Education

In this module you will critically examine key concepts, issues and debates in education, enabling you to consider and conceptualise the aims, purposes and functions of education. You’ll examine the complexities, opportunities and challenges that ideas and approaches can raise in educational environments, as well as their effects in society more broadly.  
 
You will explore national and international policy frameworks, ideological perspectives and global contemporary issues such as the impact of international influence on national educational policies, the impact of educational and social inequalities, and the role of politics in education. This exploration will be the basis for asking challenging questions and making informed judgements about your own position within the various debates, and how you might respond to them.  
 
By critiquing dominant models of education, this module invites you to interrogate how specific ideological and cultural structures have come to shape the experience of learning and teaching today. 

This module provides you with the opportunity to assess, evaluate and learn to think with a range of theoretical frameworks and perspectives in education. You will develop your understanding of theoretical perspectives such as discourse and social constructivism, sociocultural theory, queer theory, critical race theory and gender performativity, and explore how these perspectives inform how we interpret and analyse key issues in education.  
 
You will consider the questions, problems and challenges that theoretical perspectives raise (and address) in contemporary educational settings and practices. You will take a critical stance in relation to the theoretical perspectives you encounter; to consider your own ethical, moral and political dimensions; and to reflect on the ways that these may inform your perceptions and practice.  
 
You will apply your understanding to develop possible re-framings, re-imaginings, or innovations for educational futures. The module will include some coverage of wider contextual challenges to the field and practice of education. 

This module enables you to approach your own research confidently and is a crucial step towards completing your dissertation. You will gain an overview of a variety of approaches (or paradigms) in educational research. You’ll explore in detail the philosophical issues which underpin different approaches, such as what we can know and how we can know it. 

You will develop an understanding of key elements of different methodologies, including clarifying research aims and writing research questions. You will also extend your understanding of research techniques, including those used in empirical and desk-based projects.

You will reflect critically on your own values and consider how these might impact upon your understanding of what research is; ultimately you will gain informed insight about which are most appropriate for your professional or personal context. You will also explore the ethical tensions inherent in research activity. 

This module supports you through the process of selecting, planning, conducting and evaluating a significant individual research project. You can research any area of personal, professional or academic interest relating to your masters award.

You will develop your ideas with close guidance from an experienced academic supervisor who will support you as you finalise your proposal, gain ethical clearance and undertake the project. Throughout the project, we offer expert tutorial support in groups and through individual supervision.

You can also make use of a variety of resources aimed at enriching your experience and improving the quality of your final dissertation. Most students find the dissertation the most rewarding element of the programme, and it is an excellent preparation if you are considering further study such as a PhD.