Education Studies - Christian School Leadership

The Master in Education Studies (Christian School Leadership) is an innovative and unique Masters course, delivered online, that draws on research, principles and practice in school leadership of Christian schools. The course is framed to provide clear interaction between formation and theory, reflection and practice. A key feature of the course is to build an online community among students as an integral aspect of forming professional leaders for Christian education. This course is endorsed by the CSL-Centre for School Leadership.



What is the Master in Education Studies (Christian School Leadership) Online?

The course provides grounding in skills necessary for leadership, management and governance and offers a theological and spiritual background to help appreciate, support and develop a faith-based ethos within a school in a pluralist context.



Who is the course for?

The course is designed for primary and post-primary teachers who wish to pursue their own academic and professional development. The course is open to applicants from Ireland and abroad.



What will I study?

In year 1, students will study six discrete modules in a range of aspects relating to leadership, management, and Christian theology and spirituality. In year 2, students focus on an area of interest related to faith-based educational leadership, develop research skills and write a dissertation.

Year 1

Module 1 – Leadership in Education

› Psychology of leadership

› Emotional and relational competence for leadership

› Group dynamics



Module 2 – leadership and Theology

› Introduction to theology

› Christian anthropology

› Ethics and social justice



Module 3 – Leadership and Spirituality

› Contextualising Christian spirituality for leadership

› The practice of spiritual leadership

› Contemporary expressions of spirituality



Module 4 – Education Legislation and Governance of Christian School

› Comparative examination of education legislation

› The impact of legislation in crafting essential legal policies

› Governance of schools



Module 5- Leadership and Management

› Key constructs and issues in educational and leadership and management

› Leading teaching and learning

› Models of engagement of school stakeholders



Module 6- Leadership of a Christian School

› Leading the sacramental and liturgical life of a school

› Leading a Christian school

› Christian schools and inclusive schools: responding to social movements



Year 2

Dissertation Module

› Research methods in education

› Research design and ethics in education research

› Constructing a research proposal

› Independent research

Minimum entry requirements

› An honours degree (level 8) with second class honours or higher and at least three years’ teaching experience or equivalent professional experience.



› In exceptional circumstances, students who meet the honours degree requirement but who do not have the necessary teaching experience, may be required to satisfy the course admission committee, through interview process and a written academic assignment, that they have the ability to complete and benefit from the course and are resident in a time zone that is compatible with full participation in the course.



› English Language Requirement: Please check with admissions@mie.ie

Applications for the September 2025 intake will open in late January/ early February 2025.

How is the course assessed?

Assessment is linked to the modular nature of the course and consists of a variety of assessments in year 1, followed by a research proposal and dissertation in year 2.

ECTS Credits: 90

2 years part-time.

Delivery online.

Intake: September 2025.