This M-level specialist option addresses a need among teachers and education professionals for high-quality professional development in the crucial, challenging and fast-evolving area of pastoral care in education. Students are introduced to local, national and international research and are challenged to respond critically, applying their learning to their own context. This specialist option is open to teachers and other professionals working with children from pre-school through to post-16.

The course will:

• Equip students with the understanding and skills required to respond effectively to a range of challenging pastoral situations such as children experiencing abuse, bullying or mental ill-health;

• Develop a clear understanding of how schools can be proactive in safeguarding children more effectively and in using the curriculum to pre-empt these issues sensitively and effectively.

Accreditation
Students who have completed a PGCE in the last 10 years, will be eligible to apply for 30 M-Level credit points towards a Master's qualification. Candidates may seek accreditation for other completed school-based professional development activities. Application for credit transfer and exemption from module requirements must be made upon enrolment.

Entitlement To The Award Of Master Of Education (MED)
The award of Master of Education is awarded to students who have completed 180 points at M-level (four taught modules and a research dissertation). The degree of Master of Education may be awarded with distinction on the recommendation of the Board of Examiners. Students who have accumulated 60 points on the MA may graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate and those who have accumulated 120 points may graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma.

Criteria
To be awarded an MEd Pastoral Care students must complete at least two modules from the MEd Pastoral Care programme plus 2 further taught modules chosen from any specialist option for example Outdoor Learning, Shared Education or Interconnected and Collaborative Learning. One of these modules is normally Research Methods. In addition students must complete a dissertation.