Education Studies

Overview

This MEd Specialist option draws on a wide range of academic disciplines such as philosophy, psychology and sociology to further our understanding of learning and educational contexts. Drawing on up-to-date research, the programme focuses on how we learn, from early childhood through compulsory schooling and into adulthood, and offers a rigorous analysis of broader educational systems such as curricula, policies and schools in their societal context.



Students are encouraged to consider fundamental questions about the nature and aims of education; to engage with the problematic nature of educational theory, policy and practice; and to develop and express their own reasoned viewpoint on a wide range of issues.



The course will enable you to:

• develop a critical understanding of how education systems can be developed to ensure that all learners achieve to their full potential

• encourage reflection on existing policy and practice

• question concepts and theories and interrogate assumptions underpinning theory and research

• critically consider how recent international research relates to students’ own educational contexts.



Entitlement

A MEd is awarded to students who have completed 180 CAT points at M-level. Students who have accumulated 60 points may graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate and those who have accumulated 120 points may graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma.

To be awarded an MEd Education Studies, you will need to complete 180 CATs, which will normally comprise of four 30 CAT point taught modules plus a 60 CAT point final dissertation. In addition to Research Methods, which is normally a compulsory module, the other three taught modules must include at least two of the specific MEd Education Studies modules below.



STR7020-CAREERS EDUCATION 1

EDC7096-SUPPORTING LEARNERS WITH DIFFICULTIES IN MATHEMATICS

STR7017 -DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP

STR7016-DEVELOPING BEST PRACTICE IN STEM EDUCATION

STR7019-A CURRICULUM APPROACH TO DIGITAL SKILLS

EDC7098-SEN IN PRACTICE

EDC9090-CHILDHOOD ADVERSITIES AND DISADVANTAGE

STR7009-LEARNING LEADERSHIP

STR7014-STATEGIC AND OPERATIONAL LEADERSHIP: FROM CULTURE AND VISION TO SCHOOL/COLLEGE IMPROVMENT

EDC7021-CAREERS EDUCATION 2

STR7015-DEVELOPMENT LEADERSHIP SKILLS IN STEM EDUCATION

SEC7010-OUTDOOR LEARNING

STR7004-GLOBAL AND SHARED EDUCATION AND THE NEW AGE CONNECTED CLASSROOM

UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS OF SENSORY PROVISION FOR CHILDREN’S LEARNING AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

STR7003-ADDRESSING UNDERACHIEVEMENT AND DIVERSITY IN EDUCATION: POLICY AND PRACTICE

EDC7024-RESEARCH METHODS

Applicants will normally hold a relevant 2:2 Honours degree or above in a related discipline. Applicants who do not meet the requirements may be considered on an individual basis, where there is evidence of relevant experience. Applicants may be required to attend an interview to determine their suitability for entry.



Prior Accreditation

The degree recognises and supports existing professional development activities whether these are part of induction, early professional development, threshold assessments or programmes of staff development and performance management. All students who have successfully completed a PGCE at Master’s level will be eligible to apply for 30 M-level credit points towards a Master’s qualification. Candidates may also seek accreditation for completed school-based professional development activities. Application for credit transfer and exemption from module requirements must be made upon enrolment.

How To Apply

The next intake for this programme is for January 2026. The deadline for applications is 12 noon on Monday 12th January 2026. Applications received after this date will be treated on a case by case basis.

Flexible: Normally 3 years.



How Will I Study?

Depending on the modules selected, teaching and learning is delivered through a blended approach of lectures, virtual learning activities and reflective, self-directed study. For your dissertation, you will be allocated a Personal Tutor who will guide and support you throughout your dissertation.



Contact Time

The majority of module sessions begin at 5pm or 6pm, although attendance at weekend workshops may occasionally be required. All modules are taught fully online.