Learning, Teaching and Assessment in Higher Education - MA

During this programme, you will: 

• demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and critical awareness of a key area of research in learning, teaching and assessment in higher education through the production of an MA dissertation or a research paper for future publication within your discipline and teaching context; 
• critically evaluate your academic practice, through a research-informed lens drawing on appropriate sources of evidence to maintain a deliberate and evidence-informed approach; 
• support diverse student cohorts through an intentional application of insights gained from your research on learning, teaching and assessment in higher education; 
• integrate the knowledge to engage with key stakeholders to lead innovation and change in learning, teaching and assessment; 
• align your knowledge with your teaching philosophy to transform learning intentionally, authentically and with initiative; 
• challenge your attitudes, motivations, values and beliefs towards your academic responsibilities to inform and develop their academic practice through a research-informed lens. 

Key information:   

• Complete part-time in one year 
• Blended delivery  
• Designed for working professionals    
• Modules taught during autumn and spring semesters  
• Submit dissertation/research paper at the end of the spring 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  

Part-time considerations:  

• Designed for working professionals  
• Recorded lectures  
• Additional prep and group work time  
• Timetable provided after registration 

Autumn Semester  

Research In Learning, Teaching and Assessment in Higher Education - Define and Design (TL6031)  

Enables you to identify a research question for undertaking research in your area of interest.  

Spring Semester  

Research In Learning, Teaching and Assessment in Higher Education - Develop and Disseminate (TL6032)  

Provides the tools to engage with the research process and disseminate your research findings through a dissertation or research paper. 

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 Book of Modules 

• Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree (NFQ Level 8) with at least a second-class honour, grade 2 (2:2) in any discipline.  

• Applicants should have completed the 2-year PGDip in Learning, Teaching and Assessment in Higher Education (60 ECTS).  
• Applicants must be engaged in teaching in the higher or further education sector for the duration of the programme.  
• The university may shortlist and invite you to an interview.  

Other Entry Considerations:  

We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet the standard entry requirements, as long as you can show that you have the knowledge, skills, and experience needed for the programme.  

At UL, we value all kinds of learning and support different ways to qualify through our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy.  

If you are considering applying via RPL, you are invited to discuss this in more detail with the Course Director. 

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 
• Approval for dual registration, if currently registered on another programme in UL. 
• Personal statement – 300 words outlining: 
  • Personal introduction and motivations for taking the course. 
  • Confirmation of engagement in teaching in the higher or further education sector for the duration of the programme. 
  • Confirmation that you have discussed taking this course with your Head of Department and that you have sufficient time to commit to the course given local workload allocations. 
• 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 - €2,500 per year 

Non- EU - €4,900 per year 

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 Student Fees Office 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 from the Centre of Teaching and Learning.  

This programme can lead to the following sectors and careers: 

•  Higher Education Teaching & Academic Roles 
•  Educational Development & Academic Enhancement 
•  Assessment, Quality Assurance & Academic Governance 
•  Learning Design & Digital Education 
• Student Learning, Academic Skills & Accessibility 
• Professional Education & Training  
• Educational Research & Scholarship 
• Educational Leadership & Management  

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