Masters Degrees in Further Education, United Kingdom

Introduction

‌The Teaching Qualification in Further Education (TQFE) is the recognised teaching qualification for individuals who currently work as lecturers in Further Education. It gives you the recognised teaching qualification for the FE sector, allows you to take the course at your own pace and provides opportunities to progress onto further qualifications.

If you are considering a lecturing career in Scottish Further Education, this course provides you with college-based placement experience and a highly relevant and marketable postgraduate qualification.

Accreditation

‌This course is accredited by the General Teaching Council for Scotland.

Course objectives

The Stirling TQFE programme has been offered for 15 years and is a well respected programme. The programme was commended in June 2012 when reviewed by the GTCs. The Stirling TQFE programme (at both UG and PG levels) integrates a range of pedagogic techniques which aim to encourage students to engage with academic and policy literature and to communicate with their peers as part of a ‘professional learning community’. Both face-to-face (on campus or on college based sites) sessions and a variety of online technologies are used to achieve the overall aims of the programme.

The Teaching Qualification in Further Education (TQFE) is designed to meet the needs of the contemporary Scottish Further Education (FE) sector. The content is based on the professional standards for FE staff as laid down by the Scottish Government and is fully accredited by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS). The course is suitable for:

In-service: Lecturers currently working in Further Education colleges
Individuals who work in other education and training contexts in post-compulsory education

Structure and content

You will complete three of the following modules:

Learner Identity and Diversity - Core module
The broad purpose of the module is that the students, employed as lecturers in Further Education colleges in Scotland (PG), will gain deeper and more critical understanding of their role and practices in the support and guidance of their students and in learning support. To this end the module aims to develop student understanding of the significance of learner identity in engagement in learning, to identify and critically assess the lecturers’ role and practices in support and guidance and learning support to particular students and groups, and to research and critically evaluate current institutional and wider practices, policies and research regarding support and guidance and learning support.

Teaching and Assessment - Core module
In this postgraduate module students encounter and critically examine some of the main theories of learning, teaching and assessment. Key to the work is the idea that practice can be informed by reflection, engagement with colleagues, with the practice setting and, importantly, through relating theory to the practice to teaching and assessing learners. This module focuses on the planning and enactment of a research-informed innovation in practice.

Professional Practice - Optional module
The module aims to enable students to critically examine their role as a vocational educator in further education and to identify areas of their practice that could be changed to improve the learning experiences of their students. Students will be encouraged to examine various debates about professionalism within further education and the implications of these debates for their own professional practice. The module will also introduce students to different frameworks of quality enhancement within further education and students will be supported in critically examining how these frameworks can enhance or hinder their professional practice. The final part of the module will focus on different approaches to professional learning with a particular emphasis on networked professional learning communities.

Professional Experiential Learning - Optional module
Those students who successfully complete the module will be expected to be able to undertake a self-directed study of a chosen aspect of their professional context/practice in a scholarly manner informed by appropriate literature. The outcomes from the study will be of benefit to the local institution, TQFE peers and the student themselves. As a consequence of completing this module students will have developed independent thinking skills, the ability to identify and frame in an appropriate way issues within their professional context/practice that are of particular relevance to them and to communicate with peers and tutors clearly and effectively about their study.

Delivery and assessment

The course is taught using a combination of lectures, seminars and materials made available via Succeed, the University of Stirling's chosen online learning environment.

The attendance requirement for most modules is two days per module, with all course materials available online in advance. Pre-service students are required to do additional work both on campus and in their college placement.

Three formal assignments are required (where a student has not been granted any exemptions) each of 3,000 words. Where the first submission is graded as a fail one resubmission attempt is allowed. Where the resubmission is graded as a fail the student must retake the module. The pass mark for postgraduate work is: 50%

A student is permitted a maximum of five assessment attempts (3 module registrations to include assessment only) per module.

In addition to the formal written assignments students are required to be observed teaching on two separate occasions and to complete a written reflective review of the observed lesson. One of the observations may be undertaken by suitably qualified college based staff.

http://www.stir.ac.uk/postgraduate/programme-information/prospectus/education/tqfe-in/

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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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Introduction

‌The Teaching Qualification in Further Education (TQFE) is the recognised teaching qualification for individuals who wish to pursue a career in the sector. It gives you the recognised teaching qualification for the FE sector and provides opportunities to progress onto further qualifications.

