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M.ED. SCHOOL GUIDANCE COUNSELLING
- Qualification
- Master Of Education Degree
- CAO/MU Apply code
- MH53G
- Award Type and NFQ level
- TAUGHT MASTERS (9)
- Study Mode
- Part time
- Closing Date
- 27 August 2027
Overview
The M.Ed. in School Guidance Counselling is designed to advance the professional development of experienced school guidance counsellors who wish to deepen their professional identity, enhance their research skills, and engage in reflective, practice-informed inquiry.
Building on the Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Guidance Counselling (PGDEGC), the programme offers a structured and supportive research pathway that enables participants to explore questions emerging from their own school contexts and professional experiences. Students engage in regular research-support seminars, collegial peer learning, and ongoing academic consultation, while working closely with experienced supervisors towards the completion of a thesis.
The programme places a strong emphasis on ethical, reflective, and context-sensitive research, supporting counsellors to contribute meaningfully to the field of school guidance and counselling while continuing their professional practice. The M.Ed. also provides a strong foundation for those considering leadership roles, further research, or doctoral study, and is designed to fit alongside the professional demands of working in school settings.
Please see here for FAQs.
Start Date: September 2026 (Exact start date to be confirmed)
Duration: 1 year, part-time
Course structure
Duration: 1 year part-time
(PGDEGC) and offers a clearly structured, research-focused learning pathway. Students participate in a series of dedicated research-support seminars and taught research components designed to develop research literacy, methodological understanding, and academic writing skills.
Throughout the programme, students engage in ongoing individual sessions with supervisors, enabling them to refine their research questions, strengthen ethical and methodological decision-making, and progress steadily towards the completion of a thesis grounded in their professional context.
Course Duration: 1 year, part-time
More details on the course structure can be found here.
Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually.
Important: The information on this page is for prospective students, MU current students and staff should use Programme Directory.
Careers after your Masters
The M.Ed. in School Guidance Counselling (SGC) builds on the Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Guidance Counselling (PGDEGC) and is designed to advance both the professional practice and research capacity of school-based guidance counsellors. The programme is recognised by the Department of Education (DE) as a professionally grounded and internationally respected qualification in the field of guidance counselling.
The M.Ed. SGC also provides a strong foundation for doctoral study, supporting graduates who wish to progress to PhD-level research in education, counselling, or related fields.
Graduates of the programme may pursue a range of career pathways, including:
- Conducting practice-based and academic research, contributing to the development and evaluation of guidance counselling services in educational contexts.
- Progression to doctoral (PhD) study in education, guidance counselling, counselling psychology, or related disciplines.
- Teaching, research, and supervision roles in higher education and professional training settings.
- Advisory and consultancy roles in educational policy development, programme design, and service evaluation in the context of educational guidance counselling.
- Leadership and coordination roles within schools, including the development, implementation, and evaluation of guidance counselling initiatives.
Entry Requirements
Applicants who hold a minimum one-year Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Guidance Counselling (PGDEGC) or an equivalent programme with a minimum of Second-Class Honours, Grade 1 (2:1) or equivalent qualification.
Candidates are typically experienced, registered post-primary teachers with a background in guidance counselling practice. Equivalent qualifications may include either Level 9 programmes in educational guidance counselling, school counselling, career counselling, or counselling psychology, or Level 8 programmes in these areas, provided they include both theoretical and supervised practice components.
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.
Thesis Proposal: Applicants must submit a proposal of no less than 2,500 words that:
- Identifies a research issue
- Situates the problem in relevant scholarly literature(s)
- Proposes a research plan
Important: Applicants are required to email the Programme Director, Dr. Ece Gokmenoglu, prior to submitting their application at: schoolguidancecounselling@mu.ie
How to apply
Applications must be made via the MU Apply portal. Please click here to start your application.
When making your application, please ensure you prepare any documents listed below. You may be required to submit documents in two stages. You will be required to upload and submit the following documents with your application:
- Full academic transcripts for all semesters/ years completed to date
- Graduation Certificate if you have graduated
- A copy of your passport
- Up to date CV
You will be required to upload the following documents after you submit your application:
- Personal Statement (minimum 500 words on why you would like to study your chosen programme)
- Academic reference on headed paper dated within the last year (from an academic who taught or supervised the applicant in a prior degree programme)
- Professional reference on headed paper dated within the last year from current or most recent school management
- Thesis proposal (no less than 2500 words)
If English is not your first language, you may be required to upload evidence of English language proficiency. For information please click here.
Important: Applicants are required to email the Programme Director, Dr. Ece Gokmenoglu, prior to submitting their application at: schoolguidancecounselling@mu.ie