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Core modules:

Critical perspectives on education and social justice in a changing world

This foundational module provides a critical exploration of key issues in education studies, equipping students with the knowledge and analytical skills necessary to navigate a rapidly evolving world. Drawing upon cutting-edge research in the School of Education, we examine historical, contemporary, and emerging approaches to education. Students will develop a deep and critical understanding of pressing challenges, opportunities and social justice in education, fostering a capacity for innovative and equitable educational practices

30 credits

Early Childhood 1: Development, Learning and Curriculum

This module enables students to develop critical understanding of learning, development and curriculum in early childhood education. Students will analyse theory, policy and research to evaluate a range of historical, contemporary, national and global perspectives on young children's learning. The module provides students with opportunities to think critically about the location of early childhood education within the broader contexts of social, cultural and political values and priorities. Students will learn about approaches to early childhood education that draw upon examples from Global South and the Global North contexts.

30 credits

Early Childhood 2: Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood Education

This module introduces learners to recent ideas related to contemporary issues in Early Childhood Education. Sessions to be taught include the following: children's rights; quality in Early Childhood Education and care; creativity in arts and contemporary communication practices; popular culture; digital literacies; gender; traditional and digital play; including children in research. This will be followed by student-led presentations on topics related to the above. It is intended that this will prepare students for their assignment.

30 credits

Interdisciplinary approaches to knowledge and educational research

This module explores how diverse perspectives from across disciplines - including psychology, sociology, and philosophy - shape our understanding of learning, knowledge, and educational research. Through critical engagement with key debates and controversies in the field, you will gain a nuanced appreciation for the complexities of educational research. The module culminates in the development of your own research proposal, equipping you with the critical thinking and research skills necessary to address complex educational challenges and contribute to meaningful change in an increasingly interconnected world.

30 credits

Dissertation

The dissertation is a major part of the MA in Education and associated programmes. The dissertation topic can develop a theme raised during the taught part of the course, or an issue which relates to the specialised research areas covered by the students' own interests. The Course Team provides guidance on the choice of a suitable topic for investigation and advice and support throughout the study period (December to August). A wide variety of study is possible, including empirical studies, theoretical reviews, historical or philosophical investigations. The dissertation is 12,000-15,000 words in length. Each student is allocated a supervisor - a specialist in the research area. Students and supervisors work together over the four months of the dissertation period before submission of the thesis.

60 credits