Education MA/PGDip/PGCert

Teaching

All modules emphasise self-directed autonomous learning with students applying learning outcomes and content to their own particular specialism, discipline and, where relevant, practice.

Modules use a variety of modes of teaching and learning from lead lectures and seminars, to blended learning and that supported by the University's interactive e-learning platform, Blackboard.

Flexible and distributed learning modules (within identified pathways) will provide opportunity for students to engage in learning by means most suited to their context. Although all teaching and learning activities for these FDL modules will be available online, including on-line learning activities, discussion boards and skype tutorials, there will also be opportunities for students who enjoy a face-to-face learning environment to attend an induction, workshops, seminars, tutorials and conferences.

Some modules focus on the teaching of specific practical skills e.g. mentoring and coaching, whilst all the modules foster the critical dialogue between theories and practice by the means of critical reflection upon experience, discussion, scenario- and enquiry-based learning.

Contact time

Modules for the MA in Education are delivered in a number of ways; consequently, the precise contact time depends on the options selected and the mode of delivery. Modules are offered during the weekends on Saturdays, on weekday evenings and via online learning.

Independent self-study

In addition to the contact time, you are expected to undertake around 180 hours of personal self-study per module. Typically, this will involve directed reading, using online resources, independent research and the preparation of assignments. Independent learning is supported by a range of excellent learning facilities, including the Hive and library resources, the virtual learning environment, and extensive electronic learning resources.

Teaching staff

You will be taught by a teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. The team includes*:

• Dr Sean Bracken
• Leela Cubillo
• Gareth Dart
• Ellie Hill
• Dr Wendy Messenger
• Jane Owens
• Joanne Smith
• Dr Carla Solvason
• Dr Marie Stephenson
• Dr Philip Woodward 

(*subject to change) In addition, a broad range of academic staff from the Institute of Education supervise the MA in Education Dissertation.

Teaching is informed by research and consultancy, and 100 per cent of course lecturers have, or are working towards, a higher education teaching qualification or are Fellows of the Higher Education Academy. You can learn more about the staff by visiting our staff profiles

Assessment

A range of assessment methods are used to provide students with the maximum opportunity to achieve success. These include: essays, critiques and analyses which encourage critical thinking; critical reviews; assessment by enquiry based learning and action research; individual and group seminar presentations; poster presentations; reflective accounts; case studies and presentations of cases; various modules utilise portfolio approaches to assessment.

In negotiated learning modules students can design an investigation and a mode of assessment most suited to their project.

Feedback

You will receive feedback on practice assessments and on formal assessments undertaken by coursework. Feedback is intended to support learning and you are encouraged to discuss it with module tutors as appropriate.

We aim to provide you with feedback on formal course work assessments within 20 working days of hand-in.

Programme specification

For comprehensive details on the aims and intended learning outcomes of the course, and the means by which these are achieved through learning, teaching and assessment, please download the latest programme specification document.