MA Education

Summary 2011/12

• Join a programme for practitioners who lead and support learning in educational settings;
• Make a direct and positive contribution to teaching, learning and educational practice;
• Tailor the programme to suit your own needs by focusing two thirds of the award on a particular area of practice;
• Study part-time at a pace to suit you or on a one year full-time basis.

This innovative MA has the provision of exceptional education as its key aim. It is fully focused on the impact of outstanding practice on the outcomes and achievements of learners. This programme provides a structure for professional development and a means of evaluating and successfully improving current 'best' practice which informs and drives outstanding 'next' practice. Designed to instil an ethos of lifelong learning in those involved in leading and supporting education, the programme will equip you with skills, knowledge and understanding to evaluate existing practice, develop practice and immerse yourself in enquiry-based research.

Please note, the full-time programme will be delivered at Edge Hill University's Ormskirk Campus and has an October start date. The part-time programme will be delivered predominantly online with occasional workshops at outreach centres, including Elm Bank Corporate Training Centre in Coventry, Shrewsbury College of Arts and Technology, Wirral Professional Excellence Centre in Bromborough and Woodlands Centre in Chorley. Start dates for the part-time route are September, November, December, January, April, May and July.

2011 Entry Requirements

To join the full-time programme, you should be an experienced teacher, lecturer or educational practitioner and have an undergraduate degree or equivalent in any subject. For international students, a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 is also required.

All applicants for the full-time programme will be required to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate from the Criminal Records Bureau indicating that you meet the mandatory criteria of 'Clearance to Work with Children and/or Vulnerable Adults'. You should not seek to obtain this before applying to the course.

To join the part-time route, you should be a practising professional, working as a teacher, lecturer or practitioner within an educational setting, and have an undergraduate degree or equivalent.

Applicants who do not meet these requirements, may also be considered on an individual basis, in consultation with the Programme Leader.

Summary 2012/13

• Join a programme for practitioners who lead and support learning in educational settings;
• Make a direct and positive contribution to teaching, learning and educational practice;
• Tailor the programme to suit your own needs by focusing two thirds of the award on a particular area of practice;
• Study part-time at a pace to suit you or on a one year full-time basis.

This innovative MA has the provision of exceptional education as its key aim. It is fully focused on the impact of outstanding practice on the outcomes and achievements of learners. This programme provides a structure for professional development and a means of evaluating and successfully improving current 'best' practice which informs and drives outstanding 'next' practice. Designed to instil an ethos of lifelong learning in those involved in leading and supporting education, the programme will equip you with skills, knowledge and understanding to evaluate existing practice, develop practice and immerse yourself in enquiry-based research.

Please note, the full-time programme will be delivered at Edge Hill University's Ormskirk Campus and has an October start date. The part-time programme will be delivered predominantly online with occasional workshops at outreach centres, including Elm Bank Corporate Training Centre in Coventry, Shrewsbury College of Arts and Technology, Wirral Professional Excellence Centre in Bromborough and Woodlands Centre in Chorley. Start dates for the part-time route are September, November, December, January, April, May and July.

2012 Entry Requirements

To join the full-time programme, you should be an experienced teacher, lecturer or educational practitioner and have an undergraduate degree or equivalent in any subject. For international students, a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 is also required.

All applicants for the full-time programme will be required to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate from the Criminal Records Bureau indicating that you meet the mandatory criteria of 'Clearance to Work with Children and/or Vulnerable Adults'. You should not seek to obtain this before applying to the course.

To join the part-time route, you should be a practising professional, working as a teacher, lecturer or practitioner within an educational setting, and have an undergraduate degree or equivalent.

Applicants who do not meet these requirements, may also be considered on an individual basis, in consultation with the Programme Leader.

Summary 2013/14

• Join a programme for practitioners who lead and support learning in educational settings;
• Make a direct and positive contribution to teaching, learning and educational practice;
• Tailor the programme to suit your own needs by focusing two thirds of the award on a particular area of practice;
• Study part-time at a pace to suit you or on a one year full-time basis.

