MA Advanced Educational Practice (3years) (Part time)

The study components of the MA Advanced Educational Practice degree are suitable for those working in an educational environment, in the UK, who are at various stages of their careers who wish to extend their Continuing Professional Development activities by working towards a Masters level award (180 credits).

Students who choose to exit the full Masters programme after completing the first year module will be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits at M-level). Students exiting after completion of the second year module will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits at M-level).

This programme aims to build on participants' existing interests and expertise. We create a stimulating and challenging environment in which to discuss and analyse work place practice. Students are supported in carrying out research to achieve greater understanding and to encourage innovation.

The course is taught during evenings and weekends (office hours are avoided). Fees can be paid in instalments. The course can be completed in 3-4 years.

Transfer of Credits and Second Year Entry

Students who have completed the University of East Anglia's Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) with 60 Masters level credits automatically qualify for direct entry to the second year of this programme. Students may also apply to transfer relevant Masters level credits from other institutions.

UEA PGCE students: Please note the MA must be completed within 5 years - and this would include your PGCE credits. So, for example, if you started your PGCE in 2008, you would need to complete the MA by September 2013.

Course Organiser:Ms. Susan Cox

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Entry Requirements Degree Subject: Social Science Degree Classification: 2.2 or equivalent Special Entry Requirements: Qualified Teacher Status (QTS); GTCE registered Entry Requirement

Applicants should normally have a good first degree from a recognised higher education institution. The University will also take into account the employment experience of applicants where relevant and applications are actively encouraged from those who want to return to academic study.

It is normal for undergraduate students to apply for entry to postgraduate programmes in their final year of study. Applicants who have not yet been awarded a degree may be offered a place conditional on their attaining a particular class of degree.

Alternative Qualifications

Accreditation at Masters Level for NPQH qualification

We can consider giving Accreditation for Prior Experiential/Certificated Learning for candidates for our MA(AEP) programme who are undertaking the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) qualification.

To be considered, applicants will need to submit a bridging assignment.

If successful, applicants will be awarded 60 credits (equivalent to the first year of study of our MA(AEP) programme).

The remaining 120 credits to complete the MA can be achieved by following the School Based Enquiry - Research Methods in Education module (one year part-time study) and the dissertation module (one year of part-time study).

Please click to access further details about the bridging assignment or contact the Course Director, Sue Cox, at the School of Education and Lifelong Learning.

We advise that anyone wishing to gain the MA in this way consults with us about their intentions and the bridging assignment at the start of their NPQH course.

APEL (Accreditation for Prior Experiential Learning)

Concessional Entry
Non-graduates may be able to gain entry to the MA programme in the following way:

Non-graduates who already hold other professional awards in addition to their initial training qualifications, or can offer evidence of appropriate service/professional experience, may be eligible for Concessional Entry.

Concessional Entry to the MA programme is granted by the Head of the School of Education and Lifelong Learning, on the basis of evidence presented.

If you consider that you might be eligible for Concessional Entry you should present an outline of your qualifications and experience attached to the Application Form.

Graduate/QTS Entry
Graduates with QTS may be eligible to apply for APEL to gain 60 credits. Applicants will need to submit:

• A portfolio of evidence of appropriate project based work carried out by the applicant in their school.
• A 5,000 word commentary (bridging assignment) that meets MA criteria.

The submission will be assessed. If it meets the criteria, the applicant will be awarded 60 credits APEL and will be eligible to begin the course with the Year 2 module School-Based Enquiry - Research Methods in Education.

Please click to access further information about the bridging assignment.

NB: There is normally a fee for the assessment of APEL

Advanced Credit Standing

Advanced Credit Standing means that credits may be awarded towards a UEA award on the basis of work already undertaken before joining the UEA MA programme.

Credits might be awarded for courses taken at other institutions, or on the basis of professional learning gained through experience at work.

If you are a graduate you may be eligible for Advanced Credit Standing as shown below. The School of Education and Lifelong Learning offers the following possibilities regarding the award and transfer of credits:

• Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) - Recognising Masters level awards accredited by other institutions as credit towards a UEA award.
• Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) - Accrediting learning gained during the course of your professional work and experience, not necessarily as part of a course or award. We will consider NPQH awards on the proviso that candidates can provide evidence of critically reflective work at MA level. (Fee charged).
• Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CATS) - Transferring Masters level credits gained at other institutions into the UEA programme.

Candidates interested in applying for Advanced Credit Standing should attach a full statement to their application form.

The School of Education and Lifelong Learning is one of the UK's leading centres for research and teaching in education, offering a distinctively broad range of programmes at Postgraduate level.

We are a diverse community of practitioners, scholars and academics who teach, research, and provide professional development. We seek to equip educationalists and other professionals with the skills and insights they need as part of their continued professional development at a time of rapid educational and organisational change.

The School is nationally and internationally recognised for its work in educational innovation and social change; literacy and development; and mathematics education. We have extensive links with overseas agencies and organisations and strong working relationships with practitioners, educators and policymakers in all sectors of the education system and other related professional fields. We are proud of both our local roots and our international reach and our partnerships with schools and colleges, with adult educational groups and with governments and universities are greatly valued.

We use a variety of teaching technologies, including lectures, seminars, practical work and IT e-learning resources. These are delivered by experienced members of academic staff, often in a relatively informal learning environment within small groups. Assessment is usually by written assignments and a dissertation. A continuous control process ensures that our teaching quality continues to develop, and students have access to a number of quality-control channels including student feedback forms, debriefing meetings, and the Student Liaison Committee to help us monitor, evaluate and develop current practice.

There are many external indicators which endorse the quality of our teaching and research. These include top ratings within the National Student Satisfaction survey, '+3' Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) recognition, and "Outstanding" recognition by OfSTED for our programmes of Initial Teacher Education.

Career Opportunities

Our graduates enjoy excellent employment prospects. A high proportion of our Masters graduates occupy senior posts in schools, universities and ministries all over the world.

The University of East Anglia provides a professional Careers Centre and, together with the School's Academic Careers Adviser, we will help students to pursue their chosen career path and develop their employability skills.

Come and Visit Us

Our Open Days will give you the opportunity to experience the University of East Anglia's unique campus atmosphere.

You will have the chance to attend subject-specific talks and presentations about student life and finance. You will also be able to talk directly to academics, admissions staff and current students giving you a first-hand impression of life at the University of East Anglia - check out the accommodation, learning resources, student support, and our sport and entertainment facilities.

If you are not able to visit us in person, check out our Virtual Open Day experience which we hope will help to provide you with an insight into life and study at the University of East Anglia.

Further Information

If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances with the Admissions Office prior to applying
please do contact us:

Admissions Office (Education and Lifelong Learning)
Tel: +44 (0)1603 593252
Email: pgedu.admiss@uea.ac.uk

Please click here to download the School of Education and Lifelong Learning Postgraduate Prospectus or register your details via our Online Enquiry Form.

International candidates are also actively encouraged to access the University's International section of our website.

Fees and Funding

Fees for students starting in the academic year 2013/2014 will be:

• UK/EU Students: £1,665 per full 60 credits

Scholarships and Funding

A variety of Scholarships may be offered to UK students. Please click here for more detailed information about funding for UK students.

Funding opportunities specifically appropriate to those wishing to study the MA Advanced Educational Practice include:

• The Professional Development (PD) Scholarship Scheme
• The Keswick Hall Trust Bursary - The bursary will be awarded to a student who submits a research proposal of academic excellence and subject relevance with their application to study this course; the proposal must focus on RE in UK schools.