Education (Higher Education)

Policy and Purposes of Higher Education

Higher education (HE) is one of the great institutions of society. As well as providing places of learning and teaching, higher education is the subject of  much political debate. Why is this? We examine contemporary policy frameworks and their influences on HE.

The MA in Education (Higher Education) pathway is intended for:

• People working in senior administration and learning, teaching and research or support roles in HE – such as subject librarians, learning technologists, student support coordinators, quality assurance officers, admissions tutors, business development officers, academic and institution managers.
• People entering HE from business and the professions.
• People interested in the wider context of higher education in society, the impact that HE has on society and that society has on HE.

Through this module you can develop your knowledge and confidence in all areas of your HE activity, helping you to make informed decisions in the workplace.

Research Methods

You’ll develop your knowledge of research approaches, methods and techniques for the study of children and childhood, education and language. You’ll explore the interdisciplinary nature of work in and across these areas. After taking this module, you’ll be well prepared for the methodological aspects of your dissertation.

Mind and Brain

You’ll explore fascinating developments in educational neuroscience, beginning with developmental changes that occur throughout our lifespan. We’ll discuss pre- and post-natal development, followed by the changes that occur in childhood, adolescence and beyond. 

You’ll explore current insights from cognitive neuroscience that have implications for education, in areas like creativity, and gaming and ICT in learning. You’ll also think about the relationships between mind, brain, self and body using philosophical perspectives. And you’ll investigate case studies, opening up discussion and debate about this complex and controversial field.

Diversity and Achievement

How are children’s and young people’s achievements affected by factors like class, gender, disability and ethnicity? In this module, you’ll analyse the factors that predict educational success and failure for children and young people. You’ll then explore the implications for school policy and practice. 

You’ll look at data from case study material, which may draw on your own working context, or your peers’. Using these data, you’ll consider issues at the level of the individual child, the family, the school and the neighbourhood. You’ll go on to compare the analysis at the level of an individual in a particular place to educational outcomes from national and international

The Inclusive Curriculum

You’ll explore key aspects of curriculum design and delivery, in relation to access, equality of learning opportunity and inclusion. You’ll look at how cultural values influence curriculum content and organisation, and explore theories of decolonising the curriculum. The module content is relevant whether you’re a primary, secondary, FE or HE practitioner.

Independent Study: Investigating Practice

This is a chance to carry out an independent study/practice investigation. You’ll choose your own topic, with approval from your module leader / subject co-ordinator. The topic will be relevant to your own practice, but areas of investigation might include (for example):

• developing pedagogical approaches or curriculum materials 
• evaluating learners’ achievement levels
• reviewing the evidence base for changes to educational practice
• appraising learning environments and learning opportunities.

It’s also possible to carry out retrospective evaluation of a project, provided the project took place within the last five years. This might be on:

• the impact of a professional development programme or initiative
• the experience of designing and delivering a new scheme of work 
• the process of implementing an educational change or project.