Masters Degrees (Pgce He)

Course Overview

​The PGCE Primary programme is taught from one of the largest centres of teacher training the UK.

​Students can opt to follow either the Foundation Phase route or Key St​age 2​ route.​

See the website https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/education/courses/Pages/Primary-PGCE.aspx

Entry Requirements

All applicants should meet the following essential criteria:
- GCSE grade B or above in English Language and mathematics and a grade C or above in science (or a standard equivalent) on entry to the programme. Students studying to teach in Welsh medium schools will also need a GCSE grade C or above in Welsh (first language).

- Applicants who have achieved a grade C or above in English Language and mathematics or equivalent on application will be considered for interview. Applicants will need to have made arrangements to resit the GCSEs or equivalent in order to obtain a B grade and indicate this on the UCAS Teacher Training application. If successful at interview, applicants will be offered a place subject to the B attainment. Please note, if you are taking a GCSE equivalent qualification, do not choose the option 'Equivalent' on the UTT application as this suggests you are applying to sit an internal test with Cardiff Met which we do not offer, you will need to select 'Other'.

- Good honours degree in an area related to primary education, of at least 2:2 classification; or any honours degree of at least 2:2 classification where an A level grade C or above (or equivalent) has been obtained in a primary curriculum subject area. Access to HE programmes are considered as an equivalent to A level within a relevant subject where 15 Merits have been achieved at Level 3. CACHE Level 3 Diplomas at grade C are also considered as well as Pearson BTEC (QCF)/OCR/NQF Level 3 Diplomas within Childcare at Merit Profile.

- Recent and relevant experience in a mainstream school across the primary age range. This should be for a minimum of ten days and taken place within the 12 months prior to attending interview. Evidence of this MUST be included on the UCAS Teacher Training application. Please include details within the work experience section of the UCAS Teacher Training form. Should applicants reach the interview stage, they will be required to bring evidence of the experience with them. This will be in the form of a reference from the head teacher of the school where the experience takes place, on headed paper and signed off by the head teacher.

- A strong personal statement indicating the applicant's potential to undertake the PGCE Primary Programme. The statement should demonstrate the breadth of knowledge and personal experience gained in primary education to date and how this has equipped the applicant to potentially be an effective primary teacher. A high standard of written English/Welsh is essential.

- The principal referee must be an academic who is most able to comment on the applicant's academic and vocational abilities. An academic reference for those applicants who have undertaken their degree more than 5 years in not required although one is preferred if this can be obtained. For those applicants whose HEI reference is more than 8 years old a reference from a more recent educational professional such as a head teacher is required. Should you have any queries regarding your reference, please contact Admissions.

​Course Content​​

- School Based Component
The School based component is undertaken in our excellent range of SEWCTET partnership schools and is an integral part of the programme. Students will spend a total of 120 days in school, which is predominantly arranged on a 4:1 split. This means that Monday – Thursday is spent on school placement whilst Friday is spent in university. This allows for clear links to be made between theory and practice and for the skills associated with being a reflective practitioner to be developed.

A key part of the development of the reflective practitioner is enquiry based learning to encourage student teachers to reflect critically on learners, their own practice, and to develop an independent, enquiring approach to their professional development. This is achieved through the completion of “Learning Packages” that focus on key educational priority aspects. The packages scaffold the student teacher in identifying their own areas of interest and to improve their practice in systematic ways, as they are more able to closely examine the issues and acquire newfound knowledge that is readily retained.

- University Based Sessions
The university-based sessions include either experience in the Areas of Learning outlined in the Foundation Phase or the subjects outlined in the National Curriculum orders. All university-based modules are studied at Master's level, allowing 60 credits to be achieved. The module ‘Learning and Teaching’ consists of three constituent parts:
- Learning & Teaching 1: Professional Studies
- Learning & Teaching 2: Literacy and Numeracy
- Learning & Teaching 3: Curriculum focus

All parts of the programme complement each other and specific links are made with the School Experience module. The module as a whole develops students’ conceptual understanding of fundamental principles of primary education and pedagogical aspects related specifically to Foundation Phase or Key Stage 2 (depending on route chosen).

