MA Education
Aims of the course
This course enables you to develop a theoretical framework within which you can analyse educational issues and, where appropriate, develop your own professional practice. It offers you the chance to plan an individual course of study, either by selecting particular modules within the MA, or, for part-time students, by taking modules that may lead to an award with a descriptor (see overleaf).The course is designed for people working in education in all sectors and for those with an interest in education.
You are encouraged to actively participate in group learning and the staffing team aim to maximise opportunities to share theories, experiences and skills. You have the opportunity to engage in in-depth analysis of an aspect of education of your own choice, which builds on your own interests and experience.
Duration and attendance
- Full-time: 1 year, evening
- Part-time: 2 years minimum, evening
Dates/timetable
- Autumn semester: September-January
- Spring semester: February-June
Course structure
The structure of the course is modular and semester-based, allowing for individual choice and flexibility.
In order to successfully complete the MA Education you must complete six taught modules and a triple module dissertation. The taught portion of the course consists of two core modules, which you must take, These are:
- Foundations of Learning- introduces a range of theories of learning and the implications these have for teachers and educationalists when developing their practice.
- Research Methods in Education and the Dissertation - introduces you to a range of research strategies and enables you to write a research proposal for your dissertation.
You must also choose four other modules, at least three of which will be from the various optional modules for the MA Education. One module may be chosen from any other area of University provision.
Optional modules for the MA Education are as follows:
- Bilingualism and Education: the Classroom and School Context
- Bilingualism and Education: National and International Context
- Children's Literature in Education
- Creativity and Imagination in the Early Years
- Curriculum Development and Policy
- Educational Responses to Refugees
- Educating the Whole Child: Critical Issues in Pastoral Care
- Early Literacy: Becoming a Writer
- Feminisms and Education
- From Equal Opportunities to Social Inclusion
- Language Contexts: Personal, Social and Political
- Managing Adult Learning- Personal and Professional Development • National and Local Educational Policy
- Parents and Schools
- Sociological Frameworks of Education
- Youth, Identity and Schooling
- Applying Learning Technologies
- Practitioner Research Module: a critical evaluation of professional practice
- Developing Leadership for Early Childhood
- Foundations of Being: perspectives of provision for children from birth to three
- Whole School Management
There are three types of awards available:
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education: To achieve this you need 60 credits (3 modules) at Masters Level.
- Postgraduate Diploma in Education: To achieve this you need 120 credits (6 modules) at Masters level.
- Masters Degree: 120 credits plus successful completion of the dissertation.
If you select particular combinations of modules linked by an appropriate theme or academic focus you may be awarded with one of the following descriptors:
- Bilingualism
- Early Childhood
- Early Childhood Management and Leadership
- Language and Literacy in Education
- Management in Education
- Urban Education
Modules designated within the Early Childhood suite are only available to students with experience in the Early Childhood sector (birth to seven) and who are currently employed within that sector or have access to placements within that age range.
Attendance
Each module involves evening attendance for one semester. Full-time students would attend for three evenings in the first semester, and part-time students for one or two evenings. The minimum period required to achieve an MA is two years of part-time or one year of full-time study. However, if you take this course on a part-time basis, you may extend your period of study by taking only one module each semester or by intermitting from the course for one or more semesters. Entry to the course is in September or February for part-time (eve) students, and in September for full-time.
Assessment
Each module will be assessed through course work, which is the equivalent of 6,000 words or two essays of 3,000 words
Dissertation
MA dissertations are 15,000-20,000 words, equivalent to three modules.Topics are chosen in consultation with the subject leader and supervised by an appropriate member of staff.
Career opportunities
The course will be of benefit to anyone with an interest in education whether as a parent, teacher, community worker or education administrator. For those already working in the field of education, such an award gives the opportunity to enhance career prospects. It provides you with an avenue of interest, which may be pursued through applying for higher awards, such as a PhD or gives an opportunity for career change.
Fees
See our website, www.londonmet.ac.uk/tuition-fees, or call the Admissions Office (see How to apply below).
Entry requirements
Normally an upper second class Honours degree in a relevant subject. Qualified teachers with lesser degrees are encouraged to apply. Entry procedures involve an interview and an essay.
Students for whom English is not their first language must demonstrate sufficient fluency in both written and spoken English.The minimum requirement is one of the following:
- IELTS 6 minimum with a minimum of 6 in speaking and writing and 5.5 in listening and reading
- TOEFL (old examination) 580 minimum
- TOEFL (new examination) 237 minimum
Accommodation
The University prioritises applications from first year students who; have accepted an offer of a place on a course; and live further than 25 miles from the University. We allocate in date order and the process begins in April each year so students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Full details of all available accommodation can be found in our booklet 'A Guide to Halls of Residence' and on our web page www.londonmet.ac.uk/accommodation
How to apply
Contact the Admissions Office for an application form, or you may download one from: www.londonmet.ac.uk/how-to-apply
Admissions Office
London Metropolitan University
166-220 Holloway Road
London N7 8DB
Tel: 020 7133 4202
Email: admissions@londonmet.ac.uk
Web: www.londonmet.ac.uk
Open Days/Evenings
You can also come to one of our open days and evenings, held throughout the year. See our website www.londonmet.ac.uk/open-days, or call the Admissions Office, for up to date details
