Educational Innovation (MA)

Course Overview

This course arms you, as an educational professional, with the knowledge and skills to identify problems of practice in educational settings and within the education system as a whole. To do this you will evaluate research and development within education, understanding the validity and applicability of these ideas by investigating them from a variety of perspectives. The flexible nature of this MA means you can choose optional modules which suit your current and future needs, expanding your understanding of the scope and nature of Education as a discipline. You will have the opportunity to engage with ideas, debates and research, developing your academic and research skills. You will develop your knowledge and understanding of research in education through reflective and innovative means, and apply this to your own practice. You will have the opportunity to debate with your peers on a host of important innovation in education issues, and develop a sceptical and inquisitive stance in relation to educational developments and ideas.

Teaching and Assessment

Depending on which term modules run, you'll attend one or two 3-hour seminars each week during the Autumn and Spring Terms of modules plus research methods training lectures and seminars throughout all three terms. If you are a part-time student the number of modules you take each term will depend on the length of your course. You will have three optional modules to select in total. Depending on the modules you select sessions consist of presentations, group discussions, case studies and self-study. Some modules are available online. Seminar group numbers vary depending on the modules that are selected. Assessment types vary depending on modules selected but include a mixture of assignments and oral presentations. You’ll also complete a dissertation based on an individual research project, with support from a member of academic staff. If you completed a PGCE within the past 5 years you may be eligible to use these credits towards this course. We also offer a range of specialisms based on your previous study such as ‘Childhood’, ‘Drama’, ‘Leadership’, and ‘Primary Education’.

Skills from this degree

• Evaluate theory, practice and research in education
• Plan, undertake and evaluate a small scale activity involving an element of innovation
• Apply knowledge and understanding of research methods critically in planning, undertaking and evaluating a research project
• Evaluate existing methodologies and develop new hypotheses which provide fresh insights into education and professional practice
• Deepen insights into the dynamic interaction that exists between education research, theory, policy and practice

Careers

Graduates from these courses have gone on to work for employers including: Academy 360; Ark Schools; British Council; Department of Education; E-Act; Oxfordshire County Council; PricewaterhouseCoopers and Royal Academy of Engineering. They have pursued roles such as: actors, entertainers and presenters; business, research and administrative professionals; chief executives and senior officials; education advisers and school inspectors; further education teaching professionals and vocational and industrial trainers and instructors.

Our department has a dedicated professionally qualified Senior Careers Consultant offering impartial advice and guidance together with workshops and events throughout the year. Previous examples of workshops and events include:

• Careers in Education
• Careers with Children and Young People
• Warwick careers fairs throughout the year