Masters Degrees in Adult Education Studies, United Kingdom

The PGCert Education: Further Education is a part time, three module course and is an ideal qualification if you want to increase your knowledge and skills in this sector.

This course is suitable for lecturers teaching in FE, Adult Education or for those training adults in industry or the public sector. Once you have completed the Postgraduate Certificate you can continue your studies to complete a master's degree in Education.

See the website http://www.brookes.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/pgcert-education-further-education/

Why choose this course?

You will:
- Gain further knowledge and skills that will enable you to progress in your career.

- Examine in depth the context of professional practice and will have the opportunity to relate it to your own values and experiences.

- Explore key issues and challenges raised by the complex and fast changing environment of FE.

- Have the opportunity to develop an inquiry related to your own practice.

- Be able to network and study with other practitioners in the FE and lifelong learning sector.

- Be joining a university which is widely regarded as a major contributor to the improvement of education and learning, locally and nationally. The School of Education is a focal point for lively, informed debate on education through its seminar and lecture programmes.

- Be working with highly regarded academics who are at the forefront of their subjects.

This course in detail

This course consists of three modules:

- Professionalism in the Lifelong Learning Sector
You will have the opportunity to examine in depth the context of professional practice in the Lifelong Learning Sector and to relate it to your own values and experience. You will consider the historical backgrounds of the sector and how these, along with recent initiatives, have shaped current understandings of professional identity and practice. You will examine the pressures for professional status and recognition for teachers in the sector, the drives for regulation and subsequent deregulation.

You will be encouraged to engage with a range of critical theoretical perspectives which will enable you to interrogate ideologies which operate through the discourse of 'professionalism' and to develop your own viewpoint.

The module comes together around two interlinked questions:
1. What is a professional identity?
2. How is this related to practice and the disciplinary regimes which shape the activity and subjectivity of the practitioner?

- Pedagogy in the Lifelong Learning Sector
You will focus on pedagogy in the FE context with the aim of expanding the repertoire of approaches to teaching and learning for FE professionals. This is informed by a range of theories of learning and models of teaching. You will explore key issues and challenges raised by the complex and fast changing environment of FE.

For example:
- Definitions of pedagogy and its role in effective teaching and learning with comparisons of different international approaches to pedagogical approaches.
- The importance of 'knowledge' in pedagogical practice
- A critical analysis of the way that theories of learning - behaviorist, cognitivist, constructivist and humanist inform pedagogical choice and practice.
- A critical analysis of a range of models of learning and their appropriateness to the FE context including experiential, inductive and problem based.
- Consideration of the theory of analogy and its place in FE teaching and learning.
- The role of technology in changing pedagogical approaches.
- The academic divide, vocational pedagogy and communities of practice and changing localities for pedagogy.

- Investigating practice
You will have an opportunity to develop an inquiry related to your own practice which can be assessed through either a report or a portfolio of work. This might include the development of pedagogical approaches or curriculum materials, or investigations into the achievement levels or opportunities provided for particular groups of learners. It could also include the development of professional practice through shadowing others or engaging in collaborative work across organisations. The syllabus will be determined by the focus of the inquiries selected by yourself adopting a 'learning set' approach.

How this course helps you develop

The PG Certificate aims to develop reflective practitioners at master's level. You will learn from other students with a wide range of experience working in various careers in the FE and lifelong learning sector.

Careers

Your learning on the course may lead to better prospects for career advancement. Completion of the course shows a commitment to professional development and can be used as a credit to build towards a full MA Education.

Free language courses for students - the Open Module

Free language courses are available to full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students on many of our courses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.

Please note that the free language courses are not available if you are:
- studying at a Brookes partner college
- studying on any of our teacher education courses or postgraduate education courses.

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The Level 5 Certificate in Teaching Adult Literacy /Adult Numeracy / ESOL is designed for current teachers who wish to study to gain a nationally recognised specialist qualification. If you already hold a teaching qualification such as a Primary PGCE, Secondary PGCE or PcET PGCE or Cert Ed, then this course is for you. Students choose one pathway from a choice of three as their specialism:

* Adult Literacy & Communication
http://courses.southwales.ac.uk/courses/1543-advanced-certificate-in-teaching-adult-literacy-and-communication
* Adult Numeracy & Maths
http://courses.southwales.ac.uk/courses/1544-advanced-certificate-in-teaching-adult-numeracy-and-maths
* ESOL
http://courses.southwales.ac.uk/courses/1545-advanced-certificate-in-teaching-esol

The specialist certificate provides you with the opportunity to review and extend your subject knowledge, and develop professionally. You will be challenged to look at your teaching practice afresh and to develop new insights and approaches to your teaching. You will be guided and supported by our specialist teacher educators, all of whom are experienced teachers in their field, enthusiastic about their subject and committed to enhancing your experience. You will also be encouraged to learn from others in the group, share good practice and develop links with teachers from other organisations.

