The MA in Education Studies is a distinctive and highly flexible research-based course designed to provide its students with opportunities to extend their learning in areas of particular interest to them. The Widening Participation (WP) Strand is designed for students who wish to focus their work on widening participation and fair access, whilst developing their research and evaluation skills.
This Strand will appeal to WP practitioners working in a wide range of roles and contexts, including schools and colleges; university widening participation teams; voluntary and public sector organisations.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements are the same for the WP Strand as they are for the main MAES course, except that one year's experience of working in a WP related role is desirable. Applicants with a strong theoretical interest in WP policy and practice but no practice experience will be considered. Applicants will, however, require access to a WP context whilst 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: WP Strand should contact the WP 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: WP Strand is delivered largely through group and individual tutorials held at times convenient to you, with additional opportunities to meet in small groups with other WP Strand students. You will be encouraged to attend termly early evening and/or Saturday morning seminars delivered as part of a rolling programme to support the development of your research skills. You will have access to a Virtual Learning Environment with a wealth of online resources, including reading materials, articles and exemplars of previous assignments. There is also a discussion forum for students.
Course Structure
The MAES course consists of five modules designed to ensure development and progression:
-
Module 1: Critical Reflection (30 credits)
All students studying the WP Strand of the MAES begin by reflecting on the widening participation and fair access agendas and their implications for policy and practice.
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.
-
Module 2: Literature Review (30 credits)
In consultation with your supervisor, you undertake a more detailed review of a specific aspect of WP policy or practice identified through the Critical Reflection module for more in-depth reading and reflection.
-
Module 3: Research Methods (30 credits)
You will read widely about the different approaches to doing research into a single aspect of WP practice and have the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of developing and using a research instrument and evaluating its success and limitations.
As this module is assessed by poster presentation, you will also have the opportunity to share insights into researching WP practice in different contexts in a more formalised way.
-
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 WP practice within a WP context.
-
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 WP practice in a WP context.
Assessment
You will achieve the MA award provided you gain the requisite 180 credits through successful completion of all modules within the course.
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 WP Strand Leader
E lhg20@sussex.ac.uk