-18.gif "Masters Degrees at Buckinghamshire New University")
This programme explores how people learn new languages and how to teach the English Language most effectively.
Designed for TESOL professionals, you will consider how to analyse and describe the English language for pedagogic purposes, and examine different approaches and principles to teaching the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking.
You can also choose to specialise in certain aspects of TESOL: for example, teacher education, materials development, curriculum reform, the teaching of grammar and vocabulary, the use of ICT, or language assessment.
MEd TESOL follows the same syllabus as the MA TESOL programme, but asks you to apply a more practical, rather than theoretical, orientation to your final critical study. You will focus upon a professional issue within language education and apply ideas from your reading and a small-scale research study to find solutions to genuine English Language teaching problems.
The Language Education team in the School of Education is nationally and internationally recognised for its range of teaching, research, knowledge transfer and consultancy work in TESOL, ELT, EFL, ESOL, EAL, Modern Foreign Languages, and Applied Linguistics.
We’re one of the largest Language Education teams in the UK. As education practitioners, we have a wide range of experience of teaching and teacher education work in many contexts in the UK and around the world.
As researchers, we have a broad range of expertise across the discipline with ongoing research projects in teacher development, language use in migrant communities, learning with digital technologies, and IELTS preparation courses.
MEd TESOL is a comprehensive programme that will allow you to develop both academically and professionally.
In semester one, you will deepen your understanding of teaching the English Language. You will focus on how people learn languages, how to describe and explain language to learners, and the approaches you can take to teaching reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.
In semester two, you will expand your knowledge of more specialist areas. You will choose from a range of optional modules to suit your own interests and professional contexts: for example, the development of TESOL materials, teaching young learners, or language learning assessment. Alternatively, you could choose modules from another area of the School’s provision: for example, you may want to study digital learning, international educational management or theories of childhood and youth.
In the final part of the year, you will use your newly-acquired knowledge and skills to carry out a small-scale piece of research. Your critical study can be related to your own interests within the field of education. As a condition of the MEd programme, your study needs to have a practical focus and respond to a real-life professional issue in TESOL education.
To support your work on the project, you will take a non-assessed research methods course. Help with your academic writing is available throughout the year.
Compulsory modules
Optional modules
You will generally have around eight to ten hours of classes per week including seminars, tutorials and lectures. However, independent study is an important aspect of this programme, either alone or in a group, as it allows you to develop key research, analysis and communication skills and develop your own ideas.
We assess most of our modules through written assignments; you will be able to choose from a range of assignment topics. To help you prepare, you’ll be able to submit a draft to your tutor for comment beforehand.
Our students frequently find that new career opportunities open up for them, either in their home countries or in new international settings.
Some of our graduates have started work in teacher training, materials creation, or curriculum design. Others have started their own private language teaching business or moved from school to university teaching.
We also encourage students who do particularly well on the programme to consider doctoral level study with a view to an academic career. Students who return to their original classrooms often find they have fresh perspectives and their work becomes more rewarding and effective.
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.
The Master of Education Special Educational Needs & Disability (MEd SEND) is a programme of study designed and delivered by Real Training and quality assured by Middlesex University. You will receive a Middlesex University award upon completion.
Book your place on our part-time programme and create a pathway that suits you. Modules are worth from 30 to 60 credits each. As this is a part-time programme you can take a maximum of 90 credits in one academic year. You need 180 (level 7) credits to obtain your MEd.
Contact us if you wish to transfer Masters-level (M-level) credits from another institution in line with our Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) policy.
The MEd and the SEND Programme start in September, January and May.
Add real value to your educational setting
Develop real competence
Enhance professional expertise
Learn on the job
Engage with flexible e-learning
Take MEd modules in your own time and pace
Connect with your peers
We will ensure that you never feel lonely or unsupported in your studies.
Liaise with experienced tutors
Our SENCOs and EPs know the education sector inside out.
You will need to produce:
Where indicated by your tutor, you may submit multimedia resources that you have produced within your applied practice as part of your final portfolio of evidence.
MEd Psychology of Education brings graduates from other disciplines up to the academic standard of an honours degree in psychology, while exploring how the core areas of psychology can be applied in educational settings.
It demonstrates how the core areas of psychology - developmental, social, cognitive, psychobiology, individual differences and research methods - can be applied in educational settings. It is therefore an excellent starting point for individuals wishing to pursue a career in educational psychology.
You will:
You will study:
Please note that the MEd does not qualify you to practice as an educational psychologist. If you wish to practise as an educational psychologist, you will also need to complete the Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology.
