MA Education

Critical Perspectives On Education

In this module you will critically explore diverse perspectives on the function, value and purpose of education and apply this new understanding to a critique of both your own practice and the wider educational context. Central to this discussion will be a consideration of what do twenty-first century learners need.

Effective Pedagogy

The module aims to present a useful and thoughtful overview of the ways in which thinking about pedagogy has changed in research and practice. This module will explore the impact of different pedagogies on early years, primary and secondary schools as well as on further education colleges, universities and the workplace. Topics include metacognition, self-regulated learning and learning sciences.

Emotional Aspects of Learning

In this module you will examine the links between emotions, learning and behaviour. You will explore how these links lead to success in school and in life and you will investigate how your classrooms and/or workplace can become even more effective places of positive learning. Topics include aspects of mental health and the impact of social media.

Leading Learning

You will examine the nature of leadership in the contemporary educational context and will debate the usefulness of theoretical models to successful delivery of a contextualised leadership role.

Critiquing the Effect of Workplace Learning

This module enables you to demonstrate and provide evidence of appropriate academic rigour that complements your informal learning experiences within the workplace. These learning experiences can be retrospective or current. Additionally, this module is designed to support and guide you to show originality in demonstrating how you deal with (and learn from) workplace situations.

Outdoor Learning

Semester 1 2023-2024 30 Credit Module

This module offers individuals, individual schools or groups of schools the opportunity to explore the research and evidence base surrounding outdoor learning in order to make best use of outdoor learning opportunities.

Topics include the identification of contemporary issues in outdoor learning and teaching, as well as the application of research to practices in schools and NGOs.

Throughout the module, you are able to pursue your own professional and personal interests as you explore research that underpins present practices and alternatives ways forward.

Teaching and learning

This year, for the first time, group sessions will take place on three Saturdays at contrasting locations, with much of the time outdoors. As well as some practical activities outdoors, there will be additional tutorial and seminar discussions sessions that focus on the analysis of case studies and informal presentations by participants.

Over the course of the module, each student will develop and publish entries on their personal blog on outdoor learning, which they might wish to keep private or to make public, and will engage with posts of other students.

Assessment

Students are assessed for this module on the blog entries rather than by a traditional essay.

Independent Study: Mental Health Awareness in Schools

This module is designed to support those who are working on programmes or professional learning activities geared to promoting awareness of mental health in schools. Topics include a review of relevant policy documents and guidance; indicators of mental ill-health disorders; consideration of how staff are supported with their mental wellbeing and evidence-based interventions.

Postgraduate Certificate: Professional Studies in Education, Growth Mindset

This module offers individuals, individual schools or groups of schools the opportunity to explore the research and evidence base surrounding mindsets in order to foster a growth mindset culture within the classroom, work environment or school.

Harnessing a growth mindset has been argued as a way forward for both teachers and students as they navigate the challenges within education.

Within this module topics covered will include: an interrogation of relevant theoretical and empirical research pertinent to growth mindsets; an understanding of indicators of growth and fixed mindsets and an evaluation of interventions designed to foster a growth mindset.

Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Practice: Workplace Learning Development

This postgraduate certificate has been designed for students who wish to accredit development activities within the workplace.

This certificate may be undertaken by individuals or groups of education professionals working within their own environment or as part of a linked partnership.

It is designed to support schools or individuals within schools who wish to accredit their professional development activities or Local Authorities working on specific developments and projects.