Masters in Religious Education (Primary)
Information Evening
We are holding an Postgraduate Information Evening for those interested in our Masters in Religious Education Primary (Joint programme with SPD).
The event will take place in MDI on Thursday 24th May from 5.30pm to 7.00pm.
The Programme
- Commencing September 2012
The Masters in Religious Education (MREd) is jointly hosted by the Mater Dei Institute of Education and St Patrick’s College, Drumcondra, both colleges of Dublin City University, the awarding body. Graduations alternate annually between the two Colleges. The Programme may also be exited at Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma level. It should be noted that the programme does not lead to a teaching qualification in Religious Education.
Focus
The Programme focuses on Religious Education and Catechetics in respect of the child of primary school age. This is reflected in the rich range of modules on offer that covers such areas as education, religious education, theology, sacraments, scripture, ecclesiology and world religions.
Programme Video
Breda Holmes speaks about her experience of the Masters in Religious Education Primary programme
MREd Students
In the main, MREd students are primary teachers wishing to enrich themselves intellectually and spiritually while, at the same time, seeking to improve the way that they teach religious education to the children in their charge. Others interested in primary school religious education and catechetics have also enrolled in this programme.
Career Prospects
Many who have received this qualification have continued teaching but a significant number now occupy positions as primary school religious education diocesan advisors, college lecturers and DES inspectors. Others have secured positions as principals and post-holders in schools on the strength of their MREd degree. The current holder of the Episcopal-funded position of National Director for Catechetics is also a graduate of the programme. In addition, graduates of the programme have contributed to publications in the area of primary religious education, given lectures to various parish groups and they have organised and delivered religious education courses for teachers.
Modes
The MREd may be taken on a one-year full-time or a two-year part-time basis. Students are required to take six modules (10 credits each). In addition, all students must take a research module culminating in the presentation of a thesis (30 credits). See below under ‘Thesis.’ Attendance on two Saturdays in the first Semester is also required to aid writing and practical research skills.
Structure
Normally, students will take two modules for credit in the first, second and third semesters respectively. The Research Module and the writing of a thesis occur in the final semester.
Modules
Students choose two core modules and four electives (see list of modules below).
Assessment
Modules are normally assessed by assignments of 3,500 – 5,000 words.
Entry Requirements
General Admissions Requirements
- Applicants will normally hold a good honours bachelor degree.
- Applicants must also hold a relevant professional qualification (e.g. B.Ed, Grad Dip in Ed., BD).
- An appropriate combination of non-degree qualifications and relevant professional experience may be accepted by the Programme Board as equivalent.
- The application process for admission may include an interview. References must also be provided, if requested.
Access: Participants in the MREd programme are expected to have some background in both education and theology, usually to degree level. Where one or other of these areas is deficient, prospective students are required to study one short prescribed text and submit a minor paper in the relevant area in advance of entry.
Exemptions
A one module exemption may be granted at the discretion of the MREd Programme Board in respect of an entrant already possessing a suitable post-graduate qualification such as a Masters or a Licentiate.
Fees
The fees for 2010/11 are €2,800 part-time and €5,600 full-time spread over two payments at the beginning of each semester. Non-EU students pay twice the above. At the time of writing, current economic climate permitting, both the full-time and the part-time programmes are recognized for income-tax relief. The full-time programme qualifies for the Higher Education Grants Scheme under the usual conditions of eligibility.
Resources
MREd s
tudents enrol in alternate years in just one of the Colleges but are entitled to library and IT facilities in both.
Theses
In order to provide enquirers with an overview of the research interests of MREd participants, a full listing of theses may be located on the website below.
Application
Applications are made through the Admissions Office, St Patrick’s College, Drumcondra, Dublin 9.
General enquiries to Margaret Brierty (01 884 2096);
Academic enquiries to Caroline.Renehan@spd.dcu.ie (01 884 2084) and/or Kevin.Williams@materdei.dcu.ie (01 808 6523).
Application forms may be downloaded here or at www.spd.dcu.ie/main/academic/religious_studies/MREd.shtml.
Closing Date
Applications should be made by 8th June 2012 along with a €30 non-refundable fee. Acceptance of late applications will be at the discretion of the Programme Board.
Summary of MREd (Primary) Modules and Credits Structure
Further information on these modules is available
Credits
The MREd (Primary) is a 90 credit programme made up of 60 credits derived from six modules (10 credits each) and a final semester Research Module that culminates in the presentation of a thesis (30 credits).
Modules
MREd students complete six modules (10 credits each). Normally two of these are core modules. The remainder are selected from the ‘Electives’ pool.
Core Modules:
- Contemporary Methodologies in Primary Religious Education
- Spirituality, Prayer and the Educator
Elevtive Modules:
Electives may include:
- Christology in Dialogue with Culture Today
- Contemporary Issues in Ecclesiology
- Contemporary Issues in Ecumenism and Inter-Religious Dialogue
- Creative Writing for Children
- Faith and Culture in Ireland
- Resourcing Religious Education in a Digital Age
- Virtual Learning Environments and Religious Education
- Psychology of Religious and Moral Change
- The Church in the City: Early Christian Communities
- The Cultures of the School and Religious Dimension of Education
- Denial of Death and the Eclipse of Hope
- Principles of Faith Development (Post-Primary Module)
NB: Electives vary from year to year and students will be notified of the choices available well in advance of registration.
Thesis:
The final semester Research Module terminates with the writing of a minor thesis of 15,000 words.
Module Descriptors
For a full list of module descriptors and learning outcomes please visit http://courses.materdei.ie and click 'MDI/St. Patrick's College Drumcondra (Joint Programme)'.