If you are considering a lecturing career in Scottish Further Education, this course provides you with college-based placement experience and a highly relevant and marketable postgraduate qualification.

Accreditation

‌This course is accredited by the General Teaching Council for Scotland.

Course objectives

The Stirling TQFE programme has been offered for 15 years and is a well respected programme. The programme was commended in June 2012 when reviewed by the GTCs. The Stirling TQFE programme (at both UG and PG levels) integrates a range of pedagogic techniques which aim to encourage students to engage with academic and policy literature and to communicate with their peers as part of a ‘professional learning community’. Both face-to-face (on campus or on college based sites) sessions and a variety of online technologies are used to achieve the overall aims of the programme.

The Teaching Qualification in Further Education (TQFE) is designed to meet the needs of the contemporary Scottish Further Education (FE) sector. The content is based on the professional standards for FE staff as laid down by the Scottish Government, and is fully accredited by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS). The course is suitable for individuals who wish to pursue a career in Further Education.

Structure and content

You will complete three of the following modules:

Learner Diversity

This is a core module within the postgraduate pre-service TQFE programme. The module provides an essential foundation for the TQFE course with its emphasis on a critical understanding of the diverse groups of students and the implications of this diversity for pedagogic and professional practice. Having studied this module students will have developed a clear appreciation of concepts such as ‘learner identity’, learner biography’, ‘cultural diversity’, ‘differentiated provision’ and the relationship between these concepts and their practice as professional educators.

The broad purpose of the module is that pre-service students of the TQFE programme (PG) develop capacity to respond positively to student diversity in giving support and guidance to learners and for their learning. This aim is supported throughout the module with a focus on the lecturer role in relation to diverse learner identities, students and groups. The module develops student capacity to identify and critically assess their role as a lecturer in relation to current institutional and wider practices, policies and research regarding support and guidance and learning support.

Teaching and Assessment 1

The module aims to provide students with an active learning space for professional enquiry into teaching and learning processes, skills and awareness, and the assessment of learning in post-compulsory contexts. Teaching and Assessment 1 focuses on broad theories of learning, pedagogic strategies and assessment for/of learning. This module focuses on the planning of a research-informed innovation in practice. The module relates to the Professional Standards for Lecturers in Scotland’s Colleges (Scottish Government, 2012) particularly the sections:

Planning and Preparing the Learning Experience.
Teaching / Facilitating Learning.
Assessment


Link Practice

This module provides the work-related element of the TQFE course for pre-service students. Within this module students will undertake a variety of activities that require them to make links between their experiences in the work-place, at the university and their development as FE teachers. The first element of Link Practice is the microteaching week on campus. During the microteaching week the students will gain experience in planning, teaching and evaluating lessons in a non-threatening environment.
As they progress through Link Practice students will be given the opportunity to focus on particular aspects of professional practice enabling them to better deal with the complexity of working in FE and addressing the work-based assignments associated with selected modules. Moreover, Link Practice provides the opportunity for students to test out and reflect further on the professional learning that occurs in college and university and through their reading.

Teaching and Assessment 2

In this postgraduate module students encounter and critically examine some of the main theories of learning, teaching and assessment. Key to the work is the idea that practice can be informed by reflection, engagement with colleagues, with the practice setting and, importantly, through relating theory to the practice to teaching and assessing learners. This module focuses on the enactment of a research-informed innovation in practice.

Professional Development

The module encourages students to examine their own professional practice in a critical manner and to relate their practice to wider processes of quality assurance at the college, department and individual level. After an initial face-to-face induction session the module is taught online using SUCCEED. A key pedagogic principle underpinning the module is that of developing a sense of a professional learning community whereby all participants are encouraged to learn with and from each other.

Students will be encouraged to examine various debates about professionalism within further education and the implications of these debates for their own professional practice. The module will also introduce students to different frameworks of quality enhancement within further education and students will be supported in critically examining how these frameworks can enhance or hinder their professional practice.

Delivery and assessment

Core modules are assessed through academic assignments that require students to make links between theory/concepts and aspects of their professional practice. Placements are assessed as part of the Link Practice module – the assessment requires students to maintain an online journal, write reports on their placement and have reports written about them by their college mentors.

