Objectives
This course enables you to develop a theoretical framework within which you can analyse educational issues and, where appropriate, develop your own professional practice. It offers you the chance to plan an individual course of study, either by selecting particular modules within the MA, or, for part-time students, by taking modules that may lead to an award with a descriptor. Descriptors include an MA, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate in Bilingualism and Education, Early Childhood, Early Childhood Management and Leadership in Education, Language and Literacy in Education, Management in Education and Urban Education. The course is designed for people working in education in all sectors and others with an interest in education.
Course description
Course structure
To achieve an MA, you must pass six taught modules and a triple-module dissertation.
Modules include:
-Applying Learning Techniques
-Bilingual Education: the Classroom Context
-Children's Literature
-Early Literacy: Becoming a Writer
-Educating the Whole Child
-Feminisms and Education
-Foundations of Learning
-Managing Adult Learning
-National and Local Educational Policy
-Parents and Schools
-Sociological Frameworks of Education
-Youth, Identity and Schooling
Dissertation
MA dissertations are 15,000-20,000 words, equivalent to three modules. Topics are chosen in consultation with the subject leader and supervised by an appropriate member of staff.
Attendance
Each module involves evening attendance for one semester. Full-time students would attend for three evenings in the first semester, and part-time students for one or two evenings. The minimum period required to achieve an MA is two years of part-time or one year of full-time study. However, if you take this course on a part-time basis, you may extend your period of study by taking only one module each semester or by intermitting from the course for one or more semesters. Entry to the course is in September or February for part-time (eve) students, and in September for full-time.
Assessment
All taught modules are assessed by coursework (one essay of 6,000 words or two essays of 3,000 words).
Career opportunities
The course will be of benefit to anyone with an interest in education whether as a parent, teacher, researcher, community worker or education administrator.
Attendance & duration
Full-time: one year, three evenings a week
Part-time (eve): two or more years, one or two evenings a week