Contemporary Innovations in Education - Sligo St. Angela's

Programme Overview
Working as a contemporary teacher or educational professional requires adaptability, innovation, and reflection. To be successful, awareness of evidence-based practices and an ability to critically evaluate the latest trends and developments are vital.

This new MA in Contemporary Innovations in Education offers teachers and educational professionals a flexible and tailored programme of study in contemporary education, teaching and learning. The programme has been designed to deepen professional knowledge and understanding of contemporary educational theories, research, practices and innovations and their potential applications to a wide range of contexts, including schools, colleges and universities. The programme is underpinned by constructive engagement and thinking critically about education; students will explore, critique and reflect upon ideas, innovations, issues, theoretical developments and research in education, whilst applying them to their own professional practices and potentially implementing change. Consequently, students will be enabled to more effectively support teaching and learning in their respective settings. This MA is aimed at teachers and educational professionals, with the flexibility to fit their studies around their current work commitments.

Programme Outline
The Master's programme consists of a range of contemporary modules allowing students to shape the programme to their interests, professional needs and career aspirations.

Students successfully completing 45 ECTS of modules (i.e. 3 modules, of which one must be Educational Research Methods, core module) in Stage 1 of the programme continue to Stage 2 where they undertake the Advanced Research Module (core module) and the Dissertation Module (core module) and exit with a Master of Arts (Contemporary Innovations in Education).

Alternatively, students may exit with a Postgraduate Certificate on successfully completing 30 ECTS (2 modules) or with a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts on successfully completing 60 ECTS (4 modules). Students can also opt to complete the Advanced Research module (listed at Stage 2) as the 4th module for the Diploma instead of choosing one of the optional modules listed at Stage 1.

Modules may employ a combination of online, face-to-face or blended delivery. The approach taken will depend on the specific module. Teaching will normally take place on weekday evenings and/ or weekends to allow students access the programme, whilst maintaining their work commitments. The delivery mode assumed for each module will normally be confirmed at the start of the academic year.

Module Options Stage 1: All modules = 15 ECTs (NFQ, Level 9)
It is possible that an optional module listed below may not run due to an unviable number of applicants for the respective module. Please note you may only select one module with an *. If you wish to study more than one, please consult the available programmes delivered by Centre for Special Educational Needs (CSENID), St. Angela's College.

• Contemporary Psychology in the Classroom
• Contemporary Trends in Learning and Assessment
• Technology for Inclusion and Empowerment
• Current Trends in Science Education
• The Site of Justice? The Religious Education Teacher and the Classroom
• The Fundamentals of Bilingualism and Bilingual Education
• Autism*
• Behaviours that Challenge
• Inclusion for Learning*
• Literacy*
• Numeracy*
• Specific Learning Difficulties 1*
• Specific Learning Difficulties 2*
• General Learning Disabilities*
• Educational Research Methods (Core)
• Religion, Education and Society
• Tutoring and Supervising in Higher Education

Modules Stage 2: Both core modules must be successfully completed
• Advanced Research module (Core)
• Dissertation module (Core)

Each module will include student contact time, directed study, independent and e-learning study giving a total participant effort of at least 300 hours for each module. Students may also be expected to participate in online discussions of programme content. Module delivery may overlap depending on the modules selected. Modules will normally be assessed by continuous assessment/written coursework (up to a maximum of 5,000 words per module) based on a variety of assessment methods (e.g. written assignment, e-tivities, presentation) where appropriate. Assessment details pertaining to each respective module will normally be confirmed at the start of the academic year.

This programme is aimed at a wide range of graduates working in educational settings (e.g. primary, post-primary, higher education, adult and further education).

Applicants will normally possess a Level 8 Undergraduate Degree (H2.2 or above) in Education or equivalent.

Graduates applying from other related social sciences or arts/humanities disciplines will also be considered.

For applicants without the relevant academic qualification, but with relevant previous experience, recognition for approved prior learning (APL) can be awarded in line with the University's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy.

A two-year part-time Masters with exit routes at Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate stages possible.

Further Education
Graduates of this programme are well placed to pursue doctoral studies in related areas.

Career Opportunities
This Master's programme supports and empowers teachers and educational professionals long-term career development. As such, graduates may further their careers in academia, policy advice, and education generally (e.g. leadership, outreach and training). Graduates may have opportunities for promotion within their current place of employment, or new roles within an educational setting.