Career opportunities

The course provides students with a ‘career change’ opportunity enabling them, on successful completion, to confidently seek employment as a further education lecturer. In the past some PG Diploma students have been offered employment by their placement college before completion of the course.

http://www.stir.ac.uk/postgraduate/programme-information/prospectus/education/tqfe-pre/

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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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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 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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This course is a follow-on programme for those who have successfully completed the Certificate in Teaching. For acceptance onto the course students must meet the entry requirements as set out and must liaise with their employer in order to provide evidence that they are employed in an FE College or in the work based learning sector. This course is offered at the Jordanstown and Magee campuses.

Visit the website: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/course/pgce-further-education-pt-m Magee campus; https://www.ulster.ac.uk/course/pgce-further-education-pt-j Jordanstown campus

Course description

Advanced teaching skills will be covered on the course. Your classroom practice will be observed and you will be required to draw upon reaserch and academic literature to complete your assignments.

This course is aimed at individuals already working in the FE or adult teaching sectors.

Advanced teaching skills will be covered on the course. Your classroom practice will be observed and you will be required to draw upon research and academic literature to complete your assignments.

How to apply: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/how-to-apply#pg

Why Choose Ulster University ?

1. Over 92% of our graduates are in work or further study six months after graduation.
2. We are a top UK university for providing courses with a period of work placement.
3. Our teaching and the learning experience we deliver are rated at the highest level by the Quality Assurance Agency.
4. We recruit international students from more than 100 different countries.
5. More than 4,000 students from over 50 countries have successfully completed eLearning courses at Ulster University.

Flexible payment

To help spread the cost of your studies, tuition fees can be paid back in monthly instalments while you learn. If you study for a one-year, full-time master’s, you can pay your fees up-front, in one lump sum, or in either five* or ten* equal monthly payments. If you study for a master’s on a part-time basis (e.g. over three years), you can pay each year’s fees up-front or in five or ten equal monthly payments each year. This flexibility allows you to spread the payment of your fees over each academic year. Find out more by visiting https://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/fees-and-finance/postgraduate

Scholarships

A comprehensive range of financial scholarships, awards and prizes are available to undergraduate, postgraduate and research students. Scholarships recognise the many ways in which our students are outstanding in their subject. Individuals may be able to apply directly or may automatically be nominated for awards. Visit the website: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/fees-and-finance/scholarships

English Language Tuition

CELT offers courses and consultations in English language and study skills to Ulster University students of all subjects, levels and nationalities. Students and researchers for whom English is an additional language can access free CELT support throughout the academic year: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/international/english-language-support

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This course will be of interest to those working in FE, HE and Adult contexts, including those supporting young people and adults in transition to independent living or employment.

The Postgraduate Certificate in Special Educational Needs and Disability in Further and Higher Education will be of interest to those working in FE, HE and Adult contexts, including those supporting young people and adults in transition to independent living or employment.

Our course will enable you to promote person-centred, inclusive practice that is in the interests of, and fulfils the needs of, young people and adults with special educational needs (SEN) and/or disabilities.

The course aims to build on your significant experience and expertise by encouraging you to use the essential skills of critical analysis and reflection.

Delivery will take place on our Riverside Campus in Chester, which has its own learning resources. The course can also be taught in schools and settings.

Learning alongside experts from the field through a range of learning and teaching experiences, you will enjoy lively debate and discussions around policy and practice.

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The MA in Pedagogy is designed for anyone who is involved in teaching and learning.

The MA in Pedagogy is designed for anyone who is involved in teaching and learning. There is a choice of modes of delivery to meet the needs of practitioners in all locations and phases of schooling: face to face, blended (combining elements of intensive face-to-face learning on study days with online learning) or an online programme.

This MA offers teachers and other education professionals - including teaching assistants, mentors and librarians - a choice of pathways related to their practice at all stages in their careers. The programme supports their learning and develops their ability to reflect critically on classroom practice.

The focus throughout the course is on developing pedagogical understanding as reflective practitioners. This degree will give students a wider understanding of key issues in the field of education in which their practice is located.

Throughout, students will develop a critical understanding of research methodology as they plan and conduct a small-scale enquiry into an issue of their choice. This will enable the student to further their own understanding of their practice whilst also having the opportunity to contribute to the wider contexts in which they work.

As they generate new knowledge, students will contribute to pedagogical theory and practice.

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, offering 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 programme offers six distinctive pathways: English, Mathematics, Religious Education, Science, Dyslexia, and Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND).

Course Content

This programme consists of five modules, with a choice of specialist modules allowing students to focus on an area of interest. Students who have achieved 60 credits of Master's award (Level 7) in their ITE qualification are eligible to apply for exemption from two 30 credit modules.