This innovative MA has the provision of exceptional education as its key aim. It is fully focused on the impact of outstanding practice on the outcomes and achievements of learners. This programme provides a structure for professional development and a means of evaluating and successfully improving current 'best' practice which informs and drives outstanding 'next' practice. Designed to instil an ethos of lifelong learning in those involved in leading and supporting education, the programme will equip you with skills, knowledge and understanding to evaluate existing practice, develop practice and immerse yourself in enquiry-based research.

Please note, the full-time programme will be delivered at Edge Hill University's Ormskirk Campus and has an October start date. The part-time programme will be delivered predominantly online with occasional workshops at outreach centres, including Elm Bank Corporate Training Centre in Coventry, Shrewsbury College of Arts and Technology, Wirral Professional Excellence Centre in Bromborough and Woodlands Centre in Chorley. Start dates for the part-time route are September, November, December, January, April, May and July.

2013 Entry Requirements

To join the full-time programme, you should be an experienced teacher, lecturer or educational practitioner and have an undergraduate degree or equivalent in any subject. For international students, a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 is also required.

All applicants for the full-time programme will be required to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate from the Criminal Records Bureau indicating that you meet the mandatory criteria of 'Clearance to Work with Children and/or Vulnerable Adults'. You should not seek to obtain this before applying to the course.

To join the part-time route, you should be a practising professional, working as a teacher, lecturer or practitioner within an educational setting, and have an undergraduate degree or equivalent.

Applicants who do not meet these requirements, may also be considered on an individual basis, in consultation with the Programme Leader.

Details

Who is this course for?

The MA Education is aimed at teachers, lecturers and educational practitioners who lead and support learning in a wide variety of educational settings. It is a fully practice-based MA which draws on professional experience and the review and study of existing academic evidence. It provides the structure for a systematic approach to the scrutiny of your own practice, the practice of others and relevant research findings.

It is expected that the majority of participants will be part-time, however a full-time option is also available if you wish to complete the programme within one year. The full-time programme has been designed to appeal to both home and international participants, and has been specifically created for those who require experience in an educational setting to support engagement with the practice-based approach to the MA Education.

What will I gain from this programme?

This MA has been designed to improve your overall provision of outstanding educational practice, exceptional teaching and learning and inspirational leadership. You will develop as a researcher of your own practice, adjust strategies in the pursuit of excellence and develop bespoke skills and knowledge to take account of Professional Standards.

How we will support you

You will be supported in your development through guided reflection, discussion and self-evaluation and have access to academic, professional and personal support and advice.

Full-time students will be allocated a personal tutor and have an induction week. Support and guidance for part-time students is facilitated primarily through performance-based training under the direction of a University Network Coordinator.

What will I study?

The programme has three distinct phases, each of which is equivalent to 60 credits.

Phase 1 - Investigating Practice focuses on the evaluation of existing practice. The aim is to engage you in reflective practice, laying the foundations for future progression and providing an introduction to critical reflection and evaluation, enhancing your understanding of practitioner enquiry.

Phase 2 - Developing Practice provides an opportunity to engage in modules with a specialised focus. This might include a focus on teaching and learning, subject specialist knowledge development, coaching and mentoring, educational leadership, issues within a particular sector (such as early years, primary, post-compulsory or lifelong learning) and special educational needs.

Phase 3 - Embedding Improved Practice will enable you to develop a thorough knowledge and critical understanding of enquiry-based research. It will involve researching, planning and completing an enquiry that impacts on learners, directly or indirectly, in their educational setting and area of work.

How will I study?

For those joining the MA on a full-time basis, the programme is delivered through daytime sessions comprising lectures, group tutorials, workshops and personal tutorials. Programme delivery will be supplemented and supported by extensive use of the blended virtual learning environment. As a full-time participant, you will be given the opportunity to observe and immerse yourself in the day-to-day practice of British educational settings, which will provide a focus for the practice-based research tasks subsequently undertaken. The experience in an educational setting is not a placement and you will be guided in how to secure such an experience.

