The minimum entry requirements for eligibility are as follows:

(Year 1) For entry into the Graduate Certificate in Middle Leadership and Mentoring in Primary and Post-Primary Settings, applicants will normally hold a minimum 2.2 Honours degree (at level 8) in education (primary or post-primary). Applicants who have a 2.2 Honours degree in other disciplines may be considered if they have substantial and relevant professional experience. Acceptance under this category will be subject to an interview and considered in light of the UL Policy on Accredited Prior Learning.

(Year 2, without dissertation) Entry into the Graduate Diploma in Middle Leadership and Mentoring in Primary and Post-Primary Settings, is contingent on achieving a 2.2 in the Graduate Certificate in Middle Leadership and Mentoring in Primary and Post-Primary Settings. Further information regarding the Graduate Diploma of the programmes can be obtained by emailing the Programme Coordinators.

(Year 2, with dissertation) Entry into the Master's of Education in in Middle Leadership and Mentoring in Primary and Post-Primary Settings is contingent on achieving a 2.2 in the Graduate Diploma in Middle Leadership and Mentoring in Primary and Post-Primary Settings. Further information regarding the Master's component of the progammes can be obtained by emailing the Programme Coordinators.

There is an option to undertake both Graduate Diploma and Master's Modules in one year. Students who choose this route, on successful completion of the programme, graduate with a M Ed in Middle Leadership and Mentoring in Primary and Post-primary settings. This route is contingent on successfully completing the Graduate Certification in M Ed in Middle Leadership and Mentoring in Primary and Post-primary settings at 2.2. or higher.

Click here for English language requirements https://www.mic.ul.ie/international/study-in-ireland/essential-information/english-language-requirements .

Registration will be conditional upon successful completion of the Garda Vetting/CRB checking process.

How To Apply:
Applications are now open.

To apply, please complete all the steps below:
1. Download and complete the application form here.
2. You will be required to send your university transcripts.
3. In the case of non-native English speakers, a copy of IETLS (or equivalent) is required.
4. Please pay the non-refundable €50 application fee here using Stripe, and return the completed application and transcripts by email: to [email protected].

Applications will close on 27 June 2025.

Transferring from another 3rd Level Institution
The transfer route into MIC depends on the content overlap of your new and old course and the number of places on the new course in the year you apply. Before submitting an application you should contact [email protected] where we will consider your case with the relevant Head of Department of the course you wish to transfer to.

EU/Non-EU Status Assessments
The designation of a student as being from the EU or a Non-EU country determines the fees they will pay at Mary Immaculate College (MIC) i.e. there may be cases where a non-EU national acquires EEA citizenship during the course of their third level studies and would qualify for EU fees, for example.

Click here for more information on EU/Non-EU assessments which will be conducted by MIC International office to determine status

Next Intake: September 2025

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.

Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

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 Outcomes
The programme should be of particular interest to all aspiring and existing middle leaders, respecting and availing of the diversity of sector, setting and language of instruction. It is supportive of teachers who may wish to have a greater leadership role without leaving the classroom, as well as those aspiring to deputy principal or principal roles. Senior personnel in schools and from other education-related organisations with an interest in maximising middle leadership roles in their settings will also find the programme of interest.

The graduate certificate is also intended to support teachers who want to further develop themselves and their professional practice as teachers, while also developing as mentors to other teachers, be they beginning teachers or existing colleagues.

Students who meet certain minimum achievement criteria in the Graduate Certificate will be invited to progress to Graduate Diploma and then, to Master’s degree level. Entry into the Graduate Diploma is contingent on achieving a 2.2 in the Certificate programme and entry into the Master's of Education is contingent on achieving a 2.2 in the Graduate Diploma element of the programme. Further information regarding the the Graduate Diploma and M Ed components of the progamme can be obtained by emailing the Programme Coordinators.