About the Education Faculty

Founded in 1898, Mary Immaculate College was entrusted with the provision of professional training for Catholic primary school teachers. Thousands of teachers received their initial education in a two-year programme. These graduates have staffed the country’s National Schools with distinction since the first of them left Mary Immaculate College. Indeed, others have contributed to education systems beyond the shores of Ireland. Common to them all has been the thorough education, both personal and professional, given by Mary Immaculate College.

In 1974 the two-year programme was replaced by the B.Ed. degree. This degree was awarded by University College, Cork. The B.Ed. is a comprehensive, three-year programme with a professional component (Education) which is taken along with one academic subject. Following a decision by the Government, MIC has been linked with the University of Limerick since 1992.

The Faculty of Education is the largest in MIC. Staff members cover a wide range of expertise and professional interests. Many are qualified primary teachers and bring to their students a wealth of professional knowledge and experience. An internationally recognised standard of excellence has been achieved in the areas of professional development, curriculum design and educational research.

The Faculty of Education has close links with many of the primary schools in Limerick city and the wider mid-west region. These connections facilitate an on-going professional relationship between the Department and the schools. The Faculty is greatly facilitated by the schools and teachers who make their classes available to student teachers for teaching practices, a crucial aspect of Mary Immaculate College’s B.Ed. programme.