Education – (M.A.)

Contents

A flexible framework combines academic study with work-based action learning and action research, a process whereby your day-to-day professional activity informs your development through reflection and peer discussion. You can select from a range of taught and work-based modules to suit your own preferred learning style.

This is a flexible work-based learning programme developed in association with local education authorities as part of a government drive to improve skills in the teaching profession. We can typically work with your school to develop a course based around current school projects.

The course typically takes two ? three years of part-time study to complete - one year for the PGCert and a further one or two years to complete the full masters, you can progress at the rate that suits you. Each 20 credit module requires a total of around six hours per week of study which is made up of reading, work based learning, reflective practice, maintaining contact online in addition to attendance at tutor-led sessions. The programmes are arranged to fit in with participants' working patterns and usually include twilight and Saturday sessions.

We recognise that you are likely to have a busy workload and therefore we aim to make our programme delivery efficient, flexible and appropriate - only calling you to the university when there are clear benefits in doing so.

Every June we host an education research conference as part of our postgraduate professional development programmes. The conference is designed to be of interest to current and recent graduates, teaching colleagues, EdD, PhD and MA students, and local professional practitioners and partners. It provides an opportunity to learn about local practitioner research findings and to network with colleagues.

Areas of study
Our flexible structure allows you to study first for the postgraduate certificate (PGCert) and then to choose whether to continue with the postgraduate diploma (PGDip) or the full masters. If you earned masters credits as part of your initial teacher education or through another route you may be able to join the course at the end of year 1.

Syllabus
Stage 1 - PGCert (60 credits)
Core
Engaging with Professional Development (taught, 20 credits)
Choice of Specialist Module 1 examples include:
Curriculum Development (taught, 20 credits)
Practice-based Professional Enhancement (action learning, 20 credits)
Professional development for teachers of dyslexia (taught, 20 credits)
Choice of Specialist Module 2 examples include:
Understanding and facilitating learning groups (taught, 20 credits)
Professional development project 2 (action learning, 20 credits)
Professionalism and interdisciplinary discourses (taught, 20 credits)

Stage 2, option 1 - PGDip (60 further credits)
Core
Literature and Research in Education (taught, 20 credits)
Professional development project 2 (action research, 40 credits)

Stage 2, option 2 - MA (120 further credits)
Core
Research Contexts - introduction to Research Methodology (taught, 20 credits)
Literature and Research in Education (taught, 20 credits)

Choice of Specialist Module 2 examples include:
Understanding and facilitating learning groups (taught, 20 credits)
Professional development project 2 (action learning, 20 credits)
Professionalism and interdisciplinary discourses (taught, 20 credits)
Core

Research project (60 credits)

Options
Any module from stage 1 not yet completed
Leading Subject Learning (taught and action learning, 20 credits)
International Policy in Education and Development (taught, 20 credits)
Leadership and Management in education 1