Course Summary
This MA in Contemporary Innovations in Education offers teachers and educational professionals a flexible and tailored programme of study in contemporary education, teaching and learning. The programme has been designed to deepen professional knowledge and understanding of contemporary educational theories, research, practices and innovations and their potential applications to a wide range of contexts, including schools, colleges and universities.
The programme is underpinned by constructive engagement and thinking critically about education; students will explore, critique and reflect upon ideas, innovations, issues, theoretical developments and research in education, whilst applying them to their own professional practices and potentially implementing change. Consequently, students will be enabled to more effectively support teaching and learning in their respective settings. This MA is aimed at teachers and educational professionals, with the flexibility to fit their studies around their current work commitments.
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
This programme is aimed at a wide range of graduates working in educational settings (e.g. primary, post-primary, higher education, adult and further education).
Applicants will normally possess a Level 8 Undergraduate Degree (H2.2 or above) in Education or equivalent.
Graduates applying from other related social sciences or arts/humanities disciplines will also be considered.
Applicants without the relevant academic qualification, but with relevant previous experience, may be eligible to apply through ATU’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process.
Recognition of Prior Learning: Yes.
Application Details
Flexible learning courses are popular, and they fill on a first come, first served basis. There are two major intake periods throughout the academic year, September and January.
For January start courses, applications typically open in October, and for September start courses, applications typically open in February. Closing dates for applications are listed on the individual course webpage.
Start Date: September 2026.
Fees
Total Fees: €7,200
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
Many of our Masters programmes are structured in a way that includes recognised entry and exit awards. This means that you can apply for part of Masters first and learn at your own pace or if you are unable to complete the full programme, you can still gain a recognised qualification. Our entry and exit awards typically include Postgraduate Certificate award and a Postgraduate Diploma award.
Duration
Study Hours
Each 15 credit module holds a total participant effort of 300 hours. This usually encompasses contact hours, directed study and independent study
On-Campus Attendance
Stage 1 modules: Whilst most modules in stage 1 have a blended delivery, for some, on campus attendance may be required for a one-day workshop/ lectures, usually on a Saturday.
Stage 2 modules: The Advanced Research module is delivered exclusively online..