Master of Arts - Education (Early Childhood Studies)

This degree aims to introduce students to key academic and professional debates within the field of education and an opportunity to focus on early childhood and the early years, helping them to develop a professional perspective and standpoint. Upon successful completion of this course, it is hoped that students will feel enthused about continuing in the sector and feel intellectually empowered to initiate change.

A key theme embedded in this master’s degree is social justice. This course is aligned with the Education for Social Justice (ESJ) framework to ensure equity in the curriculum practice.

The modules have been developed to broaden the knowledge and meaning of the term ‘education’, as well as its purpose from being a ‘product’ to understanding how the curriculum is managed and led. Education is a creative and powerful endeavour in which curriculum and pedagogy come together to support children's learning whilst widening their future life chances.

This degree can be completed as a postgraduate diploma by taking four core modules and two optional modules. Students could also choose to study for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education by choosing to study the following three core modules: Critical Theory and Education; Curriculum Leadership; Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment.

Applications  are welcomed from practising teachers and if they already hold a relevant PGCE qualification, they may be able to apply for credit and study fewer modules to complete this MA.