Master in Education Studies (Christian School Leadership) Online

Applications for the August/September 2026 intake are now open. Applications close on the 5th June 2026. Following the application closing date eligible applicants will be invited for an interview.

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Please contact [email protected] to express your interest in this programme or if you have any general queries.

 

What is the Master in Education Studies (Christian School Leadership) Online?

The Master in Education Studies in (Christian School Leadership) Online is an innovative and unique Masters programme that draws on research, principles and practice in school leadership and Christian education in Ireland and internationally, in order to prepare current and future school leaders of Christian schools.  The programme is conducted entirely online and is framed to provide clear interaction between formation and theory, reflection and practice.  A key feature of the  programme is to build an online community among students as an integral aspect of forming professional leaders for Christian education. It is equally suited to those who currently have leadership positions and to those who aspire to such roles. The programme provides grounding in skills necessary for leadership, management and governance and offers a theological and spiritual background to help appreciate, support and develop a faith-based ethos within a school in a pluralist context. 

 

The programme is endorsed by Oide, a Department of Education and Youth support service for teachers and school leaders in Ireland.

 

Who is the programme for?

This programme is specifically designed for primary and post-primary teachers who wish to pursue leadership and management training for Christian schools in a multicultural and pluralist society, and to pursue their own academic and professional development. The programme is open to applicants from Ireland and abroad.  

 

What will I study?

In Year 1, students on this programme will study six discrete modules.  In Year 2, students focus on an area of interest, related to Leadership in Christian Education, in greater depth. They will develop research skills and write a dissertation (15,000 words) on a topic relevant to Leadership in Christian Education. 

 

How is the programme assessed?

Assessment is linked to the modular nature of the programme and consists of a variety of online assessments in Year 1, followed by a research proposal and dissertation in Year 2.

 

MIE Trust Fund Bursary

All students who successfully register for this degree programme will receive 20% discount off tuition fees for both year 1 and year 2.

 

Early Exit Award 

Students have the opportunity to exit this programme with a Postgraduate Diploma (in Christian School Leadership) upon successful completion of Year 1.

 

Module Listing

Year 1

  • Module 1: Leadership in Education
    Leadership in Education prepares students for leadership in a contemporary educational environment. It presents a strong foundation in the Psychology and Styles of Leadership, Emotional and Relational Competence, and the role of Group Dynamics.
  • Module 2: Leadership and Theology
    Leadership and Theology presents a basic introduction to Christian theology, Christian anthropology and Christian ethics and social justice and how these relate to leadership in Christian schools.
  • Module 3: Leadership and Spirituality
    Leadership and Spirituality provides an introduction to Christian Spirituality and how it applies to the educational enterprise.  It explores leadership in terms of service and what it means to be a spiritual leader in a school context and from the point of view of different school charisms.
  • Module 4: Education Legislation and Governance of a Christian School
    Education Legislation and Governance in Christian Schools provides an overview of the fundamental aspects of education legislation and governance that facilitate a school working well and delivering a quality education in conjunction with all the relevant stakeholders. It introduces students to national and international law as it applies to education and models of governance. Ecclesial and civil law arrangements in England, Germany, Spain, Ireland and the USA to provide for religious freedom and freedom of education in publicly funded schools will be addressed.
  • Module 5: Leadership and Management
    Leadership and Management explores the role of school leaders in leading and managing the school as a learning organisation.  Focus will be placed on enhancing management skills and the understanding of how different strategies are most effectively employed in the field of education to support school development and improvement, the mission and vision of a school while maintaining high academic and professional expectations.
  • Module 6: Leading a Christian School
    Leading a school with a Christian ethos offers specific opportunities to practise leadership through the lens of Gospel values and includes sacrament and liturgy, inclusion and welcome of all beliefs. It also requires school leaders to respond to social movements, such as the LGBTQI reality. This module provides a significant opportunity to empower school leaders of Christian schools in their engagement with the ongoing needs of learning communities in a pluralist society.

Year 2

  • Dissertation

 

General Information

Duration: 2 years part-time (fully online)

Award Level: NFQ 9

ECTS Credits: 90

Awarding Body: Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin

 

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 students who meet the honours degree requirement but do not have the necessary experience may be considered for the programme. Candidates may be shortlisted and invited to attend an interview and complete a written assignment as appropriate.  English Language Requirement IELTS Level 6.5 (or equivalent).

 

Delivery Mode

This programme is conducted entirely online and will have national and international reach. Lectures will be conducted in the evenings (GMT) on weekdays in year one.   In Year 2, students attend lectures online early in Term 1 after which they will focus on their research dissertations with a supervisor they will meet with online.

Applicants will require earphones and a laptop or desktop computer in good working condition to engage with the programme and complete online assessments etc.  A minimum connection speed of 5.0mb is required.  Any potential applicant who has a concern about their internet connectivity will be encouraged to take an at-home internet speed test to see if their connection can meet the minimum requirements.

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.