Education Studies - Inquiry-Based Learning

Master in Education Studies

Inquiry-Based Learning

This is an innovative and unique Masters course that taps into the widespread and growing interest in inquiry-based learning at all levels of education, from early childhood to higher education.



What is the Master in Education Studies (Inquiry-Based Learning)?

Despite the growing interest in this area, few opportunities exist in Ireland for students to study for a Masters degree where most of the credits are awarded for study and research in inquiry-based learning. This course aims to rectify this. The course is framed to provide clear interaction between theory and practice. A key feature of the course is to build a community of inquiry among participants, with a focus on collaborative tasks.



Who is the course for?

This course is open to teachers and anyone working as an educator in any profession or subject area, at any level.



What will I study?

In year 1, students will study four discrete modules consisting of a common core module, and three specialist Inquiry-Based Learning modules. In year 2, students focus on an area of interest, related to Inquiry-Based Learning within Education Studies, in greater depth, develop research skills and prepare a dissertation on a topic relevant to inquiry-based learning.

Year 1

Module 1 – Introduction to Education Studies

› Pedagogy, learning styles and pedagogical tact

› Character, compassion, care empathy and flourishing

› Well-being and critical thinking in education

› Postgraduate reading and writing



Module 2 – Learning through Inquiry

› Inquiry and the learner

› Inquiry-based teaching

› Nurturing a culture of inquiry

› Assessment in inquiry-based learning



Module 3 – Promoting Inquiry-Based Learning through Creative Technologies

› Theory and pedagogy of developing inquiry-based learning through the application of technology in education

› Accessing education resources online appropriate for creating and resourcing IBL environment

› Experimentation with digital tools and toys to enrich children’s collaboration and inquiry

› Assessment of inquiry-based learning supported by digital technologies



Module 4 – Inquiry- Based Learning and the Environment

› Inquiry in the natural environment

› Inquiry in the build environment

› Environmental inquiry in public spaces and for public debate

› Pedagogical opportunities for and assessment of environmental inquiry learning



Year 2

Dissertation Module

› Research methodologies and research ethics

› The research design process

› Research proposal

› Dissertation

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 cases students who meet the honours degree requirement but do not have the necessary experience or who meet the professional experience but have only a level 7 degree may be considered for the course. Candidates may be shortlisted and invited to attend an interview and complete a written assignment as appropriate.



› English Language Requirement: please check www.mie.ie/englishlanguage

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. It consists of a variety of assessment methods in year 1 followed by a research proposal and dissertation in year 2.

ECTS Credits: 90

2 years part-time.

Intake: September 2025.