Educational Studies

Overview

Education professionals in the twenty-first century are expected to have strong knowledge and skills in core areas as well as an ability to move flexibly in and out of a variety of specialist areas.

This Educational Studies programme is designed to meet these diverse needs by offering students the opportunity to select modules from a wide range of topics including: learning and teaching, assessment, educational leadership, inclusion and special educational needs.

The Educational Studies programme at Queen's University Belfast offers students an opportunity to familiarise themselves with current research on these topics. In addition, students are encouraged to consider and reflect on the practical implications of theoretical perspectives and research findings.

The MEd in Educational Studies is open to teachers in primary-, secondary- and tertiary-level institutions as well as to professionals in other fields of education.

On completion of the modules students will be able to:

• demonstrate a broad-based knowledge and understanding of educational research, policy, practice and theory covered by the modules of their choice
• analyse and critically apply examples of the research literature in the chosen modules (and, where appropriate, skills)
• reflect critically on their own personal practice

Student Experience

The diversity of topics is particularly appreciated by students who want to learn across a range of topics, rather than focusing on one specialist subject.

Credit transfer Students who have completed other master's-level awards, eg PGCE, within the last 10 years are eligible to credit transfer. The credit transfer application must be submitted at the same time as the online programme application as retrospective applications are not accepted.

Flexibility This programme is delivered via blended learning (a mixture of face-to-face and online learning).

Flexible exit qualifications (PgCert, PgDip) are available and individual course modules can also be taken as short courses.

Career Prospects

Introduction

Graduates from this degree have found the skills and knowledge learned to be beneficial in their workplace by improving their professional practice. In the case of teachers this has meant the development of research-informed practice and the ability to lead professional development within their schools.

Furthermore, a higher degree can enhance employment prospects to help secure future promotion. Having deepened their knowledge in a specific area, other students have chosen to continue academic study to doctoral level.

Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes help our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.