Course Summary
The Master of Education degree is a professional development course for teachers and other adult educators, who wish to update their knowledge and qualifications.
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
Applicants must normally:
(a) have gained
(i) a degree from a university of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, from the Council for National Academic Awards, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council, or from an institution of another country which is recognised as being of an equivalent standard; or
(ii) an equivalent standard (normally 50%) in a Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma or an approved alternative qualification, e.g. a professional qualification; and
(b) be currently working in a teaching or training environment.
English Language Requirements
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
• For English language requirements go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/english-language-requirements
• For Your country go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/country
Exemptions and transferability
The PGDip/MEd with Specialisms comprises six 30-credit point modules (180 credits in total).
You may be able to enter the course at a higher stage or claim exemptions from particular modules. We call this process the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL). You can gain APL credits based on awards that you hold (certificated learning) or life experiences that you have accrued (experiential learning). In the case of certificated learning, awards must have been achieved within the last five years.
There is a limit to the number of APL credits that you can claim against our course. See the table below:
Award: Postgraduate Diploma in Education with Specialisms
Comprising: 120 credits
Maximum APL claim: 60 credits
MEd with Specialisms
Comprising: 180 credits
Maximum APL claim: 120 credits
Application Details
Your Application
You can apply directly to Ulster at any time of year. We advise that you submit your application no later than two weeks prior to your course start date. This is to ensure there is sufficient time for your application to be reviewed and, should you be made an offer, time for you to complete all the necessary pre-enrolment tasks.
Some programmes will have specific deadlines as additional selection (e.g. interview, portfolio submission etc) is required, so please check the course page to ensure you have sufficient time to complete your application.
Start Date: September 2026.
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.
Career Progression
In addition to improving your career portfolio, this course will allow you to develop higher level skills of argument and critical thinking as well as developing academic writing skills and research capability. Having a Masters level qualification should enhance potential career advancement, and is a useful preparation for Doctoral level study.
Past students who have taken the specialisms Learning and Teaching, Inclusive and Special Education and ICT have used the qualifications for career advancement, while several of those studying or having completed the Leadership and Management modules have been successful in gaining Vice-Principal and Principal posts both in Northern Ireland the Republic of Ireland. Other pathways have also led to enhanced professional practice and career advancement.