The part-time programme is delivered predominantly online with workshops at a choice of outreach centres in the Midlands and North West.

Who will be teaching me?

You will be taught by outstanding, research-active tutors from across the Faculty of Education. The teaching team have extensive professional experience across different educational settings.

How will I be assessed?

Assessments are designed to integrate readily into everyday practice with emphasis placed on the assessment of evidence naturally occurring in practice, including dealing with complex issues through critical reflection and evaluation informed by research.

The assessment activity itself will normally be specific to your context and focused on impact on professional practice. This will generally include a professional portfolio which is a collection of materials that record and reflect your work in practice, providing an evidence base to underpin professional learning.

What are my career prospects?

You will graduate fully immersed in current 'best' practice, with the drive and skills to continue improving, as well as the ability to critically analyse and reflect on your own educational practice.

Related Programmes

• Mathematics Specialist Teacher Programme (MaST)
• MTL Masters in Teaching and Learning
• National Award Special Educational Needs Coordination
• Postgraduate Certificate Specialist Dyslexia Training for Teachers

A Great Study Environment

The full-time programme is delivered at Edge Hill University. Based in 160 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the Ormskirk Campus is a unique and inspirational place to study. Industry standard resources and cutting edge technology combine to make an interactive and highly advanced teaching and learning environment.

The University library gives you access to thousands of books, journals, online resources and extensive PC and media provision. You'll get all the support you need to succeed, reflected in Edge Hill University being ranked in the top two in England for students' personal development, and the top three in the country for assessment and feedback, in the 2011 National Student Survey. The University is also featured in the top four in England for graduate employment.

Part-time MA Education students will have access to all the facilities at the Ormskirk Campus but the course will be delivered mainly online with additional sessions at a network of outreach centres.

How do I apply?

Apply directly to Edge Hill University. Please email pd@edgehill.ac.uk to request an application pack.

Fees and Finance

Academic Year 2011/12

Tuition fees are £690 per 30 credit module for UK and EU students joining the programme in academic year 2011/12. This fee applies to full-time and part-time study. Fees for international students joining the programme in academic year 2011/12 are £10,200 per annum.

Edge Hill graduates joining an eligible postgraduate programme at the University in academic year 2011/12 could benefit from a 20% reduction in tuition fees. If you're a UK or EU student and will be paying the fees yourself, you might be eligible to receive this discount. See www.edgehill.ac.uk/reducedfees for more information.

Academic Year 2012/13

Please contact the Professional Development Education team by emailing pd@edgehill.ac.uk for information on tuition fees for this programme in academic year 2012/13.

Edge Hill graduates joining an eligible postgraduate programme at the University in academic year 2012/13 could benefit from a 20% reduction in tuition fees. If you're a UK or EU student and will be paying the fees yourself, you might be eligible to receive this discount. See www.edgehill.ac.uk/reducedfees for more information.

Awards

A wide choice of pathways are available on the MA Education programme. Please note, for a named award at least two thirds of credits must be for modules which are directly related to the specialist focus.

You can view the named awards available on MA Education at www.edgehill.ac.uk/ma-education-awards.

Still want more?

If you have any queries about this programme, contact the Professional Development Education team by emailing pd@edgehill.ac.uk.

Overseas students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international or email international@edgehill.ac.uk for more information on studying at Edge Hill.

Modules

PBM3000 Investigating Practice and PBM4000 Investigating Practice are two modules that present the opportunity to undertake an investigation of an aspect of your educational practice. This will be undertaken with a view to improving practice for the benefit of your learners. The modules will help you understand research ethics, construct an appropriate methodology, determine methods for investigation and discuss approaches to the evaluation of data.

PBM4001 Improving Practice builds on the Investigating Practice modules to identify a different educational/developmental issue, initiative or strategy and assess your response to that issue. The module will further develop your understanding of practitioner enquiry through considering ethics, constructing a question for investigation and reflecting on approaches to the evaluation of intention.

