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During this programme, you will:  

• Acquire a clear understanding of the complexity of school leadership. 

• Develop an advanced and integrated practical and theoretical understanding of school leadership. 

• Design and conduct a social scientific inquiry into an aspect of school leadership. 

• Develop cognitive and technical research skills and apply them to research in school leadership. 

Key information:  

• Complete part-time over one year  

• Designed for working professionals 

• Blended delivery – in-person seminars with distance learning modules. Supervision throughout the programme will take place via online meetings 

• Evening or recorded lectures 

• Timetable provided after registration 

• Modules taught during spring semester 

• Submit dissertation at the end of the final semester  

You will learn through a blend of:  

• Lectures, workshops, and hands-on activities  

• Reflective practice and guided research  

• Regular feedback from faculty and peers  

Year 1 

Spring Semester 

• aims to advance candidates' proficiency in reading, critically analysing and conducting research appropriate to educational settings. 
   

Summer Semester 

• supports you to begin framing your research thesis and develop your ideas through a review of literature as the basis for designing and collecting data. 

Autumn Semester 

• places an emphasis on a students' thesis writing, focusing on analysis and writing the final thesis drafts.  

Books and journal articles needed for the course will be available online through the UL Glucksman Library.  

For more information on each module, you can search the faculty, school and module code on UL’s  

• Applicants should have successfully completed a Postgraduate Diploma ( Level 9) in School Leadership or equivalent with at least a second-class honour, grade 2 (2:2). 

• You should have at least 2 years of relevant work experience. 

• The university may shortlist and invite you to an interview.  

International students:   

• For details on country-specific qualifications visit postgraduate entry requirements for international students. 

Checklist of documents: 

• *Academic transcripts and certificates
  • UL graduates only need to provide their student ID. 
• Copy of your birth certificate or passport 
• English translation of your qualifications and transcripts
• Copy of your CV 

English Language: 

• English Language Competency certificate
• For details on accepted language qualifications visit English Language Requirements 

Guidelines on Completing your Application   

• To make sure we can review your application quickly, please:
  • Upload all documents. Your application can’t be reviewed until we have all the documents on the checklist. 
  • Title the documents you are uploading. For example, "Personal Statement", "Undergraduate Transcript", "Postgraduate Transcript", "English Language Certificate" etc. 
• *If you are waiting to graduate, submit your application with the documents you have to date, you don’t need to have finished final exams before applying

EU €4,060 – Non-EU €4,000

Please note that international study visas are only available to students studying full-time in Ireland. This programme does not qualify for a study visa. 

Annual fees are billed by semester. Once registered, students may be eligible to apply for a monthly payment plan.  

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie).  

 
Funding 

Find further information on funding and scholarships.. 

The M.Ed School Leadership can lead graduates to the following sectors and careers:    

• School Principal
• School Vice-Principal
• Head of School / Head of Department 

Catherine Daly, graduated with a Master of Education in School Leadership in 2025 

I chose this programme to enhance my knowledge and understanding of leadership and to improve as a leader within my school. At the time, I wanted to build on the foundation of the learning I had developed through the PDSL, and this was the natural next step.  

I am now part of middle management in my school, holding a post of responsibility as Programme Co-ordinator. The MESL programme challenged me most in balancing the academic demands with the realities of school life, but it also pushed me to grow in ways I hadn’t expected. The support from my supervisor Niamh Lafferty was second to none, and she made the programme both enjoyable and intellectually stimulating.   

The most rewarding part was seeing my learning translate directly into improved leadership practice- making tangible changes that positively impacted all stakeholders within the school. The MESL programme gave me not just knowledge and expertise, but also confidence in my decision-making, a valuable professional network, and opportunities I certainly never dreamt of before!  

My advice to anyone considering this programme is simple: if you’ve completed the PDSL, don’t think twice- go for it. The skills, insights, and connections you’ll gain will stay with you throughout your career.   

Still Curious?  

The team regularly host and take part in webinars to support future students. If you would like to learn more or ask questions at an online information session, click below.     

Online Information Sessions