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1. Study
2. Micro-credentials
3. Study Micro-credentials
4. Micro-credential modules
5. ED6301: Philosophy and History of Education

Course Fact File

Code	ED6301
Duration	12 weeks
Teaching Mode	Part-Time. See Additional Teaching Mode Information for more info.
Fees	€805 See Fees and Costs for full details.
Closing Date	28 August 2026
Venue	In person and on campus delivery
Credits	5
Start Date	1 September 2026

Outline

Module Goal: To promote reasoned reflection on issues in the philosophy of education and the detail of developments in the Irish education system since 1800.

Module Content:

Part A:

• Philosophy of Education: the module explores themes relating to the purpose of education and child-centredness through the exploration of educational ideas.
  • Theme 1 The Contribution of the Greek Philosophers
  • Theme 2 Enlightenment and the move to Progressivism
  • Theme 3 Progressivism and its decline.

Part B:

• History of Education: this section examines the structure of the Irish education system (primary and post-primary education) and critically assesses its development since the 19th century.
  • Theme 1 Controversies which have arisen in the historical context of Irish education
  • Theme 2 Complex historical issues relating to the development of Irish education
  • Theme 3 Socioeconomic and political factors bringing about change in Irish education.

Additional Teaching Mode Information

Teaching Methods

Practicalities

Continuous Assessment:

• Written Examination
  • Paper 1: 1.5hr paper (100 Marks)

Lectures take place weekly at 17.00 in GG_LT, lectures will conclude on Tuesday, November 24th.  The lecture will not take place on Tuesday, October 27th. 

Why Choose

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. Construct and sustain critical and coherently reasoned arguments about forces that have shaped Irish education including the period since 1800
2. Recognise and explain different understandings of the purpose and meaning of education
3. Demonstrate critical knowledge of different themes and an ability to problem-solve in different contexts
4. Reflectively describe and explain their own stance on teaching and learning in the light of current readings in the philosophy and history of education
5. Demonstrate conceptual frames that support positive engagement in the classroom and show original capacity drawing conclusions from limited evidence
6. Reveal a critical understanding of the social and ethical responsibilities of the teaching profession
7. Show an ability to become self-transformative and largely self-directed in their pursuit of new knowledge, attitudes and skills
8. Demonstrate an ability to communicate philosophical and historical ideas clearly and with innovation.

 

Requirements

• Students must be in the process of registering with or seeking to meet the registration requirements of the Teaching Council of Ireland.
• Applicants must have a 2H2 degree (or equivalent) in a subject recognised by the Teaching Council of Ireland for post-primary level teaching.

Fees and Costs

€805 (payable on application) 

How To Apply