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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

Language Acquisition, Learning and Pedagogy

This module will explore key theories and approaches in language acquisition, learning and associated pedagogies. Various theoretical and empirical issues will be addressed together with learner-internal and learner-external factors that influence the processes of second language development in education.

The course provides students with an opportunity to consider critically theories of second language acquisition (SLA), motivation, and the role of the self. The theory and application of new technologies in language acquisition, learning and research are addressed. The application of theory and research to aspects of second language teaching and learning is also explored.

30 credits

Language, Society and Education

The Language, Society and Education module provides students with an advanced understanding of the relationship between linguistic structures and social categories. It covers key research methods in the interdisciplinary field of sociolinguistics and their application to a range of areas including language and identity, discourse, performance and social interaction, ideologies and social structure, culture and education. By the end of the module, students will have developed solid theoretical knowledge in a range of research traditions as well as an advanced competence in qualitative research methods for the study of language, society and education. Students have the opportunity to explore topics relating, to the evolution and transmission of culture, intercultural communication, bi/multilingualism, attitudes to language varieties, voice, narrative and inequality in ordinary and institutional settings, media representations of social worlds, global spreads of language and cultural forms with specific reference to English and new media.

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