- Time commitment required
The school-based element requires students to be in school for the normal working school day as well as additional time before and after school for preparation and meetings.

Employability & Careers​

Successful completion of the programme will lead to the Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) and recommendation to the General Teaching Council for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and provides opportunities for employment at the primary level.

- What can I expect to earn when I start teaching?
Information can be obtained from the Training and Development Agency for Schools website: http://www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching/salary.aspx

- Professional Development:
The programme also offers an advantage towards continuous professional development by affording 60 credits at Master’s level. These credits may be carried forward towards a full Master’s qualification studied on a full or part time basis.​

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he University of Huddersfield is pleased to be the training provider for a number of our primary and secondary school partners who offer school-led training through School Direct. As a School Direct trainee you'll have the opportunity to work as part of the teaching team in the alliance of schools to which you've applied from day one. Your chosen alliance will be involved in your selection, recruitment and professional development throughout the programme. School Direct trainees also benefit from studying with other trainees at the University of Huddersfield on our university-led PGCE programmes. Both routes have the same entry requirements, lead to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and include 90 Masters level credits.

If you've got an undergraduate degree and are passionate about training to become a teacher, then studying our PGCE Primary or Secondary Education with QTS (School Direct) could be for you. Each course has been carefully negotiated with our school partners to enable trainees to benefit from the unique experiences available within their alliance.

A significant amount of your learning will take place within the alliance. You'll benefit from being able to learn from and observe experienced teachers, gain practical hands-on experience and mentoring to help you develop into an outstanding and successful teacher.

Successful completion of your PGCE course prepares you to start your first teaching post (NQT year) within a primary or secondary school setting. Our courses are designed to prepare you to teach pupils in a specific age range, with opportunities to develop a comprehensive understanding of progression in the age phases before and after. Our School Direct Primary training will take place across the 3-7 and 5-11 age ranges and our School Direct Secondary training across the 11-16, 11-18 or 14-19 age ranges.

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We’re recognised as one of the leading institutions in the country for teacher training. Enjoying a strong national and international reputation, we have a long and distinguished record of training teachers dating back to 1839. Our PGCE Secondary programme, with recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), offers high-quality training for those wishing to teach in the secondary age range.

The Religious Education route is designed to equip all trainees to teach Religious Education across Key Stages 3 and 4 and to A Level.

Visit the website: http://www.chi.ac.uk/pgce-secondary-religious-education

Course detail

The subject specific element of the course is delivered at our Bognor Regis Campus.

The subject specific sessions are complemented by a Professional Studies programme, which is also based at Bognor Regis.

Format and assessment

In addition to your subject specialism, you’ll study a Professional Studies element of the course, which includes:

- Professionalism in Education
- Identity, Equality and Inclusion
- Closing the gap in access and achievement
- Reflective practice
- Positive behaviour management
- Working with learning support assistants
- English as an additional language
- Child protection and Prevent
- Pastoral care in schools
- Literacy and numeracy across the curriculum
- Research skills
- The relationship between theory and practice
- Special Educational Needs
- Vocal skills
- Applying for teaching posts
- Personal, Social and Health Education
- Building rapport and resilience

he programme’s delivered full-time over 38 weeks with 70% practical school experience in established partner schools and 30% university-based time, divided between Professional Studies and subject study.

This experience provides you with the opportunity to work alongside serving teachers, learning about the broader roles and skills of teachers and other school staff.

The course is assessed through observation during teaching placements and written assignments.

To gain a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) students need to complete three 4,000 word assignments at FHEQ level 7 (Masters), and two blocks of School Experience.

How to apply:

https://dotmailer-surveys.com/f31ueg1e-c011re4a

Funding for postgraduate students:

For information on funding and scholarships, please visit: http://www.chi.ac.uk/study-us/fees-finance/funding-and-money-advice-0/funding-postgraduate-students

Our facilities

Over the past few years, we’ve redeveloped both of our campuses so that you have the best facilities available for your degree. We pride ourselves on the quality of the learning environment we can offer our students.

