MA Education

Gain an understanding of the importance of critical thinking as the basis of your study, based on the belief that critical thinking and analysis in the broader context of education is the model for educating critical professionals. Develop your skills in self-assessment, mental flexibility, creativity, interpretation, and argument.

Explore the principles and practice of conducting educational research, including research design, data collection, management and analysis, use of IT tools and resources, conducting literature surveys, writing for the academic research community, the politics and ethics of educational research, theoretical perspectives, and current debates relating to research. Generate and evaluate your own research tools and engage in depth with relevant critical literature.

Complete a substantial piece of research within your chosen field of study and related to your designated route. Gain an in-depth understanding of your specialist area by answering a research question, the proposal for which will have been examined in the Research Methods in Education module.

Explore the principles, concepts, theories and models relating to the development of coaching, guidance and mentoring skills. Evaluate the impact these might have on teaching and learning. Demonstrate the development of related skills, the personal qualities that underpin effective learning relationships and the ability to integrate these skills into your professional practice. Develop supportive relationships, both personal and professional, as well as awareness of the potential of all learners.

Critically explore leadership models and how these are influenced by the micropolitics of organisations. Evaluate and self-analyse personal and professional development of the strategic leaders in this context. Consider leader identity by exploring values, motives and goals for developing and enhancing strategic leadership. Develop interpersonal awareness through critical reflection and evaluate leadership style in terms of impact on others and the organisational context.

Examine the key drivers that influence curriculum development in Britain and across the globe. Gain a theoretical and practical understanding of the curriculum and its design and development over time. Critically examine how decisions made about the curriculum have become crucial to how inclusive the provision is and how progress and attainment are achieved through the teaching and learning strategies chosen in light of change. Explore ways in which we can utilise research data to influence practice and select the most appropriate pedagogies for a specific subject area.

Examine the concept of gender and diversity in relation to inclusive and representative education for all pupils, including transgender and cisgender children. Learn about gender and diversity in a way that develops your reflective and analytical ability to be adaptive and flexible in response to a dynamic and fast-evolving field. Develop contemporary knowledge as well as the skills to foster an inclusive, representative, and supportive pedagogical approach and learning environment for all students.

Examine a selection of ideological standpoints in relation to the inclusive education of a range of learners. Investigate the background to current inclusion debates, contextualised within the current legislative framework. Discuss a range of issues pertaining to inclusive education and in particular, how the concept of 'inclusion' is conceptualised.

Explore the impact of supporting and working with children, young people, families, and stakeholders in the area of social, emotional, and mental health. Examine models of mental health and wellbeing in relation to diagnosis and treatment directions, and the impact on life outcomes. Undertake a critical examination of the rights and needs of children with SEMH difficulties, including childhood adversity and the impact of school policies and procedures in supporting participation and learning and preventing school exclusion.

Critically explore the cause of the barriers to learning that SEND can engender, including the impact of Government policy, adverse childhood experiences and day-to-day practice within a range of health, education and care contexts. Examine the impact of evidence-based staff knowledge, understanding and skills, and the importance of co-production with caregivers, learners with SEND, and professional organisations to improve participation and outcomes across the life course.

Explore the intersections of sex, gender, and sexuality within education and society, with attention to how political, social, and legal frameworks shape identity. Engage with key issues such as LGBTQ+ rights, consent, sex work, and gender-based violence in contemporary contexts. Examine the legal and ethical dimensions that influence how these topics are experienced and addressed. Apply feminist, queer, post-structuralist, and intersectional theories to develop critical skills for diverse educational and professional settings.

Gain an understanding of the importance of critical thinking as the basis of your study, based on the belief that critical thinking and analysis in the broader context of education is the model for educating critical professionals. Develop your skills in self-assessment, mental flexibility, creativity, interpretation, and argument.

Explore the principles and practice of conducting educational research, including research design, data collection, management and analysis, use of IT tools and resources, conducting literature surveys, writing for the academic research community, the politics and ethics of educational research, theoretical perspectives, and current debates relating to research. Generate and evaluate your own research tools and engage in depth with relevant critical literature.

Evaluate ways in which the curriculum you currently work with relates to theoretical models of an Early Years curriculum and identify strengths and limitations. Critically consider how key themes of the curriculum you work with affect the quality of the educational experiences and holistic development of children. Explore the impact of culture and society on the curriculum and evaluate the way in which competing demands of different social worlds can influence content and processes. Examine how children of all abilities from different backgrounds can access the curriculum on an equal basis.

Undertake a piece of independent academic study related to your professional development in leading change and engage in intellectual challenge and dialogue. Develop both general and specific knowledge and skills, identifying the key skills that will enhance your ability to transfer learning to further study and to the workplace.

Complete a substantial piece of research within your chosen field of study and related to your designated route. Gain an in-depth understanding of your specialist area by answering a research question, the proposal for which will have been examined in the Research Methods in Education module.