Overview
The Masters in Arts Education Practice (MEd AEP) is an innovative new programme for teachers, artists and arts education advocates which takes a progressive approach to arts-based education and values a transdisciplinary approach while honouring the distinct nature of each practice. The programme responds to the contemporary education landscape, and integrates professional arts practices and creative pedagogical practices.
Practical Learning: Explore innovative strategies that bring arts experiences to life.
Interdisciplinary Focus: Explore the role of the arts as a mode of inquiry, a pedagogical approach and an integrated, dynamic and inclusive form of learning.
Real World Impact: Collaborate with arts organisations such as The Ark, galleries, schools and communities, to develop arts teaching and learning that makes a difference.
Expert Mentorship: Learn from leading educators, artists and invited changemakers in arts education who share your passion for the arts, creativity and learning.
DCU People
Careers & Further Options
Careers
Graduates of the Masters in Arts Education Practice will have the skills, knowledge, and confidence to lead arts education in schools, communities, and organisations. The programme will encourage you to interrogate your own practice, deepening your expertise in arts education. As an arts education specialist, you will have opportunities to work in schools, arts organisations and cultural institutions, designing and implementing arts-focused curricula and programmes for, with, and by children and young people.
You will be equipped with the expertise to guide schools and organisations on integrating the arts into teaching practices, and to lead innovative community arts projects and inspire cultural engagement.
The programme also prepares graduates to work with government initiatives and agencies as an arts leader and advocate. In addition, you will have the skills to lead arts-based education research projects, to work in third level contexts and to progress to doctoral studies in arts education.
Entry Requirements
Artists and educators who have some experience of arts education are encouraged to apply.
Applicants are required to have a Level 8, Lower Second Class Honours Degree, minimum H2.2.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applicants are required to submit a cover letter along with their application under the Transcripts section of the portal, affirming their intent to apply for RPL. RPL applicants may be required to attend for interview. For more information on RPL see here.
Programme Structure
Students will work as a community of practice, exploring arts education and creative pedagogies in a broad context through practical, artistic methods. This programme is open to educators wishing to deepen their expertise, artists who want to develop their education practice, and advocates eager to use the arts to create social change.
The Master of Education in Arts Education Practice is a two-year, part time, taught programme delivered on campus and online. Please note that information for Year One and Two is subject to change. A draft calendar is available on request.
Year One:
In Year One, students undertake five modules. Unless otherwise stated, lectures typically take place on Thursdays (6.00pm to 9.00pm) with approximately two Saturdays (9.00am to 4.00pm) in each of the two semesters. Semesters run September to December and January-April.
- Drama Education, Embodiment and Multimodality
- Music-Making and The Arts: Pathways to Equity and Creativity
- Qualitative Research Methods (fully online, Tuesdays)
- Expanding Visual Arts Education: Invention, Intuition, Integration
- Communities of Practice
Year Two:
Students undertake a module in Arts Based Education Research in the form of a summer school week in August, and then complete a thesis with the support of a supervising tutor. A choice of methodology for the thesis is available and includes the option of arts based approaches.
Fees and Funding
Fees
How To Apply
To apply for this programme:
All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal which is available here. Please see the step by step guide on how to apply.
You will need to provide the following
• Academic transcripts for each and every year of study, with English translation if applicable. They must be certified with the institute's stamp, seal or signature
• Two examples of your personal or professional arts education practice
• Copy of passport
• If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements. Please see link http://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml
Application Deadlines
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or until:
- Closing date for Non EU applicants is 30th June 2025.
- Closing date for EU applicants is 30th June 2025.
Please note if you are a non EU student and require a study visa, you are not eligible to apply for part-time programmes as study visas are only granted for full-time programmes.
All entry requirements should be met before the commencement of the programme.
Application Queries
For EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/eu-postgraduate-taught-admissions or email postgraduateadmissions@dcu.ie
For non EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/international-admissions-undergraduate-and-postgraduate or email internationaladmissions@dcu.ie
Commencement of Programme
The programme commences in September 2025.
Life On Campus
At DCU, our students can expect a unique campus experience. We are known for our excellent teaching and learning facilities, our active clubs and societies, and our great social and sporting facilities. All this makes DCU an exciting place to be.
DCU has three academic campuses; Glasnevin, St. Patrick’s and All Hallows (both in Drumcondra), all close to Dublin City centre.
They can be reached by public transport, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann, with our Drumcondra campuses a ten minute walk from Drumcondra Train Station. Glasnevin is a 20 minute walk from St Patrick’s and All Hallows. They are also linked by Dublin Bus.
