Master in Education Studies (Inquiry-Based Learning)
Applications for the August/September 2026 intake are now open. Applications will close on the 5th June 2026. Eligible applicants will be called for interview.
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What is the Master in Education Studies (Inquiry-Based Learning)?
This is an innovative and unique programme that taps into the widespread and growing interest in inquiry-based learning at all levels of education and across a range of educational environments. A key feature of the programme is to build a community of inquiry among participants, with a focus on collaborative tasks both during and between module weekends, including discussion forums, practical projects and critical reflections on current practice.
Who is the programme for?
This programme has been designed to be impactful and supportive of professionals across the spectrum of education, both formal and informal. Inquiry-based learning has been recognised and applied as a key pedagogical approach at all levels of education in Ireland and internationally. Inquiry-based learning is an excellent way to mediate the redeveloped Irish primary school curriculum and to make connections across the curricular areas. The programme is also aimed at educators in other settings (e.g. education officers working in art galleries, museums, outdoor education centres, with the Office of Public Works and similar organisations).
What will I study?
In Year 1, students complete four modules: Introduction to Education Studies; Learning through Inquiry; Promoting Inquiry-Based Learning through the use of Creative Technologies; Inquiry-Based Learning and the Environment (further details below).
In Year 2, students focus on an area of interest in Inquiry-Based Learning and produce a dissertation.
What are the Programme aims?
On successful completion of this programme participants will be able to:
- Confidently incorporate inquiry-based pedagogies into their professional practice
- Critically discuss key issues in education theory and practice, with particular but not exclusive reference to inquiry-based learning
- Explore the ideas of various thinkers in education and critically evaluate them
- Pursue study and scholarship in inquiry-based learning
- Undertake a substantial piece of academic research and present findings in written format in an appropriate scholarly manner, to a specialist or non-specialist audience as appropriate
- Identify areas of focus for future professional development as required by The Teaching Council and other bodies, acknowledging that learning is a life-long process
- Develop the skills required to become an effective researcher in education studies, with particular reference to inquiry-based learning
- Critically reflect on their experiences in education and document how this reflection informs their practice
How is the programme assessed?
Assessment is linked to the modular nature of the programme. It consists of a variety of assessment methods such as essays, assignments, quizzes, written critiques, learning journals and collaborative work in year one followed by a research proposal and dissertation in year two.
Early Exit Award
Students have the opportunity to exit this programme with a Postgraduate Diploma (in Inquiry-Based Learning) upon successful completion of Year 1.
Module Listing
YEAR ONE
MODULE ONE
Introduction to Education Studies
- Education and pedagogy
- What is education for?
- The relevance of virtues
- Education under pressure in our culture
- Place of curriculum and assessment
- The practice of postgraduate reading and writing
MODULE TWO
Learning through Inquiry
- Inquiry and the learner
- Inquiry-based teaching
- Nurturing a culture of inquiry
- Assessment in inquiry-based learning
MODULE THREE
Promoting Inquiry-Based Learning through the use of creative technologies
- Theory and Pedagogy of developing Inquiry Based Learning through the application of technology in education
- Accessing educational resources online appropriate for creating and resourcing an IBL environment
- Experimentation with digital tools and toys to enrich children’s collaboration and inquiry
- Assessment of Inquiry Based Learning supported by digital technologies
MODULE FOUR
Inquiry-Based Learning and the Environment
- Inquiry in the natural environment
- Inquiry in the built environment
- Environmental inquiry in public spaces and for public debate
- Pedagogical opportunities for and assessment of environmental inquiry learning
YEAR TWO
MODULE FIVE
Research Methods and Dissertation
General Information
Duration: 2 years part-time
Award level: NFQ 9
ECTS Credits: 90
Awarding body: Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin
IELTS: Level 6.5 (or equivalent)
Minimum Entry Requirements
An honours degree (level 8) with second class honours or higher and at least three years teaching or equivalent professional experience. In exceptional cases applicants who meet the honours degree requirement but who do not have the necessary experience may still be considered for the programme. English Language Requirement IELTS Level 6.5 (or equivalent).
Delivery Mode
In Year 1, lectures generally take place two weekends per month on Fridays (6.00pm to 9.00pm) and Saturdays (9.00am to 4.00pm). In Year 2, students usually attend lectures early in Term 1 after which they will focus on their research dissertations.
Please note that this information is subject to change.
Programme Fees
The fee for the programme is €3,950 per annum. Full details of fees are outlined in the Institute Charges Policy.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit an online application and are typically required to undergo an interview. APPLY NOW
For further details, please contact [email protected]
International Students
For information about eligibility for this programme please contact [email protected]. All applicants for our programmes must have a minimum English level. You will find more information about the English Language Requirements in the Study With Us section of the website under ‘How to Apply’.
You can find information about international institute fees and charges in the policies section of our website.
You can also find information on accommodation and student support services in the Student Life section of our website.
All MIE programmes follow the academic year, with all programmes starting in late August/ early September.