Education Studies
This MEd Specialist option draws on a wide range of academic disciplines such as philosophy, psychology and sociology to further our understanding of learning and educational contexts. Drawing on up-to-date research, the programme focuses on how we learn, from early childhood through compulsory schooling and into adulthood, and offers a rigorous analysis of broader educational systems such as curricula, policies and schools in their societal context.
| Award Name | Postgraduate Diploma at UK Level 7 |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Queens University Belfast |
| NFQ Level | |
| Award Name | Degree - Masters at UK Level 7 |
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Queens University Belfast |
| NFQ Level | |
| Award Name | Postgraduate Certificate at UK Level 7 |
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Queens University Belfast |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Postgraduate Diploma at UK Level 7 | Queens University Belfast | ||
| Degree - Masters at UK Level 7 | Queens University Belfast | ||
| Postgraduate Certificate at UK Level 7 | Queens University Belfast |
Duration
Flexible: Normally 3 years.
HOW WILL I STUDY?
Depending on the modules selected, teaching and learning is delivered through a blended approach of lectures, virtual learning activities and reflective, self-directed study. For your dissertation, you will be allocated a Personal Tutor who will guide and support you throughout your dissertation.
CONTACT TIME
The majority of module sessions begin at 5pm or 6pm, although attendance at weekend workshops may occasionally be required. All modules are taught fully online.
Entry Requirements
Applicants will normally hold a relevant 2:2 Honours degree or above in a related discipline. Applicants who do not meet the requirements may be considered on an individual basis, where there is evidence of relevant experience. Applicants may be required to attend an interview to determine their suitability for entry.
PRIOR ACCREDITATION
The degree recognises and supports existing professional development activities whether these are part of induction, early professional development, threshold assessments or programmes of staff development and performance management. All students who have successfully completed a PGCE at Master’s level will be eligible to apply for 30 M-level credit points towards a Master’s qualification. Candidates may also seek accreditation for completed school-based professional development activities. Application for credit transfer and exemption from module requirements must be made upon enrolment.
Further information
Entry Year 2024/2025.
The next intake for this programme is for September 2024. Applications will close on Friday 6th September 2024.
HOW TO APPLY
Application for admission to all Masters Programmes should be made by downloading the application form and reference form and returning the completed forms by email only to masters@stran.ac.uk
Overview
This MEd Specialist option draws on a wide range of academic disciplines such as philosophy, psychology and sociology to further our understanding of learning and educational contexts. Drawing on up-to-date research, the programme focuses on how we learn, from early childhood through compulsory schooling and into adulthood, and offers a rigorous analysis of broader educational systems such as curricula, policies and schools in their societal context.
Students are encouraged to consider fundamental questions about the nature and aims of education; to engage with the problematic nature of educational theory, policy and practice; and to develop and express their own reasoned viewpoint on a wide range of issues.
The course will enable you to:
- develop a critical understanding of how education systems can be developed to ensure that all learners achieve to their full potential
- encourage reflection on existing policy and practice
- question concepts and theories and interrogate assumptions underpinning theory and research
- critically consider how recent international research relates to students’ own educational contexts.
ENTITLEMENT
A MEd is awarded to students who have completed 180 CAT points at M-level. Students who have accumulated 60 points may graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate and those who have accumulated 120 points may graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma.
To be awarded an MEd Education Studies, you will need to complete 180 CATs, which will normally comprise of four 30 CAT point taught modules plus a 60 CAT point final dissertation. In addition to Research Methods, which is normally a compulsory module, the other three taught modules must include at least two of the specific MEd Education Studies modules below.
EDC7070- INVESTIGATING LEARNING DIFFICULTIES IN MATHEMATICS OCTOBER 2024
EDC9090 – CHILDHOOD ADVERSITIES AND DISADVANTAGE JANUARY 2025
STR7003 – ADDRESSING UNDERACHIEVEMENT AND DIVERSITY IN EDUCATION: POLICY AND PRACTICE JUNE 2025
EDC7024- RESEARCH METHODS SEPTEMBER 2024, JANUARY 2025, JUNE 2025
EDC7067- SAFEGUARDING IN THE DIGITAL WORLD OCTOBER 2025
EDC9016- LEARNING LEADERSHIP JANUARY 2025
SEC7010-OUTDOOR LEARNING MARCH 2026
All modules are 30 CATs unless otherwise started.
All Modules are taught online mostly in evening sessions.
There are no written examinations. Modules are assessed by coursework.
For further information please contact:
Marketing Department - Postgraduate Recruitment
Stranmillis University College
Stranmillis Road
Belfast
BT9 5DY
T: +44 (0) 28 9038 4327
E: masters@stran.ac.uk