Throughout the course you will share ideas about learning and teaching, and form new professional networks and friendships. Our dedicated teaching staff will support you in developing your own confidence, and understanding of, your subject.

On completion, you will gain a Level 5 Certificate in Teaching Adult Literacy & Communication OR Adult Numeracy & Maths OR ESOL.

What you study

You study in a subject-specialist cohort with opportunities to share good practice and professional experience with others in the group.

You will deepen your understanding of English language, literacy or numeracy (as appropriate) as a subject area. This will include knowledge of key questions, theories and concepts in your subject, as well as the development of your own personal skills in the subject area.

Learning & Assessment methods

Through assignments such as individual student case studies, presentations and seminars, teaching practice and reflections on theory and practice, you will extend your own practice and deepen your understanding of learning and teaching in your specialist subject.

We will consider how the theories of learning and assessment can be applied to the teaching of your subject. You will be encouraged to analyse and critique policies and practices relating to the teaching of your subject, and to develop your own considered approach to teaching language, literacy or numeracy.

Where Next?

It is expected that the specialist certificate will increasingly become a requirement in the sector. Furthermore, evidence from past years shows that completion of such courses enhances the career and employment potential of course members. The University's MA Education programme offers specialist routes for further, advanced study including the MA TESOL.

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This programme provides a strong grounding in the practices used in teaching adults, as well as an opportunity to conduct a practice-related research project.

Why this programme

-The programme is open to people with little or no experience in teaching adults, but also works well for those with more knowledge of the field.
-The programme combines a good background in the theories and history of teaching adults with a substantial placement component.
-The placement allows you to work with an adult education agency for 100 hours, and counts as two courses in the programme. You can choose your own type of organisation for your placement, and we will help to set it up.
-Students tell us that they come out of the programme with much stronger knowledge of teaching adults as well as a better understanding of what that means to their teaching practice.

Programme structure

You will take a taught component of four core courses alongside the work placement. For the MSc you will also complete a supervised research project of between 12,000 and 15,000 words.

The teaching segment provides great opportunities to build professional and personal relationships through seminars, fieldwork and self-directed or group projects.

You will have the opportunity to gain real-life experience in the area of adult education through the adult learning placement. The placement gives you the opportunity to relate theory to practice within an adult learning organisation of relevance and interest to you.

Core courses
-The psychology of adult learning
-Modern educational thought
-International issues in adult and continuing education
-Curriculum development in adult and continuing education

Career prospects

Many of our graduates have gained employment in the higher education sector, including international and UK universities. You could also find roles in adult education for local councils, healthcare departments and adult literacy.

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The MA in Education: Leading Innovation and Change course aims to develop evidence-based innovative educational practice.

The well-established and popular MA in Education: Leading Innovation and Change programme is designed to meet the professional development needs of teachers and other education professionals. This includes school administrators, business managers, finance officers, librarians, data managers and ICT managers through all phases of schooling and other educational contexts, and at all stages of their careers.

The programme enables middle and senior leaders (and aspiring leaders) to engage in critical reflection on their experience and understanding of leadership as they develop their scholarly knowledge whilst linking theory with practice.

Students have the opportunity to explore an area of particular interest and relevance to their professional role as they undertake a small-scale practitioner research enquiry, leading to evidence-based innovation.

The programme that helps schools to develop a research culture supported by continuing professional learning with potential for high impact on school improvement.

A Student View

Headteacher, Secondary School
"St Mary’s MA in Education, with its focus on research-based enquiry, has been the best form of continuing professional learning that our school has been involved in."

Why St Mary's?

Building on our long tradition of excellent practice in teacher education, St Mary's provides a flexible approach to this professional Master’s degree.

In addition to being delivered at the university and as a distance programme, it is also taught in school-centres in partnership with individual schools and groups of schools. This offers the opportunity for busy professionals to study in small groups in their own context. The timing of taught sessions and tutorials can be arranged to meet the needs of the students.