At Bognor Regis campus there is an integrated approach to the provision of learning resources and support. We offer a substantial collection of books, journals and other materials to help you further your research. A range of study areas for group and quiet study including Wi-Fi areas for laptop use are available, or you can use our open access PC and Mac areas. We use an electronic learning environment with an expanding portfolio of online library resources from anywhere at any time.

Our award winning Learning Resource Centre is at the heart of the campus. It hosts a modern library service with areas for quiet and silent study on both floors. Also situated in the LRC is the Support and Information Zone, Costa Coffee and over 80 open access work stations. An equipment loans centre offers laptops, tablets and other electronic devices for short and long term loans.

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The Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching A-Level Mathematics is designed for practising secondary Mathematics teachers who wish to develop or enhance their teaching at post-16 level. The course was developed at Warwick University under the aegis of MEI. In addition to developing your subject knowledge, you will focus on the theoretical underpinning of learning advanced Mathematics and will explore the evidence base for the teaching of one mathematical topic in more depth.

If you are considering this programme, you may also be interested in the MSc Mathematics Education.

Facts

Mode of study: a series of full-day sessions, usually in pairs.

Duration: an academic year.

Location: Durham City campus.

How will I be taught?

The course is very 'hands-on'. Expert tutors come from both Durham University and the University of Warwick. You will work with peers on a range of problems and will reflect on both Mathematics and the appropriate pedagogy.

You will be assessed using a variety of methods, including a portfolio, written assignments, reports and presentations.

What will I learn?

The certificate is based on two modules: A-Level Mathematics Pedagogy and Classroom-based Enquiry in A-Level Mathematics.

A-Level Mathematics Pedagogy

The module introduces the theoretical and practical underpinnings of advanced Mathematics teaching and learning and introduces existing research findings in the area. It covers issues such as the role of questioning in the A-Level Mathematics classroom, visual representations of complex concepts, proof and reasoning and the role of ICT. The assessment involves the production of a portfolio (33%) outlining both the development of subject knowledge and practical teaching skills, as well as a written assignment focused on a key topic in the learning and teaching of A-Level Mathematics (67%).

Classroom-Based Enquiry in A-Level Mathematics

The module develops the skills associated with small-scale, classroom-based research methods to enable teachers to explore an aspect of teaching and learning around one mathematical topic in their own classroom. Building on an understanding of research methods gained from existing literature, the module will examine alternative pedagogies in A-Level Mathematics, assessment, the role of optional modules (such as statistics, decision and mechanics) in developing mathematical understanding, as well as methodological ideas such as action research. The module is assessed by a presentation on a chosen classroom-based enquiry topic (33%) and a written report of the methods and findings of the enquiry project (67%).

Who will teach me?

Bernard Murphy is the MEI Programme Leader for CPD. After 11 years in the classroom, in England and, through VSO, in Tanzania, he joined MEI in 2003 to set up the TAM programme at the University of Warwick. Most of his work now involves CPD related to the Mathematics A-Level. In addition, he was recently involved in a European Project 'Awareness of Big Ideas in the Mathematics Classroom', carries out reviews of whole Mathematics departments, regularly presents master classes to primary and secondary school pupils, has been an A-Level principal examiner and is an author of textbooks.

Mike Ollerton is mainly responsible for supporting teachers through the two Master's modules. Mike has worked on Master's programmes since 1998 in Cumbria (formerly St. Martin's, Lancaster), Warwick )from 2011) and more recently in Durham (2012).He has 20+ years of secondary school Mathematics teaching and is passionate about seeking ways to make the learning of Mathematics accessible and understandable. Since 2006, Mike has been a freelance consultant, working with may schools and running courses focusing on problem solving and investigative approaches. He is a long term member of the Association of Teachers of Mathematics.

