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Applied Professional Studies in Education
School of Education,
Faculty of Social Sciences
Course description
This course is designed for professional educators from a wide range of settings, including teachers, lecturers, coaches, mentors and paraprofessionals. Our MA will give you the knowledge and skills to have a positive, research-led impact. You will be able to apply what you learn to your current role, career aspirations or a specific educational context. You’ll also be well prepared to progress to doctoral level study.
This is a distance learning course, which means you can learn flexibly, and balance study around work, family life or other commitments.
Each module is designed to be tailored to your own personal interests and expertise.
We will guide you through exploring your philosophy as an educator - giving you the opportunity to draw on your own learning and teaching experiences, while reflecting on your personal and professional development. Our expert staff will help you situate and guide your research in a culturally responsive and ethical way.
You’ll explore your own interests and develop a strong understanding of the key issues in educational research, including ethical research and how to apply research evidence to professional practice. You will develop widely transferable and practical skills that can be applied to complex educational research problems. These skills will also support your career development.
You will choose your own independent research project (dissertation module). Throughout, we will support you with planning and carrying out research activity related to your professional role.
Previous students have had impact by sharing their research insights within their professional contexts and even beyond, via publication or conference.
You will be able to engage with fellow students through our innovative teaching methods - choosing to attend our hybrid Saturday study schools either in person or online. You will share, communicate and evolve your ideas as part of a community of practitioner researchers. You’ll be assigned an individual tutor who will support you as you develop your project and provide constructive feedback.
If you do not already have a Postgraduate Certificate in Education or equivalent then we recommend our iPGCE as excellent preparation for the MA Applied Professional Studies in Education.
Modules
Core modules:
- Applied Professional Studies and Philosophy of Education
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In this module, students will draw together artefacts and writings, including materials from their learning and teaching experiences to reflect on their personal and professional development, leading to an exploration of their philosophy as an educator.
30 credits - Making Sense of Educational Research
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This module explores key issues in educational research including ethical researching and the application of research evidence to professional practice in Education.
30 credits
Students will explore recent research related to their interests, developing a methodological critique and reflecting on implications for their continued development.
In your second year, your MA is assessed through submission of a research dissertation. You will be allocated a dissertation supervisor who will support you throughout the year. For example, your dissertation supervisor will provide guidance on how to develop your research project. They will also discuss and approve your proposed fieldwork activities, and provide feedback on draft work prior to the final submission of your dissertation.
- Dissertation (APSE)
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In this module, students are supported in planning and carrying out a piece of research, usually in their own professional context, and in writing a dissertation. Students will study a dissertation of their choice that relates to their programme and staff expertise.
60 credits
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.
Open days
An open day gives you the best opportunity to hear first-hand from our current students and staff about our courses.
Duration
2 years part-time (distance learning)
Teaching
Teaching takes place via a number of Saturday study schools, spread throughout the year, as well as individual tutor support.
Assessment
- Portfolio
- Presentation
- Independent research project (dissertation)
School
School of Education
We're proud to welcome a vibrant and diverse community, with students based locally, nationally and internationally. Our research has a direct impact on educational theory, policy and practice; we're supporting the development of children, families, schools and learning communities.
We use a variety of teaching methods to give you the opportunity to engage with your tutors and peers.
Our team of tutors at the School of Education comprises of experts in early childhood education, secondary education, policy and practice, psychological theory of education, and languages and education. Many of our academic staff are internationally recognised in their specialist areas.
Entry requirements
You will need a PGCE with 60 credits at masters level, awarded within the past 5 years
or
You will be a recognised graduate of the University of Sheffield iPGCE, awarded within the past 5 years
or
You have a PGCert related to education or professional studies, achieved no more than 5 years before you commence the programme
or
You will be a recognised graduate of the University of Sheffield PGDE with 120 credits at masters level, awarded within the past 5 years. This qualification will grant admittance to Year 2 of the programme.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 (with 6 in each component) or University equivalent
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the school/department.
Fees and funding
Alumni discount
Save up to £2,500 on your course fees
Are you a Sheffield graduate? You could save up to £2,500 on your postgraduate taught course fees, subject to eligibility.
Apply
You can apply now using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It's a quick and easy process.
Contact
Start a conversation with us – you can get in touch by email, telephone or online chat.
Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.
Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read and the .