School Leadership - Postgraduate Diploma

The Postgraduate Diploma in School Leadership (PDSL) / Dioplóma Gairmiúil i gCeannaireacht Scoile (DGCS) is designed to prepare aspiring school leaders with the knowledge, skills, confidence and qualifications for senior leadership positions. 

The programme focuses on addressing the areas of leadership capacity published by the Department of Education and Youth.  

Delivered part-time through a mix of in-person and online sessions, it is designed to support participants on their career path to school leadership.  

Students choose to study in English or trí mhean ghaeilge. The Sraith Ghaeilge an Chúrsa is aimed at aspiring leaders in Irish-medium schools so that key concepts and issues in leadership can be applied in their context.  

It is delivered by leading lecturers in Irish education as well as tutors with extensive experience in educational leadership. 

In addition to learning about the theory and practice of leadership, you will also experience two situated learning opportunities (leadership visits) over the duration of the programme.  

You will have the opportunity to deepen your understanding and apply the knowledge and skills acquired through situated learning experiences that provide opportunities to observe leadership in action. 

The programme is a collaboration between, and is jointly awarded by, the Schools of Education at University of Galway (UG), University College Dublin (UCD) and University of Limerick (UL). 

The partnership between these Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) means that teaching and support can be delivered in-person through different distributed centres nationally. However, all applications are first made directly to University of Limerick.   

*Sraith Ghaeilge an Chúrsa 

Beidh sraith ar leith sa chlár do cheannairí uaillmhianacha i scoileanna lán-Ghaeilge an Dioplóma Gairmiúil i gCeannaireacht Scoile (DGCS). I ndearadh agus i dteagasc na sraithe seo, beidh sé tábhachtach go mbeidh tuiscint dhomhain ag mic léinn ar na heochairchoincheapa agus saincheisteanna i litríocht na ceannaireachta agus go mbeidh ar a gcumas iad a chur i bhfeidhm i gcomhthéacs an oideachais trí Ghaeilge. Ceann de príomhaidhmeanna na sraithe Gaeilge ná éascú agus saibhriú a dhéanamh ar phlé na ceannaireachta ionas go ndéanfaidh rannpháirtithe an plé agus cumarsáid trí Ghaeilge sna ranganna teagaisc le feidhm a bhaint as a gcuid taithí sa chómhthéacs lán-Ghaeilge. 

During this programme, you will   

• Strengthen your leadership skills and confidence, preparing for senior roles in education while deepening your understanding of school leadership frameworks and practices.
• Learn from experienced educational leaders, gaining insights and mentorship from lecturers and tutors with extensive expertise in Irish education.
• Grow through a blend of academic and practical learning, including two situated leadership visits that allow you to observe leadership in action and reflect on your own leadership style.
• Enhance your personal and professional development, through engaging, thought-provoking content that challenges your thinking and equips you to lead with purpose, empathy and impact.