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Postgraduate Programme Specification

PgCert Education Studies

Academic Year 2022/23

A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.

Programme Title PgCert Education Studies Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)
Postgraduate Certificate
Programme Code STR-PC-EU UCAS Code HECoS Code 100459 - Education studies - 100

ATAS Clearance Required

No

Health Check Required

No

Portfolio Required

--

Interview Required

--

Mode of Study Part Time
Type of Programme Postgraduate Length of Programme Part Time - 5 Academic Years
Total Credits for Programme 180
Exit Awards available No

Institute Information

Teaching Institution

Stranmillis University College

School/Department

Stranmillis University College

Quality Code
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code

Higher Education Credit Framework for England
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/higher-education-credit-framework-for-england

Level 7

Subject Benchmark Statements
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/qualifications-frameworks.pdf

Education Studies (2015)

Accreditations (PSRB)

No accreditations (PSRB) found.

Regulation Information

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

N/A

Programme Specific Regulations

The programme is offered in part time mode over a period of up to 5 years. All modules are credited at M-Level.

60 M level credit points are required for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education: Education Studies.

Students cannot enrol on modules which have a significant overlap in content with modules previously taken.

School-based professional development can be accredited through bridging arrangements to give a maximum of 30 credit points.

The Postgraduate Certificate: Education Studies may be awarded with commendation or distinction in accordance with the general University regulations.

Students with protected characteristics

N/A

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

No

Educational Aims Of Programme

The MEd programme aims to enhance in students the academic and professional skills needed to be effective educational practitioners.
It aims to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes which will enable students to engage in critical study and debate of academic and/or professional aspects of education and training.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

engage in informed debate about and critical analysis of major issues in education and training;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Learning outcomes are achieved through discussion with colleagues and tutors and through the submission of written assessed coursework based on each module studied and the submission of a dissertation.

Methods of Assessment

Summative assessment is measured against the following six major features of coursework:
- Criticality and Reflection;
- Coherence of Argument;
- Use of Literature/Research;
- Application of Professional Experience;
- Quality of Citation;
- Structure/Presentation and any other comments;
as well as the general aims of the programme and specific module learning outcomes.

reflect on theory/practice relationships within professional contexts;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Learning outcomes are achieved through discussion with colleagues and tutors and through the submission of written assessed coursework based on each module studied and the submission of a dissertation.

Methods of Assessment

Summative assessment is measured against the following six major features of coursework:
- Criticality and Reflection;
- Coherence of Argument;
- Use of Literature/Research;
- Application of Professional Experience;
- Quality of Citation;
- Structure/Presentation and any other comments;
as well as the general aims of the programme and specific module learning outcomes.

develop competence further within specific areas;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Learning outcomes are achieved through discussion with colleagues and tutors and through the submission of written assessed coursework based on each module studied and the submission of a dissertation.

Methods of Assessment

Summative assessment is measured against the following six major features of coursework:
- Criticality and Reflection;
- Coherence of Argument;
- Use of Literature/Research;
- Application of Professional Experience;
- Quality of Citation;
- Structure/Presentation and any other comments;
as well as the general aims of the programme and specific module learning outcomes.

keep abreast of innovation and developments in areas of education;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Learning outcomes are achieved through discussion with colleagues and tutors and through the submission of written assessed coursework based on each module studied and the submission of a dissertation.

Methods of Assessment

Summative assessment is measured against the following six major features of coursework:
- Criticality and Reflection;
- Coherence of Argument;
- Use of Literature/Research;
- Application of Professional Experience;
- Quality of Citation;
- Structure/Presentation and any other comments;
as well as the general aims of the programme and specific module learning outcomes.

design, conduct and critically appraise research.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Learning outcomes are achieved through discussion with colleagues and tutors and through the submission of written assessed coursework based on each module studied and the submission of a dissertation.

Methods of Assessment

Summative assessment is measured against the following six major features of coursework:
- Criticality and Reflection;
- Coherence of Argument;
- Use of Literature/Research;
- Application of Professional Experience;
- Quality of Citation;
- Structure/Presentation and any other comments;
as well as the general aims of the programme and specific module learning outcomes.

