MA International Education

The MA International Education (MAIE) by Distance Learning is an exciting programme being offered for the first time from October 2012. This two-year part-time course builds on the successful one-year full-time campus-based MAIE programme.  It is designed for educational professionals in primary, secondary or tertiary education, as well other organisations with an educational remit - for example Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), charitable organisations, museums and galleries.

The aim of the MAIE is to enhance understanding of contemporary educational issues, both national and international, with a particular emphasis on those which are of direct relevance to student’s professional context. Following completion in Year 1 of two core modules, students will select from one of four specialist pathways designed to explore particular aspects of education from an international perspective. In the dissertation module students conduct an in-depth exploration, through research, of an issue of their particular interest.

This is the only course of its kind offered by a UK University completely by distance learning. The course will be delivered using the latest online technologies.

Programme Aims

The course aims to:

• enhance understanding of contemporary educational issues, both national and international, for those educational professionals in primary, secondary and tertiary education and other organisations with an educational remit
• develop participants’ ability to reflect on theory in the area of teaching and learning and use it as the basis for understanding and improving practice
• develop participants’ ability to undertake small scale research
• develop participant’s understanding of ethical principles which underpin the design, conduct and reporting of educational research

Programme Structure

The programme consists of four taught modules plus a research-based dissertation.  You will study two core modules, you will then choose one of the four pathways (each pathway contains two modules) and complete the dissertation.

Core

Contemporary Issues in International Education (30 credits)
Introduction to Education Research Methods (30 credits)

Pathways

Pathway 1: Leadership for Social Justice in Education (60 credits)
Pathway 2: Pedagogy (60 credits)
Pathway 3: Innovation and Reform (60 credits)
Pathway 4: Inclusion and Special Education Needs (60 credits)

Dissertation (60 credits)

Next step: Find out more about the course modules

Assessment

Assessment for Core and Elective (Pathway) Modules will be via a combination of written assignments, posters (presented in a ‘virtual gallery’); and oral presentations (presented via podcast). In addition students will be encouraged to keep a (non-assessed) reflective journal which will demonstrate your development as an educational researcher, accompanied by an e-portfolio of associated learning resources.

Next Step: How to Apply