Course Summary
The M. Ed. School Guidance Counselling degree is designed to advance the professional development of school guidance counsellors. It builds on the Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Guidance Counselling (PGDEGC) and includes participation in regular research-support seminars and consultations with supervisors towards the completion of a thesis.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
Academic Qualification: Applicants must have successfully completed the one-year Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Guidance and Counselling (PGDEGC) or an equivalent programme, with at least second-class honours, grade 1.
Thesis Proposal: Applicants must submit a proposal of no less than 2,500 words that:
Identifies a research issue
Situates the problem in relevant scholarly literature(s)
Proposes a research plan
English Language Proficiency:
If English is not your first language, proof of proficiency is required. For details on accepted tests and required scores, see here.
Maynooth University's TOEFL code: 8850
Important: Applicants are required to email the Programme Director, Dr. Ece Gokmenoglu, prior to submitting their application at: [email protected]
Application Details
Closing Date : 30 June 2025
Applications are open for the 2025/6 academic year. Visit our online application portal to start your application.
We are here to support you throughout the admissions process.
For queries on your postgraduate course options please contact [email protected]
For queries or support on your application process please contact [email protected]
If you are an international (Non-EU) applicant please contact [email protected]
Start Date: September 2025 (Exact start date to be confirmed)
Fees
Closing Date : 31 May 2023
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Career Progression
Career opportunities for master's graduates include:
Conducting academic research studies to improve guidance counselling services in education.
Teaching and research roles in higher education.
Advising on educational policies and programme development.
Leading guidance-counselling related initiatives in schools.