Educational Studies

Overview

This programme offers teachers and educational professionals opportunities to learn across a range of areas within the broad field of education.



Education professionals in the twenty-first century are expected to have strong knowledge and skills in core areas as well as an ability to move flexibly in and out of a variety of specialist areas. This Educational Studies programme is designed to meet these diverse needs by offering students the opportunity to select modules from a wide range of topics including: learning and teaching, assessment, educational leadership, inclusion and special educational needs.



The programme offers students an opportunity to familiarise themselves with current research on these topics. In addition, students are encouraged to consider and reflect on the practical implications of theoretical perspectives and research findings.



The MEd in Educational Studies is open to teachers in primary-, secondary- and tertiary-level institutions as well as to professionals in other fields of education.



Course Structure

Students may enrol on a full-time (1 year) or part-time (3 years) basis. Individual modules may be studied as a short course. Part-time students typically complete one or two modules per semester. Full-time students typically complete three modules per semester.



Students must choose 120 CATS points from the modules listed on the 'Modules' tab or any other modules from the MEd/MSc programmes offered by the School (except certain ABA modules EDU7225/7227/7229/7230/7900).

Year 1

Core Modules

An Introduction to Research Methods: Children, Young People and Education (20 credits)

Dissertation (60 credits)



Optional Modules

Fundamental elements of behaviour change (20 credits)

Curriculum: Theory, Policy and Practice (20 credits)

Education Policy & Society: analysing reform and ideology (20 credits)

Social Justice in Special Needs Education and Inclusion: A Capability Approach (20 credits)

Behaviour Change in Education and Supervising Others (20 credits)

Understanding Adults with ASD (20 credits)

Transforming Higher Education (20 credits)

Epistemic Injustice: The Ethics of Knowing in Special Educational Needs/ Inclusion (20 credits)

The Role of Education in Ethnically Plural Societies (20 credits)

Deconstructing Special Needs Education and Inclusion (20 credits)

Bilingualism, Literacy and Disciplinary Literacy Development (20 credits)

Contemporary Perspectives on Learning and Teaching (20 credits)

Behaviour Analysis for Effective Teaching (20 credits)

E-learning: Concepts and Pract (20 credits)

Digital Literacy and Communication (20 credits)

Understanding Children with ASD (20 credits)

Leadership: Theoretical Perspectives (20 credits)

Reflective Practice and Action Research (10 credits)

Engaging difference in divided & multicultural societies: concepts & practices for educational conte (20 credits)

Leadership in Practice (20 credits)

Leadership for School Improvement and Change (20 credits)

Graduate

Normally a strong 2.2 Honours degree (with minimum of 55%) or above or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in any subject discipline.



Applicants with an acceptable 2.2 Honours degree below 55% or equivalent, may also be considered if they have at least two years of professional experience in an education, training or relevant context.

Closing date for applications: Friday 27th June 2025 at 4pm. Late applications may be considered.



Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.

There are no written examinations. Modules are assessed by coursework. Modules with an online element use a variety of assessment methods, eg multiple choice tests and contributions to an online forum.

1 year (Full Time), 3 years (Part Time).

Entry Year: 2025/26

Career Prospects

Graduates from this degree have found the skills and knowledge learned to be beneficial in their workplace by improving their professional practice. In the case of teachers this has meant the development of research-informed practice and the ability to lead professional development within their schools.



Furthermore, a higher degree can enhance employment prospects to help secure future promotion. Having deepened their knowledge in a specific area, other students have chosen to continue academic study to doctoral level.



Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes help our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.