This module forms an essential component of your masters programme. It supports the development of key skills that are necessary for study at Level 7, including the development of core and essential skills relating to critical reflection and critical analysis, alongside an introduction to critical theory. It allows engagement with issues relating to specialist areas relevant to your programme of study while also opening up avenues for broader exploration. Drawing on diverse perspectives from a range of global contexts, it ensures that education is explored across broad and diverse perspectives.

You will explore cutting edge research methodologies used in education, developing your critical understanding of how they can be used to address real world problems. An inquiry-based teaching approach will enable you to work with peers to weigh the merits of each in terms of their suitability for particular contexts and issues.

This module critically engages with the changing nature of education in an international and global context, with emphasis on different forms and formats of education. It draws on case study examples to bring learning to life, based on real-life contexts. The module also addresses how key global phenomena such as migration, environmental change and technological innovation affect educational policies and practices worldwide.

This module provides you with an opportunity to apply your knowledge and research skills in the field of education. Supported via dedicated course tutors, your dissertation supervisor, and high-quality workshops and online content, you will undertake an independent research project on a topic related to your programme of study. This will allow you to apply your skills in real-world contexts and gain an understanding of conducting and reporting on research. This module will help you develop key transferable skills for both the workplace and further study. 

In this module you will develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of children’s development, considering critical contemporary research and international and theoretical perspectives on child development and learning. You will be taught by experts in child development and will examine varying factors that contribute to early child development, including diversity and difference. Issues relating to culture, poverty, gender or disability and key questions such as nature/nurture, which relate to our understanding of children's development, will also be explored.

You will use a problem-based learning approach to engage in activities to explore how social theories relate to educational leadership. This approach will allow you to reflect to enhance your skills and abilities underpinning effective educational leadership. Guest speakers who are educational leaders will share and reflect upon their experiences in a meaningful and context-relevant way. The module will prepare you to exercise leadership in educational contexts and to face the challenges this will bring.

This module provides underpinning knowledge about the key principles of inclusive education and will enable you to consider the challenges that can be faced in its implementation. Coupled with the second specialist module in this programme it will help you to consider how you might bring about change so that all ‘learners matter and matter equally’.

Develop awareness of three ‘cornerstones’ of professional theory and practice to support your development as an effective, critical TESOL practitioner. First, teacher language awareness, developing your own ability to use, analyse and teach the systems of the English language (grammar, phonology, lexis, discourse) effectively. Secondly, language learning theory, exploring models from disciplines such as psychology, linguistics and education that have informed TESOL practice. Finally, language teaching methodology, looking at the history and contemporary range of classroom approaches in the TESOL profession.