The success of this course lies in the flexible structure, bespoke delivery and quality of teaching offered. Students apply their learning to practical situations within their own schools, using their knowledge to drive effective change. The MA is designed to facilitate reflection and inquiry into practice and supports the long-term career development of participants.

Course Content

The course aims to:
-Help schools and staff develop so that learning improves.
-Enable schools and staff to advance their professional skills and expertise through the development of a research culture.
-Provide a framework of support for progressing school development priorities, offering planned feedback opportunities for research and development within schools.
-Provide support for staff actively engaged in change leadership and management initiatives.
-Support staff in generating evidence of their work in the curriculum to contribute to performance management and school self-evaluation.
-Enable schools to address recruitment and retention challenges by offering advanced qualifications at Master's level, in partnership with St Mary's University.
-Enhance career progression through participation in a quality professional development programme.

All modules can be viewed on our website:
https://www.stmarys.ac.uk/postgraduate-courses-london/leading-innovation-and-change-education

Career Prospects

The MA in Leading Innovation and Change programme is aimed at teachers and other education professionals at any stage of their careers, those in senior and middle leadership roles and those aspiring to leadership positions in the early years, primary, secondary and post-sixteen sectors and in other educational establishments. The programme will offer you the opportunity to be at the forefront of leading and managing school initiatives and enable you to make a positive difference to the quality of learning and teaching within your educational setting.

What the course can lead to:
-The development of teacher expertise in a chosen field of enquiry
-High impact on practice (school improvement and professional understanding)
-Knowledge of change leadership and management dynamics
-Skills in presenting work/research findings
-Experience in writing for professional and academic audiences
-Career-long teacher development at various levels
-Subject Leadership
-Senior Leadership
-An ongoing engagement with practitioner research
-Doctoral studies

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About the course

Students will be supervised by an internationally recognised Director of Studies and a second supervisor. In addition to the individual support received, through empirical research, group discussion and activities, and critical engagement with diverse education theories, practices and policies, students will gain world-leading experience and skills in educational research. IRED encourages and supports students to share their findings at internal and external conferences and seminars, and by publishing in relevant journals. Students are also supported to develop their academic research profiles/careers and enhance their employability within educational research and academic more broadly.

Key features

-The ability to undertake independent research
-Monthly PhD seminar programme complements the supervision activities and provides feedback on research content and progress

Career opportunities

A doctorate is increasingly essential for those seeking to establish careers in research (in the public, private and third sector organisations) and academia (teaching, research and various support positions). The research experience acquired through the doctorate can assist applicants in gaining international educational appointments, as well as securing competitive post doctoral research positions.

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Teaching in a primary school is one of the most rewarding careers you can have. You will be working with a team of teachers and other adults to support children (aged 5 to 11) to succeed inside and outside the classroom. The course is taught by expert tutors with extensive experience working in educational settings, ensuring you are well supported to achieve the best results.

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The MA in Education (Academic Practice) pathway encourages and supports rigorous and critical professional development, which aims to have significant impact on student outcomes.

It enables staff to pursue their scholarly and research interests in Higher Education (HE) pedagogy, whilst retaining a practical focus, with modules on curriculum development, academic leadership and the wider context of higher education in society.

The MA in Education (Academic Practice) pathway is one pathway within an MA Education programme that has been specifically designed for education professionals from a wide range of settings and phases. Students will benefit from interaction with the postgraduate community, with opportunities to attend conferences, study days, lectures and seminars on campus and at other locations.

Visit the website: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/courses/postgraduate/education-academic-practice.aspx

Course detail

The pathway has three stages.

Stage 1: you will import 60 credits from your Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (or equivalent qualification).

Stage 2: three compulsory 20-credit modules, which you will normally study in your first year of registration. You will study areas that are essential to successful academic practice, from the student perspective and in terms of your own career. This will normally include aspects of curriculum design, leadership and change management, in the context of the changing nature of higher education in the UK.

Stage 3: you will attend research methods training and write your 60-credit dissertation, which will explore an area of your higher education professional practice using an appropriate educational research method. You will normally complete Stage 3 in your second year of registration.

Suitability

The pathway will be of interest to all staff wishing to:
• Enhance their teaching practice;
• Further develop their academic career;
• Deepen their scholarly understanding of higher education pedagogy.

It may be of particular interest to academic staff who do not have a Master’s degree, or would like a practice-related Master’s degree in addition to an academic subject-based qualification they may already hold.

It will also be of interest to academic staff who are considering undertaking a research degree with a focus on higher education pedagogy.