Timetabling
Teaching takes place on Mondays and Thursdays between 1.30-4pm and 5.30-8pm. Part-time students can choose to attend either both afternoons, both evenings or all of one day
We take a varied approach throughout the course. In terms of teaching and learning, the course units are delivered through lectures, tutorials, group-work, practicals and simulations, case-based approaches, and enquiry-based learning. We encourage both individual and co-operative learning and research and hope to foster an ethos of lifelong learning. Many students are experienced teachers and we appreciate the wealth of knowledge and practical experience you bring with you on the course. During research-based learning sessions we encourage you to use all sources of information, including each other. You will receive comprehensive training in the use of electronic databases, library resources, and statistics and qualitative analysis packages. Many other key skills will be developed during the course.
The form of the assessment varies from unit to unit. Written assessment for a course unit usually totals 3,000 words, and may be in the form of an essay, critical review, research report or research proposal. All assessments will be followed by both formative and summative feedback. The dissertation is the report of an empirical research project investigating an aspect of psychology as applied to education in its broadest sense. It is 15,000 words long.
Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: [email protected]
As the MEd confers eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Status from the British Psychological Society, a career pathway for our graduates is professional training as a psychologist (e.g. Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology) and we have a good conversion rate in this regard with recent MEd graduates accepted onto doctorate-level training in educational, clinical and counselling psychology. The knowledge and skills gained by psychology graduates means that they are highly regarded by employers (Higher Education Careers Services Unit, November 2010) for work in areas such as health and social care, marketing and PR, management and human resources, education, and the public sector. Many of our graduates use the skills they have acquired to gain promotion or develop their existing careers, whilst others take the opportunity to change profession, for example, moving into teaching, research or working as assistant psychologists and in related positions (e.g. child and adolescent mental health worker). A small number of students go on to study for a doctorate by research (PhD) in educational psychology (which in itself opens a career pathway to working as a researcher or lecturer in higher education). More information about careers may be found on the BPS website http://www.bps.org.uk/ .
This suite of three year-long part-time programmes is for all health professionals involved in the education and training of undergraduates and postgraduates. Each year is self-contained and a qualification is obtained after each year: Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PG Cert) in year one, Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) in year two; and, Masters (MEd) in year three.
Download information on the Education for Health Professionals programme (PDF)
Download information on all the postgraduate study programmes in the School of Education (PDF)
This part-time programme is designed for health professionals involved in teaching at all levels, the PGCert allows you to develop your knowledge of theory and practice in teaching and learning. The PGDip and MEd focus on your skills as a researcher in education.
PGCert (Year 1)
This course is for health professionals who are involved in education and training. It provides opportunities to explore the theory underpinning current practice and enables you to apply this to your own education and training context. It is structured round the UK Professional Standards Framework https://www.heacademy.ac.uk/recognition-accreditation/uk-professional-standards-framework-ukpsf and is accredited by the Higher Education Academy at least until 2017/18.
There are two parallel one year part-time Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) courses that cover very similar materials in slightly different ways. The multi-professional course is for doctors, dentists, nurses and other health professionals; teaching on each module is led by a clinician and an educational expert. The other course is a partnership between the Health Professional Education and Research Unit (HPERU) and the Medical School with team teaching from both; it is specifically for Education Fellows involved in the education of undergraduates from the University of Birmingham.
There are 5 teaching days on each of the 3 modules below:
PGDip (Year 2)
Successful completion of an additional three modules part-time over one year, leads to the award of a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Education for Health Professionals.Your research skills and theoretical understanding will develop through engaging with literature, then designing and undertaking a small project focused on an educational topic of your choice.
There are 5 days of teaching on each of the 2 modules below
In addition, there is a third module which is research based
MEd (Year 3)
The PGDip can be extended to a Masters (MEd) qualification by completing a 15,000 word dissertation based on an educational research project of your choice.
In the PG Certificate, you will experience numerous approaches including presentations, plenaries and small group discussions. Your active engagement is strongly encouraged e.g. teaching someone a practical skill and presenting a poster at the Birmingham Conference. As is usual at Masters level, considerable self-study time is required outside the teaching days. The first two modules of the Diploma are similar with active participation from students. The third Diploma module and Masters are based on self-study to undertake your own research. Tutorial support is largely one-to-one meetings and emails, although group seminars are also included in the programmes.
Students are usually already employed in the NHS or other Health organisations such as universities and the military. The PG Certificate is HEA accredited, so on successful completion of the course, students are able to apply for professional recognition as Fellows of the Higher Education Academy. Currently the HEA are charging for this widely recognised teaching qualification: see http://www.heacademy.ac.uk/professional-recognition. However, please note that the HEA is under review so that this might change. The Diploma and Masters are research-based so suitable for those who would like to develop an academic component to their work.
