Learning and Teaching

This is a professional development course for qualified teachers who are currently working in schools or similar educational settings.  It focuses on pedagogical practice in schools and classrooms, by developing research techniques.

This is a part time MSc programme for teachers who are interested in developing a research-informed, critical reflection on their practice. The focus is on the processes of learning and teaching, and the programme is rooted in your own school-based practice or in other educational settings. It involves carrying out investigations in school, supported by appropriate reading, and attendance at up to five intensive two-day residential courses in Oxford each year. Throughout the course there is a strong emphasis on collaboration.

Assessment is through formally submitted assignments at the end of each year. In Part 1 and Part 2 of the course, you will draw on the content of the units studied, while in the final year (Part 3) you will be required to complete a research and development project, which involves implementing a new strategy and reviewing its progress, while working with colleagues.

The University’s Virtual Learning Environment (Weblearn) is used to support the school-based tasks and sustain critical discussion. Supervision of your work will mainly be offered within small subject-specific support groups, and from a University supervisor with expertise in a particular subject.

The course is open to all qualified teachers, but there are two routes through it. Route A is intended to be more convenient for domestic students, requiring attendance at four or five seminars over the year. Route B is intend to be more convenient for overseas students, requiring attendance for a week each year, normally in October. All students are expected to engage in online activities, whichever route they are on, but Route B students will be expected to engage over the seminar weekends, with their peers in Oxford.

Further, applicants who already have a master's-level PGCE qualification can omit Part 1. Those with M level accreditation (worth at least 60 credits) start in Part 2 and complete one taught year before carrying out a Part 3 research and development project. Those with no previous M level accreditation are introduced to Masters level work in Part 1, then joining those starting Part 2, before going on to complete the final project. Both parts can be taken though either route, subject to reasonable numbers applying.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in the relevant subject area for their work in school.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.6 out of 4.0.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Statement of purpose/personal statement: Around one page
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

A number of Research Council awards are available each year from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), and Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).