Education, Culture and Society
MA, PGDip, PGCert

Modules

• Research Methods and Educational Enquiry Core

Research Methods and Educational Enquiry (Core )

This module aims to provide students with a detailed knowledge of educational and social science research methods, and how they relate to the research process and the design and execution of an empirical research project. As preparation for the dissertation module, it aims to equip students with the necessary skills to undertake a piece of original research through the exploration of the concept of research, data collection techniques and data analysis. You will be introduced to both qualitative and quantitative research approaches.

Assessment: Critical analysis of four empirical journal articles (2,400 words) and a Research Proposal (3,600 words)

Credits: 30

• Dissertation Core

Dissertation (Core )

Students are required to carry out an independent empirical research project in the context of an in-depth understanding of relevant contemporary issues in the discipline, demonstrating the ability to synthesise relevant literature and apply theoretical concepts in innovative ways with a view to generating solutions to their identified research problem. Students will be expected to show that they are able to independently plan and carry out an independent empirical study using appropriate methods and advanced methodological approaches, also demonstrating an awareness of ethical issues and demonstrating how they will be addressed.

Assessment: Dissertation (20,000 words)

Credits: 60

• Literacy, Class and Culture Optional

Literacy, Class and Culture (Optional)

This module aims to explore what ‘literacy’ is. It also investigates how the language and literacy practices of different communities (class, race, gender, culture) mean that simple definitions of ‘literacy’ are unhelpful.

The module will consider different types of ‘literacies’, including reading, writing, talk, multi-modality and technology. Students will consider different theoretical perspectives, and will look at how these might be used in the analysis and interpretation of literacy practices.

Students will be encouraged to critique current ‘in vogue’ approaches to developing literacy skills, and to assess their effectiveness. The module will challenge students to consider how literacy skills and practices can be developed within the wider frameworks of inclusion and social justice.

Credits: 30

• Gender: Theory and Practice in Context Optional

Gender: Theory and Practice in Context (Optional)

This module is designed to support students in exploring issues of sex-gender equalities from a range of theoretical, policy and practice perspectives. This module will be particularly helpful for students interested in developing and establishing greater gender equity in education settings.

Assessment: Portfolio made up of essay (4,500 words) and critical reflection (1,500 words)

Credits: 30

• Children and Young People's Rights Optional

Children and Young People's Rights (Optional)

This module explores broader conceptions within human rights and children’s rights, notions of citizenship and theorisations of empowerment, activism and participation within education and children and youth settings.

Students critically explore how the development of rights-based approaches can enhance the quality of welfare, youth and educational practice. The module aims to enable students to reflect on a range of issues in relation to rights, diversity, equity and inclusion in relation to work with children and young people within and beyond formal and informal education settings (including schools, welfare, youth justice and youth work settings).

This module is helpful for students interested in developing and establishing greater participation in education, welfare and youth contexts.

Credits: 30

• Disability and SEN In Education and Society Optional

Disability and SEN In Education and Society (Optional)

The module aims to enhance your knowledge of the contentious and complex nature of Inclusion/Inclusive Education, while providing opportunities for you to familiarise yourself with evidence-based pedagogical practices to meet the needs of learner diversity.

This module provides a critical analysis of disability politics at national and international levels, in order to enhance your understanding of the ways in which disability is understood and constructed in educational and social contexts. Notions of disability and SEN are explored against wider socio-political and economic factors that create social and educational injustices, and impact upon the processes and outcomes of educational and social policymaking.

Credits: 30