James Frost is a member of the Durham University team that works alongside MEI in offering the TAM programme. His primary role resides within the practical teaching element of the course and thus, he is responsible for ensuring that the ideals and philosophy of the programme are evident within the classrooms of TAM students. James has 20 years' experience as a teacher and educator, working on BA, B.Ed and PGCE programmes both in the UK and overseas (St. Lucia). Currently studying for a doctoral qualification, James is particularly interested in the use of ICT in Mathematics classrooms, especially the role of multiple representational environments in developing mathematical understanding.

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This course supports those working in HE, Further Education and Skills Sector and broader educational settings to critically engage with their professional practice as part of their continuing development. The PGDip is a separate exit award and is also the first part of the MEd route. It is possible to either work towards achieving the PGDip in Professional Practice as an end goal or take it as the first part of the MEd. The PGDip is delivered at the Preston Campus. This course is an internal progression route for our teaching toolkit, PG Cert LTHE, and also for our well established teacher education partnership, which offers PGCE and Cert Ed awards in post-compulsory education. The overriding aim of the course is to support professional development as a reflective researcher within a collaborative research community made up of peers and tutors. It will build research confidence to enable progression to further research activity and reflection.

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND ASSESSMENT

Assessment methods include: written assignments, presentation, academic poster, professional writing, dialogue, critical review and working with curriculum documents.

ACADEMIC EXPERTISE

The course is delivered by experienced staff with relevant research or practice in FE and HE in the areas of teaching and learning, professional development and education. Members of staff also teach on the MEd and EdD.

FURTHER INFORMATION

The over-riding aim of the programme is to support professional development as a reflective researcher within a collaborative research community. It builds research confidence to enable progression to further research activity and reflection. Further subsidiary aims of the programme are defined as:
-Enabling researchers /teachers to critically explore demands placed on them within their work context and professional role through research activity
-To develop a critical understanding of the impact of strategy, policy and quality procedures on their practice at institutional and sector levels
-To support the development of professional learning communities within Higher, Further and Lifelong Learning contexts
-To enable trainees to develop deep subject or pedagogic knowledge through research activity
-To support reflective and reflexive activity

Increasingly the PG Diploma is welcoming staff from secondary, primary and other educational settings seeking to develop their practice as professionals and as practitioner researchers.

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The Practitioner Enquiry MEd offers teachers, school leaders and other educators the means to engage in enquiry and research related to their own practices and contexts. Practitioner enquiry is associated with school improvement, teachers' professional development and educational innovation.

There is a general pathway and a leadership pathway – the latter requires you to focus on modules and a dissertation related to educational leadership and management.

Course participants come from across educational phases (early years to HE) and between educational sectors (schools, museums, colleges and universities, and educational consultancies). This diversity helps to create a dynamic and supportive learning environment in which you learn considerably from each other as well as from the course leaders.

The courses encourage you to take a practical and informed approach to the 'plan, do, review' cycle, and helps you to become more critically reflective to develop approaches rooted in evidence.

You will complete taught modules, to suit your interests and complement your career progression. There are also specific modules designed to support early career and leadership progression. In each module, appropriate professional learning is based on exploring the links between practice, theory and research.

Modules can be taken in any combination and order, allowing you to create a tailor-made course to suit your professional needs and interests.

The modules develop innovative approaches to meeting the demands of your work, whether just starting out in your career or taking significant responsibilities for educational excellence and actively supporting other professionals.

The knowledge and skills you develop through taught material will be consolidated and extended through completion of a dissertation.

Course tutors are active researchers and all teach and supervise across a range of courses. This provides them with a wide knowledge base and a genuine concern for the challenges of educational contexts, both in the UK and abroad.

The close relationship between the teaching and contemporary research activities based at Newcastle University has been identified as evidence of exemplary practice.

The MEd in Practitioner Enquiry is led by Rachel Lofthouse, and the Leadership pathway by Rene Kolgbauer.

The course draws on the expertise developed in the North Leadership Centre and the Research Centre for Learning and Teaching which are based in the School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences.

Delivery

Most students complete these part time courses over three years, although some enter with PGCE (or other) Masters level credits and can complete more quickly. It is recommended that you complete 60 credits per year.

