Qualification : POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA
Award Type and NFQ level : POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA (9)
CAO/MU Apply code : MH40G
CAO Points :
Closing Date : 30 June 2025
Maynooth University Department of Education offers an exciting, innovative and flexible Future Leaders Gateway Programme. It is designed for teachers at all levels who are seeking or who are already in leadership roles, as well as for those who are seeking to develop leadership skills in their educational settings. The programme is designed specifically to build your knowledge, competences and expertise as you undertake your education leadership journey. The Future Leaders Gateway Programme offers a combination of practical skills and theoretical foundations to support preparation for leadership and management positions at all levels. It is designed and delivered by experienced leaders, educators and academics from a variety of professional education roles and has input from national and international academic/practitioner experts in the areas of educational leadership and management.
What makes it unique?
You have three study options to choose from that best suit your situation, experience and aspirations. These are designed to offer you maximum flexibility in the programme and to engage with your professional development at your own pace. There is an immediate option to undertake a Postgraduate Diploma or Masterss programme, with an opportunity for returning to study for a Masters at a later point if you exit with a Postgraduate Diploma (within a four-year period, subject to the availability of places).
What will you gain from the programme?
- A deep understanding of leadership and management in the field of education and insight into your preferred leadership style.
- Development of your communication, persuasive and influencing skills to help you inspire people.
- Self-awareness of both your strengths and areas for development.
- Knowledge of how to introduce, mediate and successfully manage wellbeing, anti-bullying and other policies in school.
- A comprehensive understanding of the legal and policy context relating to management and leadership in educational settings.
- Creative strategies to help you to deliver innovative solutions for your workplace.
- Coaching and mentoring skills to optimise your teams potential.
- A repertoire of pedagogical and assessment approaches that have been designed to build your competences.
Consult our FAQ's here.
There are four entry requirements for the programme:
(1) A minimum of 3 years full time, qualified teaching experience (prior to commencement of programme in September 2025)
(2) A recognised level 8 degree
(3) A teaching qualification or equivalent
(4) Registration with the Teaching Council (Ireland)
Minimum English language requirements:
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.
Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850
Academic
Academic
Academic
This programme is a one-year, part-time programme delivered through a blended learning model that involves significant face-to-face engagement, with a strong emphasis on peer learning. The programme is delivered via lectures, seminars and tutorials that help you develop and deepen your knowledge and understanding of this field.
How do I find out more?
We will be hosting a series of online open nights in early 2025, dates will made available to you closer to the time. To register please fill in this short form
Note: Registration for an Information Session/Open Night is not considered as an application for the course.
There are six taught modules:
(1) Leading and Managing Educational Innovation;
(2) Leadership for Enhancing Cultures of Communication;
(3) Participative Research as Leadership Practice;
(4) The Person and The Professional: Who am I as Leader?;
(5) Legal Contexts, Policy and Practice;
(6) Coaching and Mentoring in and as Leadership Practice.
The programme is delivered via lectures, seminars and tutorials that help you develop and deepen your knowledge and understanding of this field.
Online application only. To make an application please click here.
To apply for your chosen postgraduate study at Maynooth University, please ensure you have the following documents to make an application:
- Evidence of your primary degree
- Evidence of your teaching qualification
- A copy of your passport
- A personal statement
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.