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.

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.

WHO WILL BE TEACHING ME?
You will be taught, assessed and supported by an exceptional team of internationally recognised, research-informed and experienced practitioners.

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.

STR7003 – ADDRESSING UNDERACHIEVEMENT AND DIVERSITY IN EDUCATION: POLICY AND PRACTICE
JUNE 2023 & JUNE 2025
The module will consider the impact of diversity, difference, disadvantage and learning difficulty in schools. It will explore appropriate literature to allow acquisition of knowledge bases and develop critical conceptual skills to decode and deconstruct prejudice. It will help students to understand and work with the contradictions of cultural life and will address models of deficit and low expectation that characterise the gap between traditional classroom materials and those used to teach disadvantaged students.

EDC7067- SAFEGUARDING IN THE DIGITAL WORLD
OCTOBER 2023
In today's increasingly online world, increased ownership of mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets has resulted in 24/7 access to the internet. Despite the many social and educational benefits that the internet has brought, access to online technology has also exposed children and young people to increased risk, with parents and educators often at a loss as to how best to keep them stay safe.

The module will examine a wide range of issues relating to safeguarding in a digital world. Students will consider the balance between positive and negative technological experiences, and will examine recent national and international research into the online experiences of children and young people. Students will also learn more about the legal and policy context of digital safeguarding in relation to the misuse of digital technologies, abusive images of children, and child sexual exploitation. Attitudes of young people towards sexting will be explored along with relevant theoretical underpinnings.

Responses to digital safeguarding issues will be critically investigated including preventative strategies through the curriculum. The module will be relevant to all those working with children and young people, as well as those with a broader interest in education and technology.

EDC9016- LEARNING LEADERSHIP
JANUARY 2024 & JANUARY 2025
The module explores and analyses the concept of effective leadership at different levels, the relationship between effective leadership and school performance and the key issues affecting educational provision. Leadership and management style and issues are examined in the context of personal professional practice and the influence of leadership and innovation on effective teaching and learning.

SEC7010-OUTDOOR LEARNING
MARCH 2024
The module investigates the scope, benefits and difficulties of providing learning opportunities outdoors and presents Early Years and Primary School professionals with a range of empirical evidence which will enhance their understanding of effective teaching outdoors. Although the module takes a cross-curricular approach, the focus is on outdoor play, world around us and numeracy, and encouraging participants to reflect critically on outdoor learning provision in their own settings.

EDC7070- INVESTIGATING LEARNING DIFFICULTIES IN MATHEMATICS
OCTOBER 2024
This course offers students the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of the problems learners with dyscalculia and other mathematics learning difficulties experience. Students will examine critical issues and debates surrounding the definition, characteristics and possible underlying causes of dyscalculia and they will analyse the similarities and differences between dyscalculia and other mathematics learning difficulties. Students will explore the range of cognitive processes involved in learning mathematics, including the role of memory. The influence of home, school and society on the development of mathematics will also be considered, including the impact of mathematics anxiety. Issues relating to identification of mathematics learning difficulties will be addressed and students will become familiar with a range of formal and informal screening procedures.

EDC9090 – CHILDHOOD ADVERSITIES AND DISADVANTAGE
JANUARY 2025
The module provides an in-depth analysis of the critical perspectives associated with disadvantage, the impact on children and young people and the intervention role of schools and educational settings. It also examines policy and practice developments regarding disadvantage; the role of education professionals in recognising and responding to the factors associated with disadvantage; the significance of developmental neuroscience and global education-based preventative intervention; and international models of good practice.

EDC7024- RESEARCH METHODS
SEPTEMBER 2023, JANUARY 2024, JUNE 2024
Research Methods is normally required to be completed before a student starts their dissertation. The module covers the areas required for effective educational research including; qualitative and quantitative research methods and techniques: the quasi-experimental approach; research method selection; questionnaire design and analysis; research and project preparation; and reporting the findings.

All modules are 30 CATs unless otherwise started.

All Modules are taught online mostly in evening sessions.

Applicants will normally hold a relevant 2:2 Honours degree or above in a related discipline, and preferably a professional teaching qualification. (with the exception of MA Early Childhood Studies). Those who do not meet the requirements above 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
Stranmillis University College 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. Applicants 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
Application for admission to all Masters Programmes should be made by downloading the application form and reference form. Please only return the completed forms by email to masters@stran.ac.uk

Flexible: Normally 3 years.

CONTACT TIME
The majority of module sessions are in the evenings, although attendance at weekend workshops may occasionally be required. All modules are taught fully online.