Modules are selected according to your professional development interests. They are taught in a number of ways to accommodate part-time study. For example some are taught on Saturdays, some during half-term holidays, and some are scheduled for afternoons and evenings.

Teaching is fairly intense, and the learning from the modules extends into practical and reflective engagement with the workplace.

Assessed work requires you to use both reflective and enquiry-based techniques in your own professional context to construct a portfolio.

The final year is the dissertation, which is supported by supervision. It provides an opportunity for you to conduct bespoke research related to your professional and academic interests.

Placements

You are expected to work or volunteer in a professional educational setting. This provides the context for much of your practitioner enquiry.

Pathway

There is a general pathway and a leadership pathway – the latter requires you to focus on modules and a dissertation related to educational leadership and management.

Facilities

You are taught in the King George VI Building. You have access to the Education Resource Centre and associated borrowing rights

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The Coaching and Mentoring for Teacher Development PGCert offers teachers, school leaders and other educators the means by which to investigate existing and potential coaching and mentoring practice in their own professional setting. It makes links with national policy frameworks and research evidence.

This course draws on the expertise developed in the Research Centre for Learning and Teaching, which is based in the School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences. Course tutors are active researchers and all teach and supervise across a range of courses. This provides them with a wide knowledge base and a genuine concern for the challenges of educational contexts.

There are two modules; one based on investigating coaching and mentoring, and the other on improving it. The modules encourage you to develop quality approaches to meeting the demands of supporting others' professional development in their workplace.

The course also helps participants develop informed excellence in the role of coaches and mentors.

Coaching and mentoring are labels given to a range of approaches based on professional dialogue and collaboration. This course is therefore suitable for teachers and other educators - whether you are in the early stages of your career or taking significant responsibilities for educational excellence and actively supporting other professionals.

Module participants can come from across educational phases (early years to HE) and between educational sectors (schools, museums, colleges and universities, and educational consultancies). This diversity helps to create a dynamic and supportive learning environment in which you learn considerably from fellow participants as well as from the course leaders.

The course is led by Rachel Lofthouse, and co-tutored by David Leat.

Delivery

The two modules are taught over four Saturdays between October and March. Support sessions (which can be replaced by email support) run on two evenings. Teaching is fairly intense, and the learning from the modules extends into practical and reflective engagement with the workplace.

Modules can be combined with other Master's level credits (including the PGCE), to complete a full Masters with a dissertation.

It is also possible to study additional Master's-level modules, including a dissertation, in order to gain an MEd qualification.

If there are sufficient numbers of students in a school or cluster group, it is also possible to organise an out-posted group.

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The Innovative Pedagogy and Curriculum PGCert uses a practitioner enquiry approach. It encourages teaching professionals to take a practical and informed approach to the 'plan, do, review' cycle. We will encourage you to engage intelligently with evidence from multiple sources.

Course participants come from across educational phases (early years to HE) and between educational sectors (schools, museums, colleges and universities, and educational consultancies). This diversity helps to create a dynamic and supportive learning environment in which you learn considerably from each other as well as from the course leaders.

You develop both case study and action research approaches. This enables you to make informed judgements about pedagogic, assessment and curriculum matters. You will become more critically reflective to develop approaches rooted in evidence.

The course is suitable for teachers and other educators, whether just starting out in your career or taking significant responsibilities for educational excellence and actively supporting other professionals.

Course tutors are active scholars, have had or hold leadership roles within the education sector and all teach and supervise across a range of courses. This provides them with a wide knowledge base and a genuine concern for the challenges of educational contexts. The course is led by Rachel Lofthouse, and co-tutored by David Leat.

The course draws on the expertise developed in the North Leadership Centre and the Research Centre for Learning and Teaching which are based in the School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences.

Delivery

The course is made up of two modules, taught on four days between October and March. Support sessions (which can be replaced by email support) run on three evenings.

Teaching is fairly intense, and the learning from the modules extends into practical and reflective engagement with the workplace. Modules are taught in a number of ways to allow flexibility for part-time students. Some are taught on Saturdays, and some are scheduled for afternoons and evenings.