PBM3002 Evaluation of Professional Standards in Practice and PBM40002 Evaluation of Professional Standards in Practice are two modules requiring you to gather evidence of your professional practice and development with reference to the professional standards pertinent to your career and/or setting. You will critically engage in an assessment of your practice against these standards prior to key areas of pedagogy being evaluated with reference to the wider educational context and current, relevant thinking.

PBM4003 Excellence in Teaching and Learning critically examines different teaching strategies to promote effective teaching and learning. You will be encouraged and supported in planning successful teaching and learning strategies and applying these to your practice. The module will explore relevant theories of learning and the significance of learning theories in practice. You will be supported in critically reviewing your own practice and making recommendations for improvement.

PBM4004 Developing Outstanding Assessment explores different types of assessment with specific reference to the difference between formative and summative assessment. You will have the opportunity to engage with examples of outstanding assessment practices and evaluate your own practice in light of this. The module is designed to enable you to develop a thorough knowledge and critical understanding of the principles underpinning assessment. You will make recommendations to improve practice, informed by theory and the evaluation of current practice.

PBM4005 Behaviour for Learning will enable you to develop a thorough knowledge and critical understanding of the principles underpinning positive behaviour for learning. You will critically analyse current research and outstanding practice, drawing upon highly successful strategies for promoting positive behaviour for learning. The objective is to enable you to critically examine and evaluate the effectiveness of behaviour for learning strategies within your practice.

PBM4006 Technology Enhanced Teaching and Learning offers you the opportunity to critically examine and evaluate the potential benefits and drawbacks of a range of technologies in both theory and practice. With a view to enhancing teaching and learning in that context, this module will enable you to observe and engage with key examples of the use of technology in enhancing teaching and learning. You will create, implement and evaluate an activity or learning object in your own practice, taking into account the issues surrounding its use.

PBM4007 Observation of Outstanding Practice focuses on formative or peer observation. You will prepare an outstanding activity appropriate to your context, underpinned by relevant theory and current thinking in the field. You will then be observed in delivering the activity, receive critical feedback and complete your own self assessment of both the activity and feedback received.

PBM4008 Developing Subject Knowledge and PBM4009 Enhancing Subject Knowledge support the development of subject knowledge in your discipline or age phase specialism. You will be required to develop, apply and evaluate a phase of learning with the specific focus of the module driven by the needs of participants and/or relevant developments in the subject area.

PBM4010 Evaluating Mentoring and Coaching and PMB4011 Developing Mentoring and Coaching focus on developing reflective practice in mentoring and coaching. The modules are intended for mentors or coaches working within a school or other setting such as early learning, post-compulsory or lifelong learning. You will enhance your knowledge and understanding of effective mentoring and coaching through critical engagement with current theory, research, policy and contemporary practice.

PBM4012 Strategic Planning for Educational Improvement enables you to examine strategic approaches to educational improvement and apply this to your own practice. This module is designed for senior and middle leaders, or those aspiring to such positions, in educational settings. The aim is to develop educational effectiveness and improvement through the strategic processes.

PBM4013 Leading Educational Change should be of particular interest if you hold or aspire to leadership responsibility within an educational setting. You will critically reflect on your own experiences and immerse yourself in current thinking before planning for improvement to current and future practice when leading change.

PBM4014 Developing Self and Leading Others recognises the centrality of effective leadership in developing outstanding educational settings and enables you to critically review and develop your own approaches to leadership to enhance professional practice. You will critically evaluate theoretical frameworks and current research initiatives, assessing their application to leadership in a range of roles in an education context. This will help you identify the characteristics of highly effective leaders of educational settings and encourage you to review and improve your own leadership practice.

PBM4019 Shaping the Future of Primary Education gives primary practitioners the opportunity to explore current issues in primary education. The module will reflect the current policy, research and innovation which underpin best practice in primary schools and allow you to reflect upon the impact this has on your own educational practice.