Throughout the modules, reference will be made to the UK Professional Standards Framework and how this might be engaged with in order to address the descriptor statements for gaining either Senior or Principal Fellow status with the Higher Education Academy.

Format

The course is normally delivered through group seminars and lectures, one-to-one tutorials, workshops and activities, enquiry and guided independent study. Online resources and facilities are available through the virtual learning environment. You will have full access to the University’s online resources and e-library as well as facilities on campus.

As well as taught sessions and workshops, there is personalised tutorial support, with writing days and postgraduate conferences to support your development and scholarship, organised within the wider MA in Education courses. Members of the postgraduate community meet for conferences and study weekends at various times during the year to provide peer support.

Assessment

In Stage 2, assessment is normally through a 4,000-word assignment per 20-credit module. The assignments are varied and flexible in nature and are designed to maximise the potential to examine, explore and enhance the participant’s existing professional practice, particularly in seeking to integrate the different aspects of academic practice.

In Stage 3, your 60-credit dissertation will explore an area of your higher education professional practice using an appropriate educational research method. The dissertation will be supervised by a suitably qualified member of academic staff at the University.

What can I do next?

The course is studied alongside your full-time or part-time employment.

It is intended that successful completion of the pathway will equip you with the skills and knowledge to enhance your teaching and improve student outcomes. It is intended that your promotion prospects will be enhanced not only by the Master’s qualification itself, but also by your enhanced ability to understand and discuss contemporary issues in higher education, to lead and implement change and by your increased participation in research.

Within the wider MA Education community, we have a wide network of alumni who may continue with postgraduate study on our popular EdD programme or a PhD, contribute to Master’s programmes as associate staff and offer expert support to colleagues engaging in Master’s study and research

How to apply

For information on how to apply, please follow this link: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/how-to-apply/how-to-apply.aspx

Funding

-Masters Loans-

From 2016/17 government loans of up to £10,000 are available for postgraduate Masters study. The loans will be paid directly to students by the Student Loans Company and will be subject to both personal and course eligibility criteria.

For more information available here: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/funding-your-degree/funding-your-postgraduate-degree.aspx

-2017/18 Entry Financial Support-

Information on alternative funding sources is available here: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/funding-your-degree/2017-18-entry-financial-support.aspx

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This flexible Masters course has been designed for education professionals from a wide range of settings and phases (early years, primary, secondary, further and higher education). You may be currently working or taking a break to pursue your studies full-time.

The course encourages and supports rigorous and critical professional development that can have significant impact on all learners’ outcomes and organisational change. It has flexible modules to enable you to explore your interests and concerns relevant to your professional context. As well as the generic course, there are a number of specialist Postgraduate Certificates that can be studied separately or incorporated into the main course, along with a specialist route for those involved in higher education.

There is a thriving postgraduate community with opportunities to attend conferences, study days, workshops and seminars on campus and at other locations.

Visit the website: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/courses/postgraduate/education.aspx

Course detail

The following themes run through the whole course:

• Education research, theory and professional knowledge;
• Education policy and its implications for practice;
• Reflective practice and professional development;
• Enquiry and evidence-based practice;
• Creativity and innovation in education;
• Leadership, advocacy and action research;
• Values, nature and purpose of education;
• Contemporary international perspectives and cultural diversity;
• Sustainability, inclusion and globalisation.

Suitability

The course is for anyone with an interest in education, including those currently employed in different education settings or involved in educational work within an organisation or agency. The course can be studied full-time (normally 1 year) or part-time (normally 3 years). The full-time option, may be more suitable if you are taking a break from employment or following on from undergraduate study.

Content

All of the modules carry Teaching and Learning Academy (TLA) recognition.

• Critical reflection in professional practice (MTLA) (20 credits);
• Enquiry and evidence in professional practice (MTLA) (20 credits);
• Reading the changing policy landscape (MTLA) (20 credits);
• Learning theories (MTLA) (20 credits);
• Issues in mentoring, coaching and critical friendship (MTLA) (20 credits);
• Critical theory and evidence ¬informed practice (MTLA) (20 credits);
• Negotiated module – on a focus of your choice (MTLA) (20 credits);
• Evaluation and research methods and dissertation (MTLA) (60 credits).

Format

The course is normally delivered through group seminars and lectures, one to one tutorials, workshops and activities, enquiry and guided independent study.

Assessment

Your learning is assessed by written papers, portfolios and reflective learning journals, depending on the modules studied, and the final dissertation. These are submitted and marked online. Each 20 credit module assignment is 4,000 words or equivalent. The dissertation is 15-18,000 words.