Modules can be combined with other Master's level credits (including the PGCE), to complete a full Master's with a dissertation.

It is also possible to study additional Master's level modules, including a dissertation, in order to gain an MEd qualification.

If there are sufficient numbers of students in a school or cluster group, it is also possible to organise an out-posted group.

Placements

You are expected to work or volunteer in a professional educational setting. This provides the context for much of your practitioner enquiry.

You should also be able to engage in professional practice development in the areas of curriculum, assessment and/or pedagogy.

Facilities

You will be taught in the King George VI Building. You have access to the Education Resource Centre and associated borrowing rights.

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The Educational Research and Innovation course offers teachers, school leaders and other educators ways to investigate existing research evidence. This course puts educators in the driving seat, encouraging them to their develop their own evidence-based understanding.

You will develop understanding of a range of research approaches and methodologies. This will enable you to make informed judgements about the research of others and to initiate research within your own professional context.

The course is suitable for teachers and other educators - whether you are in the early stages of your career or taking significant responsibilities for educational excellence and actively supporting other professionals.

Your background may be from across educational phases (early years to HE) or between educational sectors (schools, museums, colleges and university and educational consultancies). This diversity helps to create a dynamic and supportive learning environment in which you learn considerably from each other as well as from the course leaders.

The course draws on expertise from the Research Centre for Learning and Teaching, based in the School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences. Course tutors are active researchers and all teach and supervise across a range of courses. This provides them with a wide knowledge base relating to the challenges of research in educational contexts. The course is led by Pamela Woolner.

Delivery

The course is made up of two modules, taught on four days between October and March. Support sessions (which can be replaced by email) run on three evenings. Teaching is fairly intense, and the learning from the modules extends into practical and reflective engagement with the workplace.

Modules are taught in a number of ways to allow flexibility for part time students. Some are taught on Saturdays, and some are scheduled for afternoons and evenings.

Modules can be combined with other master's level credits (including the PGCE), to complete a full master's with a dissertation.

Placements

You are expected to work or volunteer in a professional educational setting. This provides the context for much of your practitioner enquiry.

You should also be able to engage in research-led professional development of your educational practices and pedagogy.

Facilities

The modules are taught in the King George VI Building. You have access to the Education Resource Centre and associated borrowing rights.

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Rooted in your practical experience, the MA programme emphasises the theoretical study of education. With up-to-date research and evidence-based information about mathematics learning, teaching, assessment, use of technologies and practice, you reflect on current
and future mathematics education practices, policies, mathematics curriculum technologies, problems and innovations.

Key benefits

- Cutting-edge research and a high profile research active staff.

- Highly supportive teaching and a climate built around success, excellence and commitment.

- Wide range of mathematics education specialisations from primary, secondary, training, HE, FE and adult sectors.

Visit the website: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught-courses/mathematics-education-ma.aspx

Course detail

- Description -

Although rooted in your practical experience, the programme emphasises the theoretical study of education. With up-to-date research and evidence-based information about mathematics learning, teaching, assessment, use of technologies and practice, you will be able to reflect on current and future mathematics education practices, policies, mathematics curriculum technologies, problems and innovations.

Your dissertation allows you to personalise your learning and to play a leading role in the profession.

- Course purpose -

For all those who teach, lecture or organise educational provision at any level. To enable professionals concerned with education to reflect on their practice and to inform such reflection by extending their knowledge. Students will be made aware of significant current developments in contemporary pedagogical policy and practice.

- Course format and assessment -

In order to gain the MA in Mathematics Education, students must complete and pass four modules (30 credits each) and a dissertation (60 credits). There are no examinations - all modules are assessed by written work.

How to apply: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/taught-courses.aspx

About Postgraduate Study at King’s College London:

To study for a postgraduate degree at King’s College London is to study at the city’s most central university and at one of the top 20 universities worldwide (2015/16 QS World Rankings). Graduates will benefit from close connections with the UK’s professional, political, legal, commercial, scientific and cultural life, while the excellent reputation of our MA and MRes programmes ensures our postgraduate alumni are highly sought after by some of the world’s most prestigious employers. We provide graduates with skills that are highly valued in business, government, academia and the professions.

