The MA Education offers practising and aspiring educators the opportunity to learn, apply, and produce critical knowledge in the interdisciplinary field of Education, with the aim of enabling them to use this to inform and transform future educational practice, theory, policy, and institutions.
The programme is designed around three core modules and two optional modules. The core modules aim to support students in identifying their specific research questions through a critical review of the literature; developing the requisite knowledge, understanding, and practical skills in appropriate research methods; and produce a compelling piece of advanced research. Optional modules allow students to deepen their existing subject knowledge and broaden their appreciation of the study of education.
The MA in Education is a programme of advanced study for those who wanting to deepen their knowledge of education in general, and for those who wish to make connections between educational practice, theory, and research.
How You Study
All students are expected to attend scheduled teaching on the programme. This takes place at two weekend study schools (Friday - Sunday in October and February) and one week-long study school (Monday - Friday in July).
Study schools include lectures, student presentations, seminars, visiting speakers, and workshops. An emphasis throughout is placed on encouraging students to share and discuss their own work, and to provide structured activities that build on students’ research interests, and those of academic staff. Study Schools are attended by all postgraduate and research students in the School of Education and offer an intensive, friendly, and energising experience for everyone involved.
Between study schools, fortnightly seminars are held for each module. These may be attended in person or remotely. These seminars are also available as recorded 'webinars' through the University’s virtual learning environment and learning management system (Blackboard). Blackboard provides students with access to a range of structured resources, including many digitised texts and key readings. It is also used more interactively, as a means of extending the dialogues that are seen as crucial to students’ learning.
Programme Structure
Core modules:
Critical Engagement with Educational Literature
Research Methods
Dissertation
Optional modules (students select two):
Education and Social Justice
Educational Leadership and Management: Theory and Practice
Language and Education
Special Educational Needs and Disability
Mentoring and Coaching for Educational Professionals
Contact Hours and Independent Study
Due to the nature of this programme weekly contact hours may vary. Postgraduate level study involves a significant proportion of independent study, exploring the material covered in lectures and seminars. As a general guide, for every hour spent in class, students are expected to spend at least two to three hours in an independent study. For more detailed information specific to this course please contact the Programme Leader.
Contact Hours
Owing to the nature of postgraduate programmes, a significant proportion of your time will be spent in independent study and research. Research students will have meetings with their academic supervisors, however, the regularity of these will vary depending on individual requirements, subject area, staff availability, and the stage of the programme. For taught programmes, weekly contact hours may vary depending on the individual module options chosen and the stage of the study.
Methods of Assessment
The way you will be assessed on your course will vary depending on the subject and the type of postgraduate programme you select. A taught programme could include a written dissertation, exams, presentations, and projects. A research programme could include a thesis, oral examination, and presentation to a group of research academics. You may be expected to demonstrate how your research findings have contributed to knowledge or developed existing theory or understanding. Please see the individual course pages to find out more.
Modules
Critical Engagement with Educational Literature (Core)
Dissertation (Education) (Core)
Research Methods (Education) (Core)
Education and Social Justice (Option)†
Educational leadership and management: theory and practice (Option)†
Language and Education (Option)†
Mentoring and Coaching for Educational Professionals (Option)†
Special Educational Needs and Disability (Option)†
The Art and Craft of Social Theory (Option)†
How You Are Assessed
Assessment is through written assignments, portfolios, and presentations. Students also receive regular feedback on their work from teaching staff and their tutor, as well as receiving grades to mark their progress through the curricula. In addition, students should expect to participate in formative peer review of each other’s ideas and work throughout the programme via active group discussion and a variety of presentation methods (e.g. annual student conference presentations, poster sessions, 'PechaKucha' sessions).
Assessment Feedback
The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly – usually within 15 working days of the submission date.
Scholarships
There are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, you can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study.
Course-Specific Additional Costs
All students are expected to attend scheduled teaching on the programme – this takes place in Lincoln (UK) at two-weekend study schools (Friday - Sunday in October and February) and one week-long study school (Monday - Friday in July). Please note that students will be responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and general living expenses while attending scheduled teaching.
Entry Requirements 2021-22
First or second class honors degree or equivalent qualification.
Relevant professional experience is considered. Prior credits earned through a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) may count towards this degree. Contact the School of Education to speak to an advisor about Accreditation of Prior Learning.
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.
Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 7.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. This qualification must have been obtained prior to submitting your application.
For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.
Teaching and Learning During Covid-19
At Lincoln, Covid-19 has encouraged us to review our practices and, as a result, to take the opportunity to find new ways to enhance the student experience. We have made changes to our teaching and learning approach and to our campus, to ensure that students and staff can enjoy a safe and positive learning experience. We will continue to follow Government guidance and work closely with the local Public Health experts as the situation progresses, and adapt our teaching and learning accordingly to keep our campus as safe as possible.
Research Areas, Projects and Topics
Studying in the School of Education offers many opportunities to learn from experienced researchers and be part of exciting new research projects that aim to challenge and improve current educational thinking and practice.
The School’s research engages some of the most pressing debates in the field today, including:
Projects on multimodal, practical and performative learning among children
Studies on safeguarding academic freedom in European and African universities
Research into the development of cooperative educational leadership
Inquiries into teachers’ agency and professional identities
Evaluations of pedagogy
Critical theories of educational marketization
The School has two research groups - the Science and Technology Education Group and Research in Critical Education Studies (RiCES).
Career and Personal Development
The MA Education is a flexible postgraduate degree programme that aims to further existing educators' critical understanding of their practice and allows aspiring educators the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of education in preparation for a career in education or further doctoral research.