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

research, innovation and developments in selected areas of education;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Learning outcomes are acquired through lectures, workshops and independent directed reading. Students are encouraged to rigorously scrutinise their own practice and are helped to formulate new methodologies in discussion with tutors and other colleagues.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment of learning takes the form of essays, reports, preparation and evaluations of teaching resources. Assessed work tests the students’ ability to present ideas cogently, to demonstrate an appropriate level of skill and analysis, to argue from authority appropriately, and to reflect critically on the lectures, the reading, and their own practice.
Assessed coursework tests ability to gather and present relevant information and data to demonstrate knowledge and understanding in relevant areas. This involves reflection upon professional practice
Some self-assessment and peer assessment for formative purposes is practised although this does not contribute to the formal examination of modules.

a range of key concepts and modes of enquiry in educational studies;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Learning outcomes are acquired through lectures, workshops and independent directed reading. Students are encouraged to rigorously scrutinise their own practice and are helped to formulate new methodologies in discussion with tutors and other colleagues.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment of learning takes the form of essays, reports, preparation and evaluations of teaching resources. Assessed work tests the students’ ability to present ideas cogently, to demonstrate an appropriate level of skill and analysis, to argue from authority appropriately, and to reflect critically on the lectures, the reading, and their own practice.
Assessed coursework tests ability to gather and present relevant information and data to demonstrate knowledge and understanding in relevant areas. This involves reflection upon professional practice
Some self-assessment and peer assessment for formative purposes is practised although this does not contribute to the formal examination of modules.

some of the major (from a N Ireland perspective) issues and developments in education and training;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Learning outcomes are acquired through lectures, workshops and independent directed reading. Students are encouraged to rigorously scrutinise their own practice and are helped to formulate new methodologies in discussion with tutors and other colleagues.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment of learning takes the form of essays, reports, preparation and evaluations of teaching resources. Assessed work tests the students’ ability to present ideas cogently, to demonstrate an appropriate level of skill and analysis, to argue from authority appropriately, and to reflect critically on the lectures, the reading, and their own practice.
Assessed coursework tests ability to gather and present relevant information and data to demonstrate knowledge and understanding in relevant areas. This involves reflection upon professional practice
Some self-assessment and peer assessment for formative purposes is practised although this does not contribute to the formal examination of modules.

appropriate theoretical foundations on which to base practice;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Learning outcomes are acquired through lectures, workshops and independent directed reading. Students are encouraged to rigorously scrutinise their own practice and are helped to formulate new methodologies in discussion with tutors and other colleagues.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment of learning takes the form of essays, reports, preparation and evaluations of teaching resources. Assessed work tests the students’ ability to present ideas cogently, to demonstrate an appropriate level of skill and analysis, to argue from authority appropriately, and to reflect critically on the lectures, the reading, and their own practice.
Assessed coursework tests ability to gather and present relevant information and data to demonstrate knowledge and understanding in relevant areas. This involves reflection upon professional practice
Some self-assessment and peer assessment for formative purposes is practised although this does not contribute to the formal examination of modules.

the relationship between theory and practice in their professional working context.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Learning outcomes are acquired through lectures, workshops and independent directed reading. Students are encouraged to rigorously scrutinise their own practice and are helped to formulate new methodologies in discussion with tutors and other colleagues.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment of learning takes the form of essays, reports, preparation and evaluations of teaching resources. Assessed work tests the students’ ability to present ideas cogently, to demonstrate an appropriate level of skill and analysis, to argue from authority appropriately, and to reflect critically on the lectures, the reading, and their own practice.
Assessed coursework tests ability to gather and present relevant information and data to demonstrate knowledge and understanding in relevant areas. This involves reflection upon professional practice
Some self-assessment and peer assessment for formative purposes is practised although this does not contribute to the formal examination of modules.

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

engage in critical, analytical and creative thinking and problem solving;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Subject-specific skills are developed through private study, directed work including coursework and dissertation work. They are reinforced and extended in taught sessions by lectures, tutorials, seminars and workshops.

Methods of Assessment

Formative assessment of subject-specific skills will be principally through tutor observation during tutorials, seminars and workshops. Assessed coursework and the dissertation test the range of subject-specific skills developed in a formal manner.

discriminate salient features in educational environments, identify trends and common characteristics in important educational processes;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Subject-specific skills are developed through private study, directed work including coursework and dissertation work. They are reinforced and extended in taught sessions by lectures, tutorials, seminars and workshops.

Methods of Assessment

Formative assessment of subject-specific skills will be principally through tutor observation during tutorials, seminars and workshops. Assessed coursework and the dissertation test the range of subject-specific skills developed in a formal manner.

compare and contrast a variety of theories, views, perspectives, dispositions and attitudes regarding educational issues;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Subject-specific skills are developed through private study, directed work including coursework and dissertation work. They are reinforced and extended in taught sessions by lectures, tutorials, seminars and workshops.

Methods of Assessment

Formative assessment of subject-specific skills will be principally through tutor observation during tutorials, seminars and workshops. Assessed coursework and the dissertation test the range of subject-specific skills developed in a formal manner.

judge best courses of action using objective criteria;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Subject-specific skills are developed through private study, directed work including coursework and dissertation work. They are reinforced and extended in taught sessions by lectures, tutorials, seminars and workshops.

Methods of Assessment

Formative assessment of subject-specific skills will be principally through tutor observation during tutorials, seminars and workshops. Assessed coursework and the dissertation test the range of subject-specific skills developed in a formal manner.

engage in reflective practice in educational environments;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Subject-specific skills are developed through private study, directed work including coursework and dissertation work. They are reinforced and extended in taught sessions by lectures, tutorials, seminars and workshops.