Scholarships & Funding:

All current PGT offer-holders and new PGT applicants are welcome to apply for the scholarships. For more information and to learn how to apply visit: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/pg/funding/sources

Free language tuition with the Modern Language Centre:

If you are studying for any postgraduate taught degree at King’s you can take a module from a choice of over 25 languages without any additional cost. Visit: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/mlc

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The MSc Mathematics Education focuses in detail on important issues emerging from research into the teaching and learning of Mathematics at all levels, particularly with regards to developing understanding in Mathematis. The course builds on existing research taking place here in the Durham University School of Education, conducted by Dr Patrick Barmby.

Facts

Find out more about entry requirements, duration of the course and tuition fees here. (Note: this link will direct you to the University's central course tool. Use the link provided to return to the School of Education homepage.)

How will I be taught?

Teaching on the specialised core modules takes place in three full days, taught at weekends. This allows full-time and part-time, home and international students to meet. The teaching involves a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical activities.

You will be assessed using a variety of methods, including presentations, written assignments and portfolios.

What will I learn?

You will take Research Methods in Education (30 credits) and two other core modules: Developing Understanding in Mathematics and Representations and Reasoning in Mathematics. You will also choose one additional module from across those running in the School of Education. You will also research and write up a 15,000 word dissertation within the field of Mathematics Education. This is a supervised piece of work supported by specialists in the field.

The two core modules are:

-Developing Understanding in Mathematics

The module focuses on the notion of understanding in Mathematics in relation to learning theories and linking these ideas to broader issues such as problem solving, creativity, misconceptions and assessment. The implications of the research literature on these issues are examined in terms of pedagogical practice.

Assignments include a presentation on key issues from the research in a specific area of Mathematics (30%) and a 3,500 word assignment relating the theory of developing understanding to practice in schools with implications for teaching (70%).

-Representations and Reasoning in Mathematics

The module focuses on the use of mathematical representations in the teaching of Mathematics, relating the use of these to learning theories and relating these ideas more broadly to mathematical thinking and reasoning. Key representations that are used in both primary and secondary Mathematics classrooms are examined.

Assignments include a portfolio examining the use of a particular mathematical representation in the classroom (30%) and a 3,500 word assignment relating the theory of the use of mathematical representations to practice in schools with implications for teaching (70%).

The optional modules available for you to choose from are:

21st Century Technology (30 credits)
Arts in Education (30 credits)
Classroom Assessment (30 credits)
Judgement based assessment (30 credits)
Enhancing Teaching and Learning through Productive Thinking (30 credits)
Curriculum Analysis (30 credits)
Standardised Test and Exams (30 credits)
Intercultural and International Education (30 credits)
Intercultural Communication (30 credits)
Improving Computer Education (30 credits)
Management, Leadership and Change (30 credits)
Policy Studies (30 credits)
Psychology of the Learner (30 credits)
Special Educational Needs and Inclusion: Rhetoric or Reality? (30 credits)
Learning and Teaching in Science (30 credits)
Physics as an Additional Subject Specialism (30 credits)
Chemistry as an Additional Subject Specialism (30 credits)

Who will teach me?

Dr Patrick Barmby is a Lecturer in Primary Mathematics at the Durham University School of Education. In the past, he has published on a broad range of areas, including attitudes towards science and teacher recruitment and retention. However, his main areas of research are the notion of understanding in Mathematics, the role of representations in understanding and reasoning in Mathematics and teacher subject knowledge in Mathematics. Along with colleagues, Patrick wrote the textbook for primary teachers, Primary Mathematics: Teaching for Understanding, published in 2009 by Open University Press. This was based on his research work on understanding, reasoning and representations in Mathematics. Patrick and colleagues received research funding from the Nuffield Foundation for the project ‘Visual representations in the primary classroom', which aims to develop primary teachers' use of visual representations particularly for multiplication and fractions.

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