PBM4020 Inspirational Primary Subject Leadership will appeal to primary school teachers who have an infectious love of their subject and as a desire to develop their role. It will also help new subject leaders understand how to begin to become an ‘inspirational leader’. You will explore your role and consider how to deepen the impact you have in your school or setting. There will be the opportunity to learn about what constitutes inspirational leadership, how to deliver high quality teaching and learning, as well as sharing outstanding practice and planning for school improvement.

PBM4021 Inspiring 14-19 Year Old Learners and PBM4022 Inclusive Curriculum Models 14-19 Education: Closing the Gap are designed to address the particular issues involved in motivating and enthusing 14-19 year old learners in the post-compulsory sector. The modules examine the differences between pedagogy and andragogy. There is a clear focus on the role of the teacher/educator and how they can motivate learners by addressing the personalised needs of younger students. The importance of designing inclusive curriculum models that embrace new and emerging technology will be considered, alongside contemporary theories of learning, creativity, assessment, safeguarding and diversity. The aim is to examine key aspects of the role of teachers/educators that can enthuse and motivate learners in the post-compulsory sector.

PBM4023 Excellence in Early Years: Principles and Practice and PBM4024 Excellence in Early Years: International Perspectives are designed for professionals working with, or leading provision for, young children. The modules will develop your knowledge and understanding of your role in the facilitation of high quality provision across the 0-5 age phase.

PBM4024 Excellence in Early Years: International Perspectives is designed for professionals working with, or leading provision for, young children. The module will develop your knowledge and understanding of your role in the facilitation of high quality provision across the 0-5 age phase.

PBM4025 Excellence in Teaching & Learning in Lifelong Learning focuses on the changing debate about learning and teaching both nationally and internationally. The module introduces contemporary theories and debates by leading thinkers including Mezirow, Brookfield, Gardner, Jarvis and Engestrom. The aim is to provoke discussion about theories of transformational learning, biographical learning, multiple approaches to learning and other philosophies of learning. There is a clear focus on the role of the teacher/educator in understanding and engaging adult learners and in the development of curriculum, assessment and teaching resources that are appropriate and effective in the lifelong learning sector.

PBM4026 Outstanding Practice in Teaching Adults in Lifelong Learning focuses on achieving outstanding practice in teaching and learning in the lifelong learning sector and the specific issues that surround teaching adults. It focuses on the differences between pedagogy and andragogy, the individual learning needs and journeys of adults returning to education or changing career paths. There is a clear focus on the role of the teacher/ educator and the personalised needs of mature students. Consideration is given to the development of the curriculum, support for learners, assessment and teaching resources that are appropriate and effective in this sector.

PBM4027 Early Mathematical Development and Assessment will enhance your understanding of children’s early mathematical development. The module will cover theories of how children learn mathematics and consider the importance of diagnostic assessment in developing effective teaching approaches for children with very low attainment in mathematics. Factors that lead to low attainment will also be considered.

PBM4028 Effective Early Mathematics Intervention Strategies develops your skills in delivering effective mathematics intervention to individuals and small groups of children. You will be encouraged to see each child as a unique individual who will need carefully targeted support. The module examines the approach to intervention adopted by the Every Child Counts programme and pedagogy appropriate to intervention. You will also consider how to develop working partnerships with other practitioners and parents and carers to ensure that intervention is as effective as possible.

PBM4029 The Impact of Educational Practice is the culmination of the knowledge, understanding and skills developed throughout the programme. It provides you with the opportunity to plan, execute and evaluate a practice-based enquiry which will have the highest levels of impact and outstanding outcomes for learners. The module will enable you to develop a thorough knowledge and critical understanding of enquiry based research, critically analyse your own practice by means of a sound evidence base, before identifying an area of enquiry which will seek to have high levels of impact on your educational practice. Taking any ethical implications into consideration, you will design, apply and critically evaluate your chosen methodologies, methods of data collection and analysis before critically evaluating your chosen enquiry. The aim of the module is to inform the development of outstanding educational practice.