This course is designed for those wishing to pursue or develop their career in the education sector, specifically in relation to teaching, leadership and educational management.

Aimed at teachers working in primary, secondary, further and higher education institutions, as well as graduates interested in pursuing teaching careers or other roles in the education sector, this programme helps to further develop any initial teacher training and is ideal for those looking to work and conduct research in the field of education studies.

By choosing this course, you can benefit from tutoring delivered by our practice and research-based academic team, which is recognised for excellence in teaching and curriculum design. You will benefit from working with colleagues who have developed professional partnerships with International Council on Education for Teaching and educational charities. Through access to our industry connections, you can also enhance your employability with placement and volunteering opportunities in local educational settings.

The course allows you to reflect upon the latest trends and developments in the field and consider how these apply to your own place of work, so we strongly recommend that all students undertake some paid or voluntary work experience in an education setting during their time on this course.

Key features

• Designed for those wishing to pursue or develop their career in the education sector, specifically in relation to teaching, leadership and educational management
• Explore education from a practical perspective exploring the links between theory and practice, research and policies and schools and communities
• Our practice and research-based academic team is recognised for excellence in teaching, curriculum design and innovation
• Tailor your learning through a range of optional modules including Leading and Managing Educational Change, Current and Emergent Issues in Education Policy and Technology Enhanced Practice
• Benefit from our industry connections, allowing you to enhance your employability with placement and volunteering opportunities in local educational settings

Structure and assessment

Course modules

• Researching Education (30 credits) – Introduces research methodologies and their implications to in forma research proposal for the dissertation element
• Major project/dissertation (60 credits) – In consultation with the course leader, you will be encouraged to undertake research in an area that speaks to your own interests/experience. Assessment may include a continuing professional development event with your employer.

You will select from the following 30 credit optional modules:

• Assessment and the Curriculum – Examines the ways in which a content-led curriculum focuses classroom encounters upon assessment rather than learning. It also considers the ways in which you are tested and the effectiveness of this regime on you, the teacher and the school. Alternative approaches to the curriculum and assessment will be identified to enhance your learning
• Current and Emergent Issues in Education Policy – Reflects upon the latest developments in education and examines the policy trends underpinning these. You will explore policy issues in the context of your own educational setting and develop an informed critique of how policy links with practice
• Technology Enhanced Practice – Considers the pitfalls and potentials of new technologies (e-safety, interactive whiteboards, virtual learning environments, Twitter, social networking, etc) for schooling, learning and teaching. You will also explore how such technology can be used effectively and what future education spaces/ possibilities are opened up
• Negotiated Study – Provides students with the opportunity to pursue topics that are of direct and immediate relevance to their professional context. You will conduct an independent and individually negotiated study in an area of personal interest to you and your role in education.
• Leading and Managing Educational Change – Enables students to critically engage with research on educational leadership and the management of change, with a view to applying their theoretical understanding to their practice. You will also critically reflect on your own position and opportunities as a leader within your educational workplace

Facilities and features