English Education

The English Education MA programme offers participants a stimulating combination of both academic and professional development, including guidance on conducting small-scale research. It is particularly helpful in enhancing practising English/literacy teachers' promotional prospects and 'leadership capital', and is relevant to practitioners from across all phases of education.

Updated annually, a carefully balanced programme of core and optional modules explores a wide range of contemporary topics relating to English as a curriculum subject; interactive seminars are designed to draw on participants' own experiences and increase awareness of the richness and scope of English as a field of study (including media and drama).

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of two core modules (60 credits), two optional modules (60 credits), and a dissertation (60 credits) or a report (30 credits), plus a choice from a wide range of optional modules reflecting different interests within the field of English studies.

Core modules

• Contemporary Issues in English Education
• What is Education?

Optional modules

Recommended optional modules include:

• Shakespeare in Education
• English in Diverse World Contexts
• Language Teacher Identity and Development
• Moving Image Production
• Inclusive Pedagogy
• Digital Games, Play and Creativity

Whilst students are normally expected to choose modules from the published list of recommended options, in exceptional circumstances individual students may choose from a wider range of options, subject to approval.

Dissertation/report

All students undertake an independent research project which either culminates in a dissertation of approximately 20,000 words (60 credits) or an investigative report of approximately 10,000 words (30 credits).

Teaching and learning

The MA is delivered through a combination of face-to-face seminars and online materials; sessions are always interactive, drawing on students' own interests and experiences. Most modules are assessed by means of written essays.

Normally a minimum of a second-class UK Bachelor's degree in English or a related area (e.g. media or drama) or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Knowledge and experience of teaching English language/literature as a curriculum subject (primary, secondary or tertiary) is essential. NB. applicants do not have to be qualified teachers, but these applicants would need to demonstrate substantial relevant postgraduate work experience - for example, at least a year working as a Teaching Assistant or similar role in a school or college.