Mathematics Education MA

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The Mathematics Education MA is for teachers, tutors and others interested in how mathematics is taught and learnt. The programme gives students the opportunity to explore issues in mathematics teaching, to consider the theoretical underpinnings, and to carry out a rigorous study of mathematical learning.

About this degree

In the two core modules students consider research-based developments in mathematics teaching and their related sociological, psychological, curricular and linguistic issues, and they engage with mathematics itself, finding implications for teaching. Optional modules and the independent dissertation/report explore learning with digital technologies, study the wider values and practices of education, and allow teachers to develop and critique their own practice.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The Mathematics Education MA consists of two core modules (60 credits), two optional modules (60 credits) and a dissertation (60 credits), or a report (30 credits) and additional optional module.

A Postgraduate Diploma, two core modules (60 credits), two optional modules (60 credits), full-time nine months or flexible study up to five years, is offered.

A Postgraduate Certificate, one core and one optional module (60 credits), flexible study over a period of up to two years, is offered.

_{Compulsory modules}

• Understanding Mathematics Education
• Mathematics for Teachers

_{Optional modules}

Students can choose from the following optional modules.

Subject to availability, and approval, students can also choose optional modules from other UCL Institute of Education (IOE) MA programmes.

• Digital Technologies for Mathematical Learning
• What is Education?

Visit the IOE website for more information, including module descriptions, which can be seen by clicking on the module title.

_{Dissertation/report}

All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a 17,000-word dissertation or 8,000-word report.

Teaching and learning

Teaching consists of face-to-face seminars, discussions of readings, mathematical workshops, student presentations, as well as online interactions. The core modules are taught face-to-face, and some optional modules are delivered online or offer a choice of mode of study.

The programme is assessed through 5,000-word essays and a 20,000-word dissertation or a 10,000-word report.

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change.

Funding

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

Careers

Graduates of this programme are currently working across a broad range of areas. Some are working as secondary school heads of mathematics, while others have jobs as primary school mathematics leads. Graduates can also be found working as head teachers and mathematics education lecturers.

Employability

For most teachers, the Mathematics Education MA enhances their satisfaction in teaching and adds a thoughtful critique that balances the pressures of teaching. It develops skills in mathematics, pedagogy, research methods and writing. This programme is a vital stepping-stone to a higher degree in mathematics education and a post in teacher education or education research. For non-teachers, this programme develops transferable skills of writing, critical analysis and understanding of how a mathematical perspective differs from other forms of reasoning.

Why study this degree at UCL?

The Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment Department at UCL Institute of Education is a world-leading centre for geography, business, mathematics, history, religious education, citizenship and science education. Students will work with tutors who are at the forefront of mathematics education research and who are directly involved in some of these developments.

The department provides an impressive range of cutting-edge MA and CPD courses, presented in face-to-face, distance learning or mixed mode formats. In addition we offer a first class PhD programme and staff are actively involved in an extensive range of innovative, nationally and internationally acclaimed, research and development projects.

The department's student population is very diverse: students on initial teacher education programmes, practising teachers, and a rich and diverse range of international students.

Department: Curriculum, Pedagogy & Assessment

Applications

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

There is an application processing fee for this programme of £75 for online applications and £100 for paper applications. Further information can be found at: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/taught/application.

Who can apply?

This programme is suited to teachers in primary, secondary and further education who are interested in mathematics education, and others with a strong background in both mathematics and education.

Application deadlines

6 September 2019

All applicants are required to complete a specific written admissions task. Please see the additional requirements page for further information.

For more information see our Applications page.

Apply now

What are we looking for?

When we assess your application we would like to learn:

• why you want to study Mathematics Education at graduate level
• what particularly attracts you to the chosen programme
• how your academic and professional background meets the demands of this challenging programme
• your experiences of using research to inform teaching and learning
• where you would like to go professionally with your degree

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver.

Visit the Mathematics Education MA page on the University College London website for more details!