Core Modules
› Investigating Pedagogy
› Research Methods and Evidence-Informed Practice
› Leading Learning: Pedagogical Principles
› Academic Paper and Conference Presentation

Optional Modules - choose one of the following:
› Addressing Literacy across the Curriculum
› Innovation to Enhance Mathematical Learning
› The Values an Virtues of Religious Education
› The Purpose and Value of Science Education
› Dyslexia in the Classroom
› Critical Issues in Inclusion Practice (SEND)
› Pedagogical Issues in Practice

Please note: All information is correct at the time of publication. However, course content is regularly updated and this may result in some changes, which will be communicated to students before their programme begins.

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Learn to develop and manage inclusive provision for learners with autistic spectrum disorders on this flexible Advanced Educational Practice: Autism Masters course from Liverpool John Moores University. ​

•Study part time over three years on a course designed to support effective practice in the school
•Develop your professional practice through an inquiry based approach
•Enjoy flexible course delivery and fit studying around your work commitments
•Follow a curriculum closely linked to your professional practice needs


We recognise that our students are busy professionals and have taken this into account in the design of our programmes and assessments. Study on this programme is on a part time basis and integrate your learning with your full time professional role.​

The course is delivered around school/college term times, with 20 credits being studied per term for the first two years.

During your first year you will study three compulsory (core) modules specialising in key teaching and learning themes. Your second year will involve selection of two optional modules from an identified suite, and the core module in Researching Professional Practice. Your final year will involve 60 credits of research-based study through completion of the Dissertation or Professional Enquiry modules. University-based study includes taught sessions scheduled late afternoon (4pm to 7pm) and occasional conference style days scheduled on Saturdays.

A blended learning approach ensures you can usually study at a time to suit you and all modules are supported by online study resources with additional guidance available through face-to-face or virtual tutorials.

​​To keep on top of your study, you should be prepared to work between five and 10 hours per week (evenings and weekends). The practical applications of the course will involve the integration of study with your professional activity in school or college.

During your studies you will have access to LJMU learning resources including our libraries for independent study. You will be allocated a personal tutor to support your academic and professional development and will also receive guidance via email.

Taught sessions mostly take place at the IM Marsh campus, four miles outside Liverpool centre, although some sessions may take place in the city. The IM Marsh campus has independent study spaces with IT facilities, a library with relevant stock and study spaces, access to student welfare and support, a gym and other sports facilities, a cafeteria and shop. The campus library, open 8am to 11pm, houses the main collections linked to this course and you will also have access to the 24 hour, city centre Aldham Robarts and Avril Robarts libraries.​

Please see guidance below on core and option modules for further information on what you will study.​

Year 1

The Autistic Spectrum (core)

Investigates current research relating to the features of the Autistic Spectrum and explore its implications for practice.

Autistic Spectrum Disorder: from Theory to Practice (core)

Considers current research regarding the causal theories of Autistic Spectrum Disorder and develops deeper understanding of effective support techniques and interventions used nationally and internationally.

Autistic Spectrum Disorder in the Mainstream Context (core)

Develops critical professional practice in supporting learners with ASD through analysis of and engagement with current educational theory, research, policy and practice and its implications for your professional setting.

Year 2

Researching Professional Practice (core)

Provides an introduction to a range of research methods applicable to educational contexts, with a focus on practitioner enquiry, and how to develop a research project proposal and plan.

Teaching Young People with Special Educational Needs (option)

Develops understanding of special educational needs and disability through engagement with current theory, research, policy and practice and their application in your professional setting.

Social, Emotional and Mental Health Difficulties (option)

Explores current educational theory, research and policy relating to SEMHD implications for professional settings.

Specific Learning Difficulties (option)

Investigates current educational theory, research and policy relating to ADHD, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia and the implications for professional practice.

Identifying Dyslexia (option)

Develops knowledge and understanding of the characteristics, complex nature and issues related to the identification of dyslexia

Teac hing Learners with Dyslexia (option)

Investigates recent research relating to the teaching of learners with dyslexia and the implications for critical professional practice.

Year 3​

Dissertation (option)

Involves the development and implementation of a major research project relevant to your subject area, with the support of an experienced academic tutor.

