Education (Taught)

This course is designed to enhance the ongoing professional development of educators, preparing them for leadership roles, Headship qualifications, and advanced study at the professional or doctoral level. At University Centre Colchester, we take pride in offering extensive support to our students while fostering the development of critical research and analytical skills needed to explore contemporary issues, concepts, and debates.

This is a 2-year part time study programme whereby the delivery is predominantly online 1 evening per week.

The aim of the MA Education Studies is to give a more in depth look at the world of education and some of the forces that act upon it whilst enabling educators to critically review their own practice in a range of teaching related disciplines before embarking on a piece of major research to improve either their own or their learners’ education.

The aims of the course are to:

• Widen participation of Masters level education in this field within North Essex, to enhance the continued professional development offered to teachers and prepare middle leaders in education for progression to doctoral level study or the National Progression

• Qualification for Headship (which requires evidence of recent masters levels study for one of the admission criteria) and to update skills of existing teachers and educators to enrich the classroom experience for their learners.

Course Modules

Module 1: Research Methodology

This foundational module introduces students to the principles and practices of research methodology. It is designed to equip students with a solid understanding of research philosophy and methodology.

Through a combination of individual and group activities, students will delve into various research methodologies and ethical considerations. They will evaluate and critically analyse the most suitable methods for their chosen research topics. By the end of the module, students will have designed a small-scale research project, guided by clear research aims, objectives and questions, and will have identified the most appropriate methods to achieve their project’s goals.

Module 2: Critical Review of Teaching, Learning and Assessment

This module invites students to explore both formal and informal educational contexts, including their own and other educational structures, by critically examining the values and practices that underpin various organisations. It introduces key concepts and perspectives on social justice in education, emphasising how these ideas can influence teaching, learning and assessment. Through this exploration, students will gain a deeper understanding of the intersection between education and social justice and how these forces impact the educational experience.

Module 3: Technology in Teaching and Learning (Option Module)

This module empowers students to design a programme of study that reflects the growing importance of embedding computational thinking into teaching, learning and assessment. Computational thinking, essentially learning through problem-solving and algorithmic processes (Bundy, 2007) is becoming a crucial skill in modern education. In today’s educational landscape, the ability to effectively use, plan, design and deliver content using technology is vital for teachers, managers, leaders and students alike.

Module 4: Mental Health and Wellbeing in Education (Option Module)

This module explores the theories and core values of mental wellbeing across key educational stages, from Primary to Higher Education, with a focus on the experiences of students, teachers and leaders. A central theme is balancing professional experience with ethical practice to support all stakeholders in widening participation, promoting inclusivity, social justice and sustainable education.

Students will examine the varied manifestations of mental health issues, including diagnosed conditions, substance misuse, eating disorders, early intervention and comorbidity, and their direct impact on the educational environment. The module also addresses the broader implications of these issues on the educational system as a whole.

Module 5: Managing and Leading in Education

In this module, students will delve into various leadership theories, concepts and models, applying them to familiar educational contexts to evaluate their relevance. This exploration will enable students to reflect on and assess their own leadership potential, fostering their growth as independent and critical thinkers.

Assessment for this module is based on a research project, providing students with the opportunity to integrate both theory and practice into a topic of their choice.

Module 6: Dissertation

The dissertation represents a significant academic achievement, consisting of two key elements: an extensive literature review and the student’s original contribution to the field. This contribution may take the form of primary research with an analytical evaluation or a detailed scholarly comparison and reconciliation of existing research perspectives.

This module is designed to help students synthesise the academic skills they have developed throughout their studies, providing a platform where professional practice, scholarly insights, and academic evaluations converge in a comprehensive, large-scale study.

https://www.colchester.ac.uk/course/ma-in-education/