Application and Contact Details

Dr. Charles Smith (Programme Director, MA PDET)
Tel: 01792 482123
email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Programme Description

This is a part-time degree which provides continuing professional development (CPD) for providers of lifelong learning (or post-compulsory education and training), whatever their subject specialism.

The programme is particularly suited to professionals who have completed an initial teaching qualification such as the Cert Ed/ PGCE in Post-Compulsory Education and Training (PCET).  

As examples, the following 'constituencies' have been represented on the programme:

*Full or part-time teachers/lecturers/tutors/administrators in further education, adult/community education and higher education
*Those with responsibility for CPD, skills/vocational training, or management in training organisations, SME's, large companies, the voluntary sector, local and national government, trade unions, NHS, armed forces, police, prison, fire and ambulance services.
*Self-employed trainers or education and training consultants
*Teachers in the secondary education sector working mainly with the upper age groups, or in primary/secondary with special responsibility for the CPD of their colleagues.

Program Content and Structure

All modules are at Level 7 (Masters). The degree requires 180 credit points. Part one carries 120, part two 60. Assessment is through coursework assignments and dissertation.

Part I (Taught):

Part I consists of the following modules:

1.Current and Future Issues and Policy Environment of PDET
2.Learning, teaching and assessment in PDET
3.Leadership and management in PDET
4.Research methodology for PDET    

Classes are held on Tuesday evenings at Townhill

Part II (Research):

Dissertation (Double module)

The student negotiates a suitable PDET-related research topic with the programme team and has a personal tutor for supervision. We encourage a wide and diverse range of research topics. One-to-one meetings take place at mutually convenient times.

APL and a variety entry and exit points

This is aspecial feature of the programme, which uses a systematic procedure for the accreditation of prior experience and learning (APL). This can provide considerable 'acceleration', and suitable entrants with appropriate qualifications and experience can usually use APL for the first two taught modules. The APL process involves producing a portfolio under tutorial guidance. Students can exit the programme with a Postgraduate Certificate (60 credit points), Postgraduate Diploma (120 points) or Master of Arts (180 points).

How long will it take to get my MA?

 Two to five years of part-time study. There is some flexibility and students can take a break between modules. The majority of students take two academic years plus one or two terms. Typically, of these seven or eight academic terms, two terms involve evening class attendance (taught modules); one or two involve individual or small group tutorials (APL); and four involve one-to-one tutorial supervision (dissertation).

While the majority of students enrol to start in October, it is also possible to start in January or April.

Who is eligible to take part in the programme?

Applicants should hold a first degree or equivalent. An initial teaching qualification is also highly desirable (or an equivalent professional qualification for those who regard themselves as educational administrators rather than teachers). Professionals without a first degree, but with suitable qualifications and experience, are very welcome onto the programme. Every effort is made to cater for non-traditional modes.

Fees

Fees are subject to annual review. Currently they are approximately £300 per module or £1800 for the whole programme (irrespective of time taken). Usually, this is spread out as £600 for each of the three academic years.