21Oct
PostgraduateCourse summary
The MA in Education is designed to meet the needs of professionals working at all levels of education, particularly those in teaching, management and administration, and those with an interest in education practice and policy. As a research-led course, the MA draws on the innovative and high-quality knowledge and expertise available in Durham’s School of Education, one of the leading providers of education studies in the UK. A range of core and optional modules in topics as varied as educational research, leadership, student engagement and curriculum analysis will provide you with a clear understanding of the nature and significance of policy and practice in education. You will be introduced to key ideas and ways of thinking that enable you to focus on areas of education that are relevant to your own interests and professional development. The Master’s dissertation gives you the opportunity to further explore your interests, equipping you with the academic and professional skills that will help you take the next step in your career. Offering a range of flexible delivery routes, the MA in Education is suitable for students from all backgrounds and countries. In addition to the full-time study route, the course is also available part-time, with teaching time scheduled to make the course accessible for those in full-time employment.
Modules
Core modules: Engaging with some of the key debates in education today, Conceptual Perspectives in Education considers the role of ‘theory’ in the research process. You will develop an understanding of the ways in which education theories and/or conceptual frameworks inform the types of questions researchers ask about education and learn how this contributes to educational research. Design and Methods in Education Research introduces key issues, terms and ideas in education research. It teaches a range of key research skills including the evaluation of research techniques across different research contexts, and the ability to conduct a high-quality study. You will learn to recognise the different purposes of education research; understand key terms and vocabulary in education research; and develop a critical standpoint in relation to research in education. The Master’s Dissertation is a substantial piece of research based on an educational issue within your chosen field of study. You will use an approved research strategy to design and carry out your research and report the outcomes. Examples of optional modules: Secondary Data in Education Research; Ethnographies of Education; Measurement in Education Research; Student Engagement; Experiments in Education; International Development and Education in a Global World; Psychological Perspectives on Learning; Effective Educational Leadership; Curriculum Analysis; Arts in Education; Language, Education and Power; Learning and Individual Differences.
Assessment method
Our postgraduate taught courses are designed to develop autonomous, independent learners. We introduce you to key concepts that link to your individual learning objectives, and encourage you to cultivate initiative, originality and critical thinking using online resources, key texts, independent study and research to explore the content in greater depth. Core modules make up one third of the course, with a further third made up of optional modules, each delivered through a combination of taught lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials. You will also be expected to devote significant amounts of time to reading, discussing and preparing for classes and assignments. The final element of the course is the MA dissertation, a significant piece of independent research that brings together the theory, method and practice developed through the core and optional modules. You will be supported in this by an individual supervisor, a dissertation coordinator and through specialist dissertation workshops. The majority of core and optional modules are assessed via written assignments, a small number of modules include review essays and portfolio work. The 15,000-word dissertation, supported by a conference presentation, makes up one third of your credits. In comparison to undergraduate level study, you will find that a Master’s degree requires an increased level of independent learning.
How to apply
International applicants
If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take a pre-Masters pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.
Entry requirements
An honours degree at 2:1 (or equivalent). Significant relevant experience will also be considered.
English language requirements
Durham University welcomes applications from all students irrespective of background. We encourage the recruitment of academically well-qualified and highly motivated students, who are non-native speakers of English, whose full potential can be realised with a limited amount of English Language training either prior to entry or through pre-sessional and/or in-sessional courses. It is the normal expectation that candidates for admission should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course. Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by following the link provided.
English language requirements
https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Sponsorship information
For further information see the course listing.
Provider information
Durham University
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE