Education and Professional Enquiry

In your first year, you'll examine key contemporary theories on how children learn, develop and use language in the classroom and discover how to use theory to critically analyse classroom practice and facilitate effective teaching.

You'll also develop a critical and practical understanding of how to use appropriate research methods in the classroom and with teachers and learners, and learn how these techniques can help you evaluate, reflect upon, and improve your professional practice.

You will build on this foundation in the following year when you'll examine the concept of school "cultures", consider developments in school curriculum, and explore innovative teaching techniques that can support children's motivation, engagement and learning. You'll also study the importance of teacher collaboration and effective leadership in a classroom and managerial context.

This knowledge will inform your dissertation, which makes up your final year. You’ll conduct a small-scale research project that relates to your own interests in the field of education.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Modules Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Developing Teaching and Learning Through Evidence-based Practice 30 credits

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Leading Teaching and Learning Through Evidence-based Practice 30 credits

Year 3

Compulsory modules

• Dissertation 60 credits

For more information on typical modules, read Education and Professional Enquiry MA in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

We deliver this programme through eight Saturday schools over a two year period and a range of online learning materials to inform your own private study. The Saturday schools use a mix of lectures and seminars, and offer you the opportunity to meet with other teachers to exchange experiences and ideas. You can also organise your dissertation supervision to be face-to-face, online or by telephone in the third year.

Assessment

We assess your progress for the first two years through the submission of two 3000 word assignments each year. Before you submit your assignments, there are opportunities for formative assessment by tutors and your peers and you will receive constructive feedback on your assignment ideas. You also submit a dissertation of 12,000 words by the end of your final year.