Each campus has a library (O’Reilly, Cregan and Woodlock Hall), study spaces, restaurants, and on-campus residencies. There are sports facilities on Glasnevin and St. Patrick’s, and there is a dedicated sports campus, St Claire’s, located near Glasnevin on the Ballymun Road.
DCU’s 19,000 students have access to exceptional teaching and learning facilities across our three academic campuses.
These include modern learning theatres, research centres, a new media and TV studio, radio/podcast studios, computer suites and advanced labs in the areas of Languages, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry and Biotechnology, as well as a Sports Performance centre and a training hospital ward. In 2021, we opened our first virtual reality ‘Leadership Lab’, which is located in our Business School.
We continue to improve and update our facilities. For example, construction of a new world-class STEM facility is underway on the Glasnevin campus. With capacity for an extra 3,000 STEM students, this facility will advance DCU’s international reputation for excellence in science and health, computing and engineering disciplines.
Studying in DCU isn’t just about course work. The university is rich in student life and activities.
There are more than 140 clubs and societies for students in DCU, with ‘Clubs & Socs’ days taking place on both the Glasnevin and Drumcondra campuses at the start of the academic year. They span everything from rugby to rock climbing, anime to jazz.
For many students, sport is an important part of the DCU experience. DCU’s Sports Complex boasts a 25 metre swimming pool, fitness centre gym, all-weather pitches and squash courts, as well as soccer, GAA and rugby pitches. DCU Dóchas Éireann, the university’s GAA club, is the largest third level Gaelic Games club in the country. Meanwhile, DCU Athletics has been Ireland’s highest achieving university club for many years. And DCU has dozens of other clubs to get involved in, from Archery to Weightlifting.
The Glasnevin campus is home to our purpose built, state-of-the-art student centre, The U, which serves the needs of a rapidly growing student body. Here, you will find the Student Leadership and Lifeskills Centre, performing arts and cultural spaces for students and the wider community, and the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub. Also located on our Glasnevin campus is The Helix, our renowned performing arts centre.
On our St Patrick’s campus, we have the Java Student Hub, a vibrant, warm and welcoming space where students can meet for coffee, play music, use the projector to watch events, or just relax. The walls of the Java Hub were designed based on the cultural history of St Patrick’s Campus, including the special references to the notable sporting history and history of the arts.
We have a number of academic, professional and social supports for students.
Student Advice & Learning Skills Centre - Offers a wide range of supports and services to students and advice
The Writing Centre - drop-in writing workshops for students through the academic year
Maths Learning Centre - provides maths support for students of all ability levels with maths modules
Student Learning - facilitate the transition from passive to active learning for students at DCU, by teaching study skills, nurturing critical thinking and building student confidence.
Careers work with students to help them on their professional journey into graduate employment.
Our student support team offers a comprehensive support programme, helping students make that all important transition into university life and focusing on building confidence and skills which are key to success at third level.
DCU St Patrick's Campus
FAQs
What courses are offered by the DCU Institute of Education?
DCU Institute of Education brings together students of education and provides a rich menu of undergraduate courses across all sectors from early childhood, to primary and post-primary and further and higher education. We offer a range of taught and research postgraduate courses at doctoral, masters, diploma and certificate level and have a distinguished record in providing continuing professional development.
Is there Garda vetting for students who study DCU Institute of Education courses?
Garda vetting is required for all students who have unsupervised access to children and vulnerable adults as part of their studies at DCU. Applicants must successfully pass the Garda vetting process in order to complete the registration process.
What are the potential teaching pathways for primary, post-primary and further education and training offered by DCU?
Primary Teaching Pathways
Undergraduate*
Postgraduate**
- Professional Master of Education (Primary Teaching) - DC970
* Please ensure that you consult minimum entry requirements and CAO points for all undergraduate programmes
** Please ensure that you consult minimum entry requirements for all postgraduate programmes
Post-Primary Teaching Pathways
Undergraduate*
- Bachelor of Religious Education & English or History or Music - DC010 | DC011 | DC012
- Bachelor of Education in Gaeilge and French or German or Spanish - DC013
- Bachelor of Education in Technology, Engineering and Graphics - DC015
- Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Science Education - DC203
- Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Physical Education with Biology - DC205
- Bachelor of Science in Physical Education with Mathematics - DC206
Postgraduate**
- Professional Master of Education (Post-Primary Teaching) - DC905
* Please ensure that you consult minimum entry requirements and CAO points for all undergraduate programmes
** Please ensure that you consult minimum entry requirements for all postgraduate programmes
Further Education and Training Teaching Pathways
Undergraduate*
- BSc (Hons) in Education and Training (Further, Adult and Continuing Education) - DC235
* Please ensure that you consult minimum entry requirements and CAO points for all undergraduate programmes