The MEd in Education Studies is suitable for students looking to pursue part-time study in this area. It is ideal for those seeking a qualification whilst working that will enhance professional practice.
The MEd in Education Studies allows you to tailor your studies from a range of elective specialist classes. This course is ideal for those who want to study part-time alongside working. The classes are delivered either face-to-face on campus during the evening or at weekends or through the Virtual Learning Platform.
The MEd in Education Studies provides a critical understanding of education. It is not a teaching qualification, yet, a Masters level study of education can enhance students’ academic and professional understanding of education in ways that can enhance practice and career opportunities in the broader field of education.
The course enables you to develop skills to study at Masters level, develop a sophisticated and critical understanding of the concept of policy relating to education, extend your interest and understanding of learning and engage in a range of other, education-related areas.
Our MEd programmes are part-time over three years. Students are expected to attain 60 credits per year resulting in 180 credits.
Year 1
Students undertake three classes each worth 20 credits. Normally this will be one class per semester. For on-campus classes, this will involve attending three hours per week, delivered either in the evening or on Saturday morning. In total each class should take 200 hours including self-study.
For Virtual Learning Environment classes, this will involve participating in weekly online seminars delivered via My Place. The seminars are scheduled in the evening to accommodate working professionals.
Students who decide to complete their studies after one year will graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate.
Year 2
Students undertake three classes each worth 20 credits. This will usually consist of two optional classes and a compulsory class, Research Methods & Reasoning. The compulsory class equips students with the necessary basis for undertaking a dissertation at Masters level.
Research Methods & Reasoning is delivered entirely online via My Place during semester one.
As per year one, students will normally undertake one class per semester. The expected study time is the same as in year one.
Students who decide to complete their studies at the end of year two will graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma.
Year 3
You’ll carry out a research dissertation in a subject area of your choice worth 60 credits. We'll allocate a supervisor for one-to-one support whilst you carry out and report your dissertation. We aim to match you with the best fit for your specialist area.
You can complete your final dissertation by distance learning. This provides our students with the flexibility to complete their studies around work commitments.
The course is taught through a range of student and staff-led research seminars that you’ll participate in.
For our Virtual Learning Environment delivery the student group will participate in online seminars.
You’ll require:
The course is assessed through written coursework that draws on academic study and reflection on practical experiences in education.
This distance learning programme is open to teachers with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent, to work more effectively with learners who are deafblind (multi-sensory impaired). It is the only nationally recruiting programme leading to the GTC recognised Mandatory Qualification (MQ) in Deafblindness / Multi-sensory Impairment. An alternative non mandatory (Non MQ) programme is also open to teachers as well as other professionals with appropriate qualifications working with children and young people who are deafblind, who are not seeking the MQ.
This distance learning programme enables qualified teachers and others working in education related fields to work more effectively with learners who are deafblind (multi-sensory impaired). It is the only nationally recruiting programme leading to the GTC recognised Mandatory Qualification in Deafblindness/Multi-sensory Impairment. While many students are practising teachers working with children, others are from further education, social services, paramedical or medical specialisms, or residential work. An alternative non mandatory (Non MQ) programme is also open to teachers (as well as other professionals with appropriate qualifications) working with children and young people who are deafblind who are not seeking the MQ.
The programme aims to provide an understanding of the effects and implications of dual sensory impairment on development, learning, and communication, through theoretical and practical work. It will include skills in assessment, monitoring and recording, a knowledge of teaching approaches and of support systems.
Awards
AdCert Modules 1–3 (Honours Level)
BPhil Modules 1–5 (Non Mandatory only)
PGCert Modules 1–3 (Masters Level)
PGDip Modules 1–5
MEd Modules 1–5 plus PIE and dissertation
PGDip + MQ Modules 1–5 plus teaching placement
You may also be interested in our programmes on Vision Impairments and Hearing Impairment.
Students will learn at their own pace and in their own homes and workplaces. Study is supported through study packs, web based learning, with online materials, discussions and interaction, and through an allocated tutor in a small tutorial group which allows students contact. Regular broadband internet access is required for the programme, and students must have regular contact with learners with MSI for practical work throughout the programme.
There is a University based study-weekend twice a year. The dates for 2018-19 are:
Many of those who have completed the course continue to work with people with deafblindness (MSI) and some continue or progress to influential roles in specialist MSI units, or as advisory teachers for pupils who are deafblind. Others take key roles in such fields as managing further education for MSI learners or sensory impairment in an LEA or other setting, or go on to promoted posts in school or other management.
