MA Education (online) – part time

• Monday 19 January 2026 – EPM730 Research Design: Methodology and Methods
• Wednesday 21 January – EPM722 Inclusive Practices

Modules are taught 6pm to 9pm throughout semesters two (Jan – April) and one (September – December).

There are also twilight research sharing and writing workshop sessions each semester, typically on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and an annual conference.

A Masters course is a progression from undergraduate study and requires a higher level of independent study, persistent curiosity, criticality, reflection and layered analysis and synthesis. With this in mind, in preparation for your Masters study please ready yourself by

Semester one modules will require your attunement to contemporary concerns in education globally and to the kinds of evidence-based and theoretically argued educational practices that are being developed and tested globally.

Engaging with and thinking about contemporary educational issues and concerns in the press, in educational publications, across media.

Reading widely around the interests you have in education, using Open Access research articles, perhaps through Google Scholar.

Reading about research methods and Postgraduate study. You may have existing access to university libraries or use Open access sources on the internet.

Your first session is on Monday 15 January 6pm to 7pm.

The session which will enable you to find out more about how the MA Education will run, meet the Programme Leader, discuss your interests, and ensure you are have access to Library, study and Moodle resources.

IMPORTANT: Please bring your photo ID with you to complete the ID verification check for Student Finance confirmation.

Dr Linda Enow will be leading EPM730 Research Design: Methodology and Methods. Linda has significant experience in teaching research and in supporting students in Academic Skills Development.

Miranda Barker and Andrew Edgar will be leading EPM722 Inclusive Practices. Miranda is an expert and researcher in SEND, especially autism and inclusion. Andrew is also a specialist in inclusion with a particular research expertise in neurodiversity.

You may have opportunity to engage with and learn from the wider Education and Childhood and Professional Studies team (Dr Jane Beniston, Dr Steve Dixon, Dr Kate Dudley, Dr Jo Trowsdale) and across the school of education. This might be through our Sharing Research sessions, workshops, as guest speakers in core modules, or as dissertation supervisor where you will have opportunities to hear about their specialisms as well as those of fellow research students.

Teaching is enquiry-based and collaborative. Your interests will be central to the assignment foci you choose. Modules will provide opportunity for you to identify and generate connections between theory and practice in relation to your foci. You will be facilitated to learn from and with peers, to investigate and explore both together and independently.

Unless you have requested and had acknowledgement of prior credits, you will study five modules in total (4 x 30 credit / 300 hours study; 1 x 60 credit / 600 hours study).

You will choose one option in each semester, ensuring that this includes EPM730 Research Design: Methodology and Methods before you commence your 60 credit research project / dissertation.

Semester 2

EPM730: Research Design: Methods and Methodology

This module will provide you with the opportunity to develop and demonstrate a critical understanding of the principles underpinning an effective research design in education at master’s level. You will explore issues of research methodology, ethics and understanding in relation to your chosen field, to enhance and inform professional and/or academic practice. Students will relate their chosen area of study critically to current literature and will critically analyse the validity, reliability and appropriateness of their research design.

Monday: 6pm to 9pm

• 19th January
• 2nd and 23rd February
• 2nd , 16th and 23rd March
• 13th and 20th April

EPM722 Inclusive Practices

This module offers you the opportunity to explore and critically engage with the concept of inclusion with a focus on special educational needs and disability. You will gain a critical understanding of structural and socio-culturally situated inequalities can affect young people’s access, participation and success in education and society how different needs, such as SEND can affect pupils’ participation and learning. You will explore strategies to promote inclusive and supportive communities where high expectations and evidence-based practices improve outcomes for all children and young people, including those with SEND.

Wednesday: 6pm to 9pm

• 21st January
• 4th and 25th February
• 4th and 18th March
• 8th, 15th and 22nd April