The National College
Postgraduate Research in Education: MLitt & PhD
On this page:
- Introduction: Research in Art and Design Education
- Why consider post-graduate research in Education?
- Nature of Research
- Participation
- Who should consider post-graduate research in Arts Education?
- The policy context for post-graduate research
- How do I apply?
- Want to know more?
- Contact
Introduction: Research in Art and Design Education
Postgraduate research in art and design education is a growth area in the Faculty of Education. Programmes leading to the award of MLitt and PhD are offered to candidates with a specialist interest and experience in education. The Faculty also offers the Higher Diploma* in Art and Design Education and the Higher Diploma* in Community Art Education for graduates in art and design who wish to pursue a career in education. These post-graduate Higher Diplomas are well-established and highly regarded professional qualifications.
[* these Diplomas are in the process of being reviewed for re-designation as Postgraduate Diplomas by NUI.]
Why consider post-graduate research in Education?
Post-graduate research is encouraged in the Faculty of Education for two main purposes:
- To facilitate the personal and professional development of individual postgraduate students
- To facilitate the development of a coherent body of research in order to inform educational policy at national and local school level.
Nature of Research
Research is undertaken on an individual basis by the student under the guidance of a supervisor. The research, whether at Masters or at Doctoral level, is usually presented in the form of a written thesis supported, if necessary, by visual documentation. Other forms of research media will also be considered where appropriate. Typically, the final submission for a postgraduate programme will normally entail a thesis of 40,000 words for MLitt; or 80,000-100,000 words for PhD. The MLitt by research is normally completed in two years full-time while the PhD requires a minimum of three years full-time study. Part-time modes of study are also available.
Participation
The Faculty is very committed to creating a community of practitioners who support each other and provide critical feedback. In order to enable this community to evolve the Faculty organises key events during the academic year at which postgraduate students present their work to each other and the wider College community. You may wish to view the current Postgraduate Student Handbook (PDF 172k) to get a better sense of how the years of study are structured.
Who should consider post-graduate research in Arts Education?
Applications are considered from graduates in many disciplines. While most applicants will tend to come from an art and design background, the Faculty also welcomes enquiries from well-qualified graduates in other disciplines, such as dance, drama, literature and music. Typically, post-graduate students in Education will be Honours graduates (1st or 2nd class) or highly experienced teachers or professional practitioners.
The policy context for post-graduate research
The Faculty of Education is committed to the promotion of a substantial body of research at post-graduate level which can inform policy development in the context of the changes occurring at national and local level. The world of education is undergoing major transformation and renewal in Ireland and internationally. In the context of this changing scenario, education is an exciting and challenging domain for study. The education research community is in an unprecedented position to influence the nature of major national initiatives such as:
- The revised primary curriculum in Irish schools which includes significant developments in the arts.
- New programmes at second-level including the Junior Certificate School Programme, Transition Year, Leaving Certificate Applied and Leaving Certificate Vocational programme.
- Further Education & the growth of courses at Post Leaving Certificate level (PLCs) and at other levels outside the formal school system.
- Higher Education & the quality of provision, access and achievement in Higher Education, including art and design education.
- Adult and Continuing Education & lifelong-learning is emerging as perhaps the most important area for educational development in the future.
- Non-formal Education & innovative programmes in educational settings outside the traditional school & for example Youthreach programmes, Community Development programmes and prison education.
- Community Arts & the growth of community arts programmes has been dramatic in recent years.
In all of the above areas — and in many other areas of education — the unique perspective of the arts, and of the visual arts in particular, needs to be asserted.
How do I apply?
Applicants are expected to hold an honours degree (2:2 and above) in a relevant discipline. Applicants are required to submit a clear research proposal which indicates the general context of the research, the rationale, the specific focus of research and the proposed method of enquiry. Applicants should submit two examples of previous written work, and a completed application form. Applicants will need to provide two references also. The feasibility, appropriateness and potential of the intended study are considered at application stage. Selected applicants, based on an evaluation of their application and proposal, will be invited to attend for interview at the College. In those circumstances where an application for study is not successful the College will not enter into further discussion with reference to the unsuccessful application, once notice has been given to the applicant.
Want to know more?
Come to our Postgraduate Open Evening
View our Guidelines for Applicants
Print out an Application Form
Download: View this year’s Education Postgraduate Student Handbook (PDF 172k)
Contact:
Enquiries to:
- The Secretary, Faculty of Education
- 00 353 (0)1 636 43 01
- faganh@ncad.ie
If you want to know more about research at NCAD please e-mail the College at:
If you have specific questions about postgraduate applications please contact the Admissions Office at:
- Phone: 353 (0)1 6364200
- Fax: 353 (0)1 6364207
- E-mail: fios@ncad.ie
Office Hours 9:30-12:45 and 14:00-17:00.
The Admissions Office is closed to the public on Friday afternoons.
All applications should be made to:
The Registrar,
NCAD,
100 Thomas Street,
Dublin 8