As contemporary societies become more heterogeneous, and as inclusive education reforms gain currency across the world, educational systems are being challenged to address some fundamental questions about teaching and learning related to the accommodation of and respect for difference.
Underpinning the movement for inclusion is a concern for social justice and wellbeing. Meeting the diverse needs of learners within today's schools, colleges and universities, is one of the most challenging and important tasks facing education today.
This thoroughly revised Master's degree is unique not only because of the disciplinary approaches it employs, but also because students study and apply an approach to wellbeing that has been developed by some of the world’s leading thinkers.
This is an approach that is internationally recognised by, for example, the UN, and whose principles are increasingly found in government policy on education and SEN, namely the Capability Approach. We are one of the very few institutions in the UK to offer this practical and ethical approach to assessing issues of SEN, equality and inclusion.
The skills you will develop include critical thinking skills and how best to be an inclusive practitioner. Importantly, this is a professionally based degree which means that you will apply what you have learned to your own professional practice whether you are a classroom assistant, SENCO or university lecturer.
◦As a prestigious Russell Group University, Queen’s is ranked 8th within the UK in relation to research intensity;
◦ Education at Queen’s has been ranked 4th within the UK in relation to research intensity with 87% of the research undertaken within the School assessed as ‘internationally excellent or world leading’ (REF, 2014);
◦We provide a professional development opportunity for: mainstream primary and secondary teachers from the newly qualified phase of professional development onwards; and, individuals whose professional or voluntary roles are strongly associated with life in regular classrooms and schools e.g. School Governors, Learning and Behaviour Mentors and Classroom Assistants;
◦We understand the many demands on students’ time, so the content is delivered in a mixture of face-to-face and online formats and you can study one or more of our modules as a short course;
◦If you don’t want or need to study for the research dissertation, flexible exit qualifications (PG Diploma, PG Certificiate) are available.
The MEd in Inclusion and Special Needs Education is awarded to students who have successfully completed 120 CATS points from taught modules and 60 CATS points from a Master's dissertation.
Exit qualifications are available. Students may exit with a Postgraduate Diploma by successfully completing 120 CATS points from taught modules or an Postgraduate Certificate by successfully completing 60 CATS points from taught modules.
We've made it easy to study for a Masters module as a short course. If you would like to study for one of the modules in the MEd in Inclusion and Special Needs Education as a short course, please contact the Postgraduate Secretary (tel: 028 9097 5923/5032, [email protected]) for advice.
Core Modules (compulsory, all 20 CATS points):
An Introduction to Research Methods: Children, Young People and Education (online)
This module will provide you with an understanding of differing perspectives that underpin quantitative and qualitative methodologies and is required preparation for your research dissertation.
Reimagining Special Needs Education: Inclusive Pedagogy
We will focus on deconstructing Special Needs Education and Inclusion by exploring how some popular approaches and behavioural theoretical models have influenced our understanding of SEN. Much of the ‘knowledge’ of special education is, arguably, misconceived and promotes inequality, rather than addresses it. In examining the consequences of, for example, labeling, we will consider a powerful rationale for inclusion based on theories of social justice.
Special Needs Education and Issues of Equity
We will examine how stereotyping and prejudice contribute to forms of ‘epistemic injustice’ whereby what certain groups of people know is given less credibility and weight simply because of their disability, sex, class or ethnicity. The testimony of members of stigmatized groups is likely to be discounted because of prejudicial beliefs and attitudes, which can magnify the effects of injustice as well as create others. Our judgments, as we will learn, are likely to be affected by implicit biases even when we think we’re making judgments of scientific or argumentative merit. The effects of such epistemic injustice is the marginalisation and exclusion of already vulnerable such as the disabled, the working class, women, and people of colour.
Social Justice in Special Needs Education and Inclusion
We will explore some of the complexities of understanding equality in education and sketch some of the flaws with popular approaches to, and conceptions of disability and SEN. While all systems across the world espouse equal entitlement to education, the precise content of this goal is difficult to determine and agree upon. One approach which has emerged with considerable power and application is the Capabilities Approach (CA). The CA is an evaluative framework that entails two core normative claims: first, the claim that the freedom to achieve well-being is of primary moral importance, and second, that freedom to achieve well-being is to be understood in terms of people’s capabilities, that is, their real opportunities to do and be what they have reason to value.
Two optional modules may be chosen from the Educational Studies (MEd) degree.
There are no written examinations. Modules are assessed through a written assignment of 3000 words that is informed by the student’s own professional practice and experience.