Professional Inquiry (option)

Involves the development and implementation of several linked, practice-based research projects relevant to professional practice in your subject area with the support of an experienced academic tutor.​

Further guidance on modules The information listed in the section entitled ‘What you will study’ is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal Academic Framework review, so may be subject to change. Students will be required to undertake modules that the University designates as core and will have a choice of designated option modules. Additionally, option modules may be offered subject to meeting minimum student numbers. Please email [email protected] if you require further guidance or clarification

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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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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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This degree is particularly suitable for PE teachers, in all phases of education, and sport related professionals at any stage of their career.

The MA in Education: Pedagogy and Professional Practice in Physical Education is aimed at Physical Education teachers and Sports Professionals at any stage of their careers. It can be of great benefit to 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 professional practice and enable you to make a positive difference to the quality of learning and teaching within your educational setting.

Integral to this Master's programme is the opportunity to undertake a small-scale research enquiry into an aspect of practice as part of an intellectually challenging learning experience that relates theory to practice leading to the development of knowledge and skills relevant to practice and supporting career progression.

Why St Mary's?

Building on its long tradition of excellence in both teacher education and physical and sport education, St Mary's provides a flexible approach to this professional Master's degree.

This programme offers three distinct pathways: Pedagogy, Coaching and Sociology of Sport. These pathways meet the needs of a diverse range of Physical Education teachers and Sport professionals.

The MA in Education: Pedagogy and Professional Practice in Physical Education is offered part-time or full-time as a taught programme at St Mary’s University or a blended programme, designed to meet the needs of practitioners in Physical Education and Sport.

Staff involved in the programme all have considerable experience and expertise in their field of expertise. They are research active and involved in consultancy and in service training in the fields of physical education and sport, the leadership of innovative practice.

Course Content

This programme consists of five modules, with a choice of specialist modules allowing students to focus on an area of interest.

Core Modules
› Physical Education and Sport Leadership: Philosophy, Sociology and Psychology of Pedagogy
› Research Methods for Professional Practice in Physical Education and Sport
› Academic Paper and Conference Presentation

Optional Module One
› Pedagogy: Educational Context and Issues within Teaching and Learning
› Coaching and Mentoring; Pedagogy through Physical Education and Sport
› Sociology of Physical Education and Sport: Policy and Politics in Physical Education and Sport

Optional Module Two
› Pedagogy and Learning in Physical Education and Sport: Theory through Reflective research
› Coaching and Mentoring: Early Years to Adolescence, Physical Activity and Human Behaviour
› Sociology: Social Theory in Physical Education and Sport

Please note: All information is correct at the time of publication. However, course content is regularly updated and this may result in some changes, which will be communicated to students before their programme begins.

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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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This unique programme offers you the opportunity to train as a teacher in England while studying for your Master's degree.

This degree is designed to support the academic and professional development of international students who wish to study in London, develop as teachers and enhance their career prospects in England and in their home country.

The focus on Mathematics or Physics reflects the national shortage of teachers in these areas and offers students the opportunity to contribute to teacher development and policy in schools and institutions internationally.

Why St Mary's?

Our mission is to encourage, empower and support students to give, learn and belong to the St Mary's learning community. Our students are motivated to fulfil their potential, think critically and become global citizens through excellent, research-enriched teaching in a strong community of mutual respect, generosity of spirit and inclusiveness.

Building on our long tradition of excellent practice in teacher education, St Mary's provides a unique opportunity for international students through this professional Master’s degree. We are renowned for our caring student-centred approach: in 2016 we are ranked first in London for Student Satisfaction. We are ranked 'Outstanding' by Ofsted for Initial Teacher Training in both Primary and Secondary sectors.

The programme offers two distinctive pathways: Mathematics and Physics with opportunities to develop skills in teaching Mandarin.

Career opportunities

St Mary's University initial teacher training programmes have constantly high employment rates - no less than 95% of our students are employed by our partnership schools and schools where they have undertaken placements during their degree programme.

Nationally and internationally the need to recruit Mathematics and Physics teachers is growing. In England this is of particular concern with international teachers of secondary mathematics and secondary physic highly sought after. Many of our partner schools have already joined this

Many of our partner schools have already joined this programme to train and employ international teachers specialising in mathematics and physics.

The Careers Service has more information on graduate careers and part-time work available during your course.

Course Content

A list of all modules can be found on our website:
https://www.stmarys.ac.uk/postgraduate-courses-london/teaching-and-learning

Please note: All information is correct at the time of publication. However, course content is regularly updated and this may result in some changes, which will be communicated to students before their programme begins.

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