What can I do next?

The part time course is normally studied alongside full­-time or part-­time employment as a teacher, lecturer or in other education settings, while full­time students often use this opportunity to enhance employability or change direction.

Your promotion prospects and performance at interview are enhanced not only by the Master’s qualification itself but also by discussing interesting and valuable research in progress and by showing confidence in understanding contemporary issues in education.

We have a wide network of alumni who may continue with postgraduate study on our popular EdD course or a PhD, contribute to Masters courses as associate staff and offer expert support to colleagues engaging in Masters study and school-based research. Many are involved in mentoring and coaching in professional settings and may progress into new senior leadership roles.

How to apply

For information on how to apply, please follow this link: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/how-to-apply/how-to-apply.aspx

Funding

-Masters Loans-

From 2016/17 government loans of up to £10,000 are available for postgraduate Masters study. The loans will be paid directly to students by the Student Loans Company and will be subject to both personal and course eligibility criteria.

For more information available here: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/funding-your-degree/funding-your-postgraduate-degree.aspx

-2017/18 Entry Financial Support-

Information on alternative funding sources is available here: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/funding-your-degree/2017-18-entry-financial-support.aspx

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Our MA is an innovative degree that offers a challenging and engaging course of study for anyone interested in the field of global and international education. The course responds to the sometimes rapid changes to education on a global and international scale.

Visit the website: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/courses/postgraduate/global-and-international-education.aspx

Course detail

You will study a multidisciplinary postgraduate degree course consisting of six 20 credit modules and one 60 credit dissertation. It can be studied full-time over the course of one year, or up to three years part-time.

There are two compulsory modules designed to introduce you to the terrain of global and international education, and the approaches used to understand this terrain:

• Theoretical Perspectives on Global and International Education
Introduces you to the key theoretical perspectives and concepts relating to global and international contexts of education.

• Researching Education in a Global World
You will be introduced to education research methods to support your dissertation.

Suitability

It is suitable for anyone with an interest in education on a global and international scale, particularly for those who wish to pursue a career as an educational professional, or who wish to work in governmental and non-governmental roles both nationally and internationally.

Content

Optional modules:

• Global Childhoods
• Internationalisation of Higher Education: Transformation and Exploitation
• Development Education 1: issues and challenges
• Development Education 2: enquiry and impact
• Intercultural Learning through Study Visits
• The Intercultural Dimension
• Ethics and Globalisation and Thinking Cosmopolitanism.

Format

Formal contact hours with tutors involve lecture, seminar, discussion and workshop type activities. Lectures are used to underpin key concepts and challenges and initiate areas of study. Seminars, workshops and discussions focus on developing critical thinking, enabling you to comment upon particular aspects of current research; and to devise, justify and sustain your arguments.

You are expected to work independently as well as collaboratively in pairs, groups and action learning sets to aid support and critical reflection and you will also benefit from access to the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) which offers further study and self-help mechanisms.

Assessment

A range of written assignments and final dissertation.

What can I do next?

This course is particularly suitable if you wish to pursue a career as an educational professional, or wish to work in governmental and non- governmental roles both nationally and internationally. It is also be of interest to existing teachers seeking middle and senior leadership in teaching, as well as those interested in other aspects of school sector service provision, and those working in education systems. Graduates can also go on to study at doctoral level.

How to apply

For information on how to apply, please follow this link: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/how-to-apply/how-to-apply.aspx

Funding

-Masters Loans-

From 2016/17 government loans of up to £10,000 are available for postgraduate Masters study. The loans will be paid directly to students by the Student Loans Company and will be subject to both personal and course eligibility criteria.

For more information available here: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/funding-your-degree/funding-your-postgraduate-degree.aspx

-2017/18 Entry Financial Support-

Information on alternative funding sources is available here: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/funding-your-degree/2017-18-entry-financial-support.aspx

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This postgraduate certificate has been designed for students who wish to accredit their leadership development in special educational needs and disability policy and practice in the workplace. It is designed to support those who either have, or who are aspiring to a leadership role in special educational needs and disability (SEND) provision.

This postgraduate certificate has been designed for students who wish to develop their knowledge of special educational needs and disability policy and practice in the workplace.

It is designed to support those who are interested in learning about leadership in SEND policy and practice at postgraduate level.

Successful completion of the programme enables you to gain 60 M level credits which can contribute to further M level studies to achieve a Masters qualification.

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