The MA in Education Studies: IB Strand is recognised by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) as an approved route for the IB Advanced Certificate in Teaching and Learning Research. It is a distinctive and highly flexible research-based course designed to provide its students with opportunities to extend their professional learning in areas of practice of particular interest to them. The IB Strand takes the philosophy and values of the IB and encourages its students to explore implications for teaching and learning through carefully structured research and study.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements are the same for the IB Strand as they are for the main MAES course, except that you will also need at least one year's experience of teaching in an IB context. You must also have access to an IB context while studying in order to carry out the research-based elements of the course.
Entry and study patterns
Students are recruited throughout the year for the MA in Education Studies (MAES) and commence their studies in either January or September.
Most students choose to combine work and study and undertake the MAES over two years studying part-time. You can undertake the course as a full-time student, though, and complete in a year.
Institutions wishing to provide CPD opportunities to their staff via the MAES: IB Strand, should contact the IB Strand leader to discuss delivery and tailoring for groups rather than individuals.
Course costs
See Fees and funding for details of course costs.
Teaching
Teaching on the MAES: IB Strand is delivered largely through group and individual tutorials held at times convenient to you. You will also be encouraged to attend termly early evening seminars delivered as part of a rolling programme. You will have access to a Virtual Learning Environment with a wealth of online resources, including reading materials, articles and exemplars of previous assignments. It also has a discussion forum for students. You will also have access to the IB Online Curriculum Centre and the International Education Research Database.
Course Structure
The MAES course consists of five modules designed to ensure development and progression:
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Module 1: Critical Reflection (30 credits)
All students studying the IB Strand of the MAES begin by reflecting on the IB Learner Profile and how it relates to their professional role and context.
We also offer an entry route to the MAES via Accreditation of Prior Learning (APEL) which may be offered to applicants who already have a portfolio of IB-related Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities.
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Module 2: Literature Review (30 credits)
In consultation with your supervisor, you undertake a more detailed review of an aspect of IB practice identified through the Critical Reflection module for more in-depth reading and reflection.
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Module 3: Research Methods (30 credits)
You will read widely about the different approaches to doing research into IB teaching and learning. You will also have the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of developing and using a research tool.
As this module is assessed by poster presentation, you will also have the opportunity to share insights into IB practice in different contexts in a more formalised way.
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Module 4: Minor Project (30 crediits)
You will build on insights gained from the Research Methods module to conduct and develop a small-scale research study into an aspect of IB practice within an IB context.
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Module 5: Dissertation (60 credits)
You will draw upon insights from all the previous modules to carry out a more extensive, in-depth piece of research into an aspect of IB practice within an IB context.
The IB Advanced Certificate in Teaching and Learning Research
When you register to study the MA in Education Studies: IB Strand, you must register separately with the IB Organisation (IBO) for the IB Advanced Certificate in Teaching and Learning Research. This additional award will be confirmed by the IBO once the University of Sussex has confirmed that you have successfully completed the MAES course.
Assessment
You will achieve the MA award provided you gain the requisite 180 credits through successful completion of all modules within the course.
The IB Advanced Certificate in Teaching and Learning Research is awarded separately by the IBO.
Further information and enquiries
View/download the course leaflet, see the MA in Education Studies page on the prospectus and/or contact
Dr Louise Gazeley, MAES IB Strand Leader
E lhg20@sussex.ac.uk