Methods of Assessment

Formative assessment of subject-specific skills will be principally through tutor observation during tutorials, seminars and workshops. Assessed coursework and the dissertation test the range of subject-specific skills developed in a formal manner.

formally state conclusions and arguments using evidence;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Subject-specific skills are developed through private study, directed work including coursework and dissertation work. They are reinforced and extended in taught sessions by lectures, tutorials, seminars and workshops.

Methods of Assessment

Formative assessment of subject-specific skills will be principally through tutor observation during tutorials, seminars and workshops. Assessed coursework and the dissertation test the range of subject-specific skills developed in a formal manner.

engage in professional debate on topics and issues relevant to education, teaching and learning;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Subject-specific skills are developed through private study, directed work including coursework and dissertation work. They are reinforced and extended in taught sessions by lectures, tutorials, seminars and workshops.

Methods of Assessment

Formative assessment of subject-specific skills will be principally through tutor observation during tutorials, seminars and workshops. Assessed coursework and the dissertation test the range of subject-specific skills developed in a formal manner.

test hypothetical assumptions through action or other forms of research;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Subject-specific skills are developed through private study, directed work including coursework and dissertation work. They are reinforced and extended in taught sessions by lectures, tutorials, seminars and workshops.

Methods of Assessment

Formative assessment of subject-specific skills will be principally through tutor observation during tutorials, seminars and workshops. Assessed coursework and the dissertation test the range of subject-specific skills developed in a formal manner.

plan and carry out an educational investigation using a combination of literature search and empirical inquiry;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Subject-specific skills are developed through private study, directed work including coursework and dissertation work. They are reinforced and extended in taught sessions by lectures, tutorials, seminars and workshops.

Methods of Assessment

Formative assessment of subject-specific skills will be principally through tutor observation during tutorials, seminars and workshops. Assessed coursework and the dissertation test the range of subject-specific skills developed in a formal manner.

develop hypotheses, question and verify results and produce a coherent report;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Subject-specific skills are developed through private study, directed work including coursework and dissertation work. They are reinforced and extended in taught sessions by lectures, tutorials, seminars and workshops.

Methods of Assessment

Formative assessment of subject-specific skills will be principally through tutor observation during tutorials, seminars and workshops. Assessed coursework and the dissertation test the range of subject-specific skills developed in a formal manner.

critically analyse and discuss recent research and innovations in the selected areas of education.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Subject-specific skills are developed through private study, directed work including coursework and dissertation work. They are reinforced and extended in taught sessions by lectures, tutorials, seminars and workshops.

Methods of Assessment

Formative assessment of subject-specific skills will be principally through tutor observation during tutorials, seminars and workshops. Assessed coursework and the dissertation test the range of subject-specific skills developed in a formal manner.

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

communicate effectively by written, oral and other means;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

In the teaching methods employed in various modules students will be involved in the processes of communication, co-operation, analysis and task management, enhancing their professional effectiveness. Course work involves the use of transferable skills such as communication, ICT skills, analysis and synthesis. The carrying out and the reporting of the study in the dissertation element will help develop communication, ICT, numerical and analytical skills. It will develop the ability to plan and manage their own learning, to process and synthesise data and to justify positions and conclusions.

Methods of Assessment

Formative assessment of transferable skills will be principally through tutor observation during workshops. Course work assignments will require the use of transferable skills such as communication, ICT skills, analysis and synthesis, while the dissertation allows a range of transferable skills to be assessed.

use ICT competently in their study and other appropriate situations and be able to judge where the use of ICT is not appropriate;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

In the teaching methods employed in various modules students will be involved in the processes of communication, co-operation, analysis and task management, enhancing their professional effectiveness. Course work involves the use of transferable skills such as communication, ICT skills, analysis and synthesis. The carrying out and the reporting of the study in the dissertation element will help develop communication, ICT, numerical and analytical skills. It will develop the ability to plan and manage their own learning, to process and synthesise data and to justify positions and conclusions.

Methods of Assessment

Formative assessment of transferable skills will be principally through tutor observation during workshops. Course work assignments will require the use of transferable skills such as communication, ICT skills, analysis and synthesis, while the dissertation allows a range of transferable skills to be assessed.

process and synthesise empirical and theoretical data, to create new syntheses and to present and justify a chosen position having drawn on relevant theoretical perspectives;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

In the teaching methods employed in various modules students will be involved in the processes of communication, co-operation, analysis and task management, enhancing their professional effectiveness. Course work involves the use of transferable skills such as communication, ICT skills, analysis and synthesis. The carrying out and the reporting of the study in the dissertation element will help develop communication, ICT, numerical and analytical skills. It will develop the ability to plan and manage their own learning, to process and synthesise data and to justify positions and conclusions.

