MA Professional Practice in Lifelong Learning

Overview & facilities

This is a part time Masters Degree for teachers, leaders or supporters of lifelong learning who are looking for a higher qualification that is both academic and practical, and will contribute to their continuous professional development. It will provide high quality support, recognition and acknowledgement for staff in the Learning and Skills Sector.

In year one, we will guide students to stand back from daily practice in lifelong learning and critically reflect on their personal values and professional practice in a wider context. They will then have opportunities in years two and three to draw on this knowledge and understanding and develop their skills as researchers in their own field with direct reference to their own practice.

Content & modules

Module 1 Principles, Policy and Practice provides an opportunity for wider study into the background and foundations underlying lifelong learning and practitioners' own work practice

• Consider origins and principles underlying lifelong learning and how government policies and initiatives have changed your current practice.
• Through reflection and action planning for continuing personal and professional development, consider how your own professional values and practice are affected by current policy
• Evaluate your own practice and identify a specific area for further study and research

Module 2 Action Enquiry for Improvement provides a vehicle for in depth practitioner enquiries in participants' chosen field and context. With guidance you will

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to your own research or advanced scholarship
• Plan, undertake and sustain Action Enquiry for Improvement in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Critically evaluate the impact of Action Enquiry

Module 3 Dissertation The broad goal of this module is to enable you to shape and evaluate your knowledge and practice in the field of teaching. Using agreed research methods, you prepare a small scale research project. You conduct research into a specific aspect of your own practice and write a dissertation. Through independent and self-directed research, you

• Develop a complex and specialised area of knowledge related to your own professional practice
• Write a critical and analytical research report in your own field of enquiry with reference to relevant theory linked to independent enquiry.

Students will be expected to attend monthly seminars in module one. Thereafter they can study though a mixture of blended learning including online and face to face sessions as appropriate.

Formative assessment applies throughout. Assessments will take various forms formal assignments, portfolios and final dissertation. According to the module requirements, students may be set specific essay titles, work through a comprehensive pack of materials with structured tutorial support; gradually increasing the management of their own learning and assessment tasks and, following an agreed research proposal, they will write a dissertation on their own professional practice.

Entry & applying

Standard entry requirements

To be accepted to study on the MA Professional Practice in Lifelong Learning, we normally require a good honours degree, or equivalent qualification, in an appropriate subject. We also consider candidates with other relevant qualifications and individuals with a minimum of three years' work experience. Those without formal qualifications need to demonstrate relevant work experience and the ability to study at postgraduate level.

International entry requirements

We accept the equivalent of the above from a recognised overseas university, to find out more about the requirements from your country, see further information under support in your country.

English language requirements

You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.5 (with minimum 6.0 in all four components) or TOEFL paper based 575 (no less than 4.5 in test of written English) or TOEFL internet based 90 (with no less than 19 in each component) Middlesex also offers an Intensive Academic English course (Pre-Sessional) that ranges from 5-17 weeks, depending on your level of English. Successful completion of this course would meet English language entry requirements. For more information on applying for the pre-sessional please email english@mdx.ac.uk. For details of other equivalent English language requirements that Middlesex accepts see international entry requirements.

How to Apply

Apply now

Applications for postgraduate study should be made directly to the university. The quickest way to apply is by making an online application, once you have created your account and completed your application, you will be able to track the progress of your application online. Alternatively, you can fill in an application form and return it to the appropriate admissions office. UK and EU students should apply directly to the London office. Non-EU international students can apply to our international admissions office in London, or use our network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application.

Fees & funding

September 2011 start
TBC

UK/EU Students

£50 per taught credit

Find out about our flexible payment plans for UK/EU students, and how they can help you spread the cost of your course.

International Students

Careers & placements

Whatever your current professional role, your career opportunities will be actively enhanced by the action enquiry-research project chosen for your dissertation, which may be considered for publication. Your MA study will have developed your professional knowledge, critical awareness and research skills towards a more confident, 'can do' attitude towards challenges within your field of interest.

Our Careers Service offers you a range of support both while you’re studying with us – and after you’ve graduated.