What Makes This Course So Special?
The student body represents a diverse range of professional backgrounds and we aim to utilise this within the course by encouraging students to give their experiences and develop professional networks. This has enabled students to gain some unique insights into issues, and we have also created opportunities for students to become involved in presenting on other relevant courses.
A wide range of modules is available as part of the MA Education programme.
Course Intro
This course is for you if you are a graduate and or have relevant experience working as a professional in law, health services, social work, the police service, voluntary sector and education.
On this course you will develop a critical understanding of effective approaches to the care of children. You will focus on the rights of the child and the importance of child advocacy and ethical issues relating to researching children. You will learn from a highly experienced team and benefit from an emphasis on collaborative, interactive learning utilising relevant technology and drawing on the expertise of specialist professionals to promote a professional dialogue. The course is grounded in the belief that a multi-disciplinary approach to working with children is crucial if their needs are to be met holistically.
In addition, the course supports an increasing focus on collaborative and multi-agency working which has meant that the range and diversity of professionals wanting to consolidate their knowledge of child related issues is increasing.
What you study
In common with all of the MA Education programmes, you must take the core module; Research Methodology. This module will equip you to carry out small scale education enquiry ethically and effectively.
In addition you will study the following specialist modules:
Child Development
This module explores the impact of a wide variety of genetic and environmental influences on child development and considers the course of physical growth from birth to adolescence and factors which affect this growth. You are helped to understand and debate the theoretical frameworks relating to cognitive and language development and to explore and evaluate emotional and social development from a developmental and sociological perspective.
Working with Vulnerable Children
This module explores factors associated with uncertainty and vulnerability in children, including war, refugee status, poverty, crime, drug and alcohol abuse, homelessness, unemployment, poor health and divorce.
Children’s Wellbeing
This module includes issues such as child health, child and family law and child protection.
Alternatively you can take one module from one of the other MA Education pathways.
To complete the full MA you will present a 17,000 word research dissertation and a 3,000 word research dissemination plan.
A programme specification for this course is available.
Where Next?
A Masters degree is required for professional advancement in numerous occupations, and is widely seen as evidence of a successful commitment to high level professional development. An MA award demonstrates that you have developed advanced level skills in analysis, evaluation and research.
If you are interested in the possibility of a higher degree by research, your tutors will be pleased to discuss the opportunities for doing so here at Newport.
Interview Required
Yes. After you have made your application an informal interview will be required.
Assessment
Each module is normally assessed by a written assignment of 5,000 words.
Student Soundbite
“My participation in the course has opened my eyes to the wider issues facing families with children. I am more confident that decisions I am making are based on a greater depth of knowledge.”