teaching and learning and trends in continuing professional development internationally
- Seek promotion as a leading or expert teacher as one who is committed to lifelong learning.
The DCU Institute of Education at St Patrick's Campus is the largest faculty of education in Ireland and is a recognised centre of excellence in teacher education nationally and internationally. The MTeach programme is designed and delivered by staff at the forefront of educational research with a wide range of experience garnered across many specialist areas within education.
DCU facilities at St Patrick's Campus are first class with students having access to two extensive libraries that include a vast array of educational resources and access to diverse study spaces for both collaborative and independent work. Remote access to journals and ebooks enable and enhance study at a distance. Additionally, online learning facilities draw from the most up to date technologies whilst employing innovative teaching and learning methods.
"As a result of completing the MTeach I am a more reflective practitioner. I have a greater, in-depth awareness of how I am teaching and how the children are learning. I have also developed a new professional learning network that I greatly value."
Siobhan Ní Threasaigh, MTeach, Bayside SNS
"Looking to gain insight and improve your teaching? The MTeach provided me with a structured platform from which to explore teaching as a profession. It guided me to engage in valuable reflection on what I do in the classroom and why. There was ample opportunity and encouragement to learn about the interplay of research and practice within the teaching profession. An honest examination of day to day classroom life as well as familiarisation with academic research are salient aspects of this Masters. There is an opportunity to gain a deeper and wider understanding of your area of special interest, in my case Physical Education. I look at Physical Education and the teaching profession in general through what I hope is now a more enlightened lens."
Nessa Gately, MTeach
I believe the MTeach really enriched my professional life. I found the lecturers very approachable and helpful. As the course was very practical I could actively apply my learning in my classroom. The course was flexible, allowing me to focus my thesis on maths education and literacy. This allowed me to progress in my career: I now work as Home-School-Community Liaison Coordinator, enabling parents to pursue the best for their child-academically, socially and emotionally.
Graduates have found that this course enhances job satisfaction and equips teachers with the knowledge, skills and dispositions to assume leadership posts in their schools.
Opportunities for career enhancement through education posts in other schools also emerge from this pathway, as well as roles as regional subject leaders or posts in higher education.
Requirements
THERE IS NO INTAKE FOR THIS PROGRAMME FOR SEPTEMBER 2020
As the programme places particular emphasis on practitioner knowledge and the enhancement of teaching, applicants should currently hold a teaching post at primary or secondary level.
Candidates are usually required to have a good honours primary degree, minimum H2.2. Consideration will also be given to those who have appropriate access to a relevant teaching or training setting and who have an interest or an appropriate reason for attending.
All MTeach students are strongly encouraged to identify a workplace advocate for the duration of their studies. The workplace advocate is an important "critical friend" to the MTeach student. He or she may have specialist expertise in an aspect of educational leadership, or a known special interest in the field of education. The workplace advocate will have sufficient confidence and authority to enable a supportive learning community for the candidate in their own teaching setting.
Student Visas
Applicants who require a student visa for entry to Ireland are encouraged to seek clarification from the relevant Irish embassy regarding the closing date for application for such visas. Applicants who do not secure a study visa in time will be unable to take up their offer of a place on any DCU programme.
If you need a study visa and are a Non EU student you are not eligible to apply for part-time programmes as study visas are only granted for full-time programmes.
Applying through the Postgraduate Applications Centre
Use the following PAC Codes:
- DC985 - Master of Teaching - Standard Route