Methods of Assessment

Formative assessment of transferable skills will be principally through tutor observation during workshops. Course work assignments will require the use of transferable skills such as communication, ICT skills, analysis and synthesis, while the dissertation allows a range of transferable skills to be assessed.

improve their own learning and performance, including the development of study and research skills, information retrieval, and a capacity to plan and manage learning, and to reflect on their own learning;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

In the teaching methods employed in various modules students will be involved in the processes of communication, co-operation, analysis and task management, enhancing their professional effectiveness. Course work involves the use of transferable skills such as communication, ICT skills, analysis and synthesis. The carrying out and the reporting of the study in the dissertation element will help develop communication, ICT, numerical and analytical skills. It will develop the ability to plan and manage their own learning, to process and synthesise data and to justify positions and conclusions.

Methods of Assessment

Formative assessment of transferable skills will be principally through tutor observation during workshops. Course work assignments will require the use of transferable skills such as communication, ICT skills, analysis and synthesis, while the dissertation allows a range of transferable skills to be assessed.

analyse and evaluate, and identify problems and solutions.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

In the teaching methods employed in various modules students will be involved in the processes of communication, co-operation, analysis and task management, enhancing their professional effectiveness. Course work involves the use of transferable skills such as communication, ICT skills, analysis and synthesis. The carrying out and the reporting of the study in the dissertation element will help develop communication, ICT, numerical and analytical skills. It will develop the ability to plan and manage their own learning, to process and synthesise data and to justify positions and conclusions.

Methods of Assessment

Formative assessment of transferable skills will be principally through tutor observation during workshops. Course work assignments will require the use of transferable skills such as communication, ICT skills, analysis and synthesis, while the dissertation allows a range of transferable skills to be assessed.

interpret graphical and tabular presentation of data in a critical and constructive way, to collect and present numerical data and to use graphical and tabular information appropriately.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

In the teaching methods employed in various modules students will be involved in the processes of communication, co-operation, analysis and task management, enhancing their professional effectiveness. Course work involves the use of transferable skills such as communication, ICT skills, analysis and synthesis. The carrying out and the reporting of the study in the dissertation element will help develop communication, ICT, numerical and analytical skills. It will develop the ability to plan and manage their own learning, to process and synthesise data and to justify positions and conclusions.

Methods of Assessment

Formative assessment of transferable skills will be principally through tutor observation during workshops. Course work assignments will require the use of transferable skills such as communication, ICT skills, analysis and synthesis, while the dissertation allows a range of transferable skills to be assessed.

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title Module Code Level/ stage Credits

Availability

Duration Pre-requisite

Assessment

S1 S2 Core Option Coursework % Practical % Examination %
Well-Being in the Early Years SEC7012 7 30 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Supporting Social, Behavioural and Emotional Well-being (SBEW) EDC9071 7 30 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Critical Perspectives on Working with Parents SEC7011 7 30 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Informal Assessment of Literacy Difficulties and Models of Intervention EDC9094 7 30 YES YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Investigating Learning Difficulties in Mathematics EDC7070 7 30 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Specific Literacy Difficulties: Assessment and Reporting EDC7069 7 30 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Understanding the Process of Sensory Provision for Children's Learning and Personal Development STR7013 7 30 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Blended Learning and Digital Literacy STR7011 7 30 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Research Study STR7010 7 60 YES YES 24 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Learning Leadership 1 STR7009 7 30 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Factors Affecting Literacy Development EDC9093 7 30 YES YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Childhood Adversities and Disadvantage EDC9090 7 30 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Dissertation in Early Childhood Studies SEC7005 7 60 YES YES 24 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Communities of Practice and Learning Outcomes STR7004 7 30 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Addressing Underachievement and Diversity in Education: Policy and Practice STR7003 7 30 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Advanced Teaching, Learning and Assessment STR7002 7 30 YES YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Research Methods in Education EDC7024 7 30 YES YES 12 weeks N YES -- 80% 20% 0%
Leadership in Practice EDC9016 7 30 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
International Perspectives on Bullying EDC9075 7 30 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Early Years Leadership SEC7007 7 30 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Quality Pedagogy in Early Years Care and Education SEC7006 7 30 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Masters Dissertation MEd EDC7030 7 60 YES YES 24 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Reflective Teacher as Action Researcher STR7001 7 30 YES YES 24 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%

Notes

Within the overall M-level programme, modules are normally grouped under specific options. In order to obtain a Postgraduate Certificate in Education: Education Studies, students must take two Education Studies modules (i.e. two from EDC7070, EDC9090, EDC9016, STR7003) worth a total of 60 credit points.

Candidates who meet the general requirements of the MEd Programme, but who do not satisfy the requirements of a specific option may be awarded an MEd in General Studies without specification.