Program Overview

MA International Education (DL)

Overview

The MA International Education (DL) degree is a distance learning course, allowing you to gain a well-respected master's degree from anywhere in the world. This course is ideal for teachers or other educational professionals working in international schools who want to develop their professional practice.

Why us?

• Prepare yourself for promotion and professional advancement in roles linked to teaching and educational management in an international school setting
• Study in a flexible, independent and yet well-supported manner that enables you to achieve a master's qualification whilst also being busy as a full-time teacher
• Carry forward 60 credits from a University of Sunderland PGCE to our MA and enjoy both the academic and financial benefits of continuing your studying
• Become a member of an international ‘community of learning and practice’ through the encouraged use of discussion boards throughout the programme
• Carry out research which is specific to your own workplace and study from anywhere in the world

Course structure

If you're studying for the MA International Education (DL) degree, you can learn from anywhere in the world that has good internet access, as learning materials will be e-books, online journal papers and other online resources.

Compared to an undergraduate course, you will find that a master's degree requires a higher level of independent working. You'll have one-to-one support from staff throughout your degree.

Your progress will be assessed with case studies, research proposals and written assignments.

Course modules

Year 1 (national level 7):

• Core module:
  • Understanding the Mission and Vision of International Schools (30 credits) This module will give you an introduction to the history of international education and its development over time, allowing you to examine different contexts and how this can be seen at different levels. Explore cultures within schools and compare alternative approaches to education. You’ll make links between internationalism, interculturalism, and school curricula, and understand mission, vision, and values statements in a variety of contexts, as well as the potential future of international education.
• Optional modules (choose one):
  • Leading Organisational Effectiveness in Education and Training (30 credits) Examine the issues relating to the human elements within the audit, planning and implementation of organisational change in an educational establishment. Explore topics such as the complexities of the principles of leadership, leadership roles and responsibilities, when determining the need for change in an educational establishment. Investigate the issues relating to effective human and material resourcing, the implications of human resistance to change and the influence of motivational skills when attempting to resolve under-performance.
  • Assessment Theory into Pedagogical Practice (30 credits) Examine educational assessment theory in relation to the practice which you are involved in your own educational setting. Consider current assessment theories and trends, as well as the construction and development of assessment policy around these theories and trends. Design, implement and evaluate specific assessment instruments within your own context.
  • The Nature of Teaching and Learning (30 credits) Gain knowledge of current research around children’s learning and associated modes of teaching. Reflect upon your own professional practice and consider the potential of introducing alternative teaching and learning experiences. Consider the nature and contribution of different types of assessment and explore major psychological theories of learning with reference to the social foundations of cognitive development.
  • Mentoring and Coaching (30 credits) Explore the principles, concepts, theories and models relating to the development of coaching, guidance and mentoring skills. Evaluate the impact these might have on teaching and learning. Demonstrate the development of related skills, the personal qualities that underpin effective learning relationships and the ability to integrate these skills into your professional practice. Develop supportive relationships, both personal and professional, as well as awareness of the potential of all learners.
  • Advanced Professional Practice in Subject Related Disciplines (30 credits) Develop a critical understanding of how an aspect of your specialist subject can be further enhanced through pedagogical practice and theoretical research. Critically examine your subject within a professional context and seek to analyse existing provision, improving that provision through theory, research, and practice. Carry out substantial practitioner research which will be further enhanced by in depth analysis of practice in relation to existing research and critical evaluation.
  • Gender and Diversity (30 credits) Examine the concept of gender and diversity in relation to inclusive and representative education for all pupils, including transgender and cisgender children. Learn about gender and diversity in a way that develops your reflective and analytical ability to be adaptive and flexible in response to a dynamic and fast-evolving field. Develop contemporary knowledge as well as the skills to foster an inclusive, representative, and supportive pedagogical approach and learning environment for all students.

Year 2 (national level 7):

• Core modules:
  • Introduction to Criticality (30 credits) Gain an understanding of the importance of critical thinking as the basis of your study, located in the belief that critical thinking and analysis in the broader context of education is the model for educating critical professionals. Develop your skills in self-assessment, mental flexibility, creativity, interpretation, and argument.
  • The International School Curriculum (30 credits) Explore the influence of culture, government regulation and educational philosophy on the curriculum in your own school. Examine issues concerning the relationship between the school organisation and the curriculum, such as who decides what is taught, who sets the standards and how pupil learning and achievement is monitored. Critically examine your own teaching, comparing teaching styles and effectiveness in the classroom, and how this is matched to the context in which you are working and to the needs of your students.
  • Leading and Managing in International Schools (30 credits) Critically examine the management of institutions, curriculum areas, staff, and pupils within your context. Consider in depth issues relating to that management such as the itinerant nature of staff. Explore the implications of the eclectic range of cultures with which you engage daily and examine the various types of international school philosophies. Consider how the differing social, economic, and global positions of such schools determine leadership and management styles and to what extend ‘leadership’ is culturally determined.
• Optional modules (choose one):
  • Leading Organisational Effectiveness in Education and Training (30 credits) Examine the issues relating to the human elements within the audit, planning and implementation of organisational change in an educational establishment. Explore topics such as the complexities of the principles of leadership, leadership roles and responsibilities, when determining the need for change in an educational establishment. Investigate the issues relating to effective human and material resourcing, the implications of human resistance to change and the influence of motivational skills when attempting to resolve under-performance.
  • Assessment Theory into Pedagogical Practice (30 credits) Examine educational assessment theory in relation to the practice which you are involved in your own educational setting. Consider current assessment theories and trends, as well as the construction and development of assessment policy around these theories and trends. Design, implement and evaluate specific assessment instruments within your own context.
  • The Nature of Teaching and Learning (30 credits) Gain knowledge of current research around children’s learning and associated modes of teaching. Reflect upon your own professional practice and consider the potential of introducing alternative teaching and learning experiences. Consider the nature and contribution of different types of assessment and explore major psychological theories of learning with reference to the social foundations of cognitive development.
  • Mentoring and Coaching (30 credits) Explore the principles, concepts, theories and models relating to the development of coaching, guidance and mentoring skills. Evaluate the impact these might have on teaching and learning. Demonstrate the development of related skills, the personal qualities that underpin effective learning relationships and the ability to integrate these skills into your professional practice. Develop supportive relationships, both personal and professional, as well as awareness of the potential of all learners.
  • Advanced Professional Practice in Subject Related Disciplines (30 credits) Develop a critical understanding of how an aspect of your specialist subject can be further enhanced through pedagogical practice and theoretical research. Critically examine your subject within a professional context and seek to analyse existing provision, improving that provision through theory, research, and practice. Carry out substantial practitioner research which will be further enhanced by in depth analysis of practice in relation to existing research and critical evaluation.
  • Gender and Diversity (30 credits) Examine the concept of gender and diversity in relation to inclusive and representative education for all pupils, including transgender and cisgender children. Learn about gender and diversity in a way that develops your reflective and analytical ability to be adaptive and flexible in response to a dynamic and fast-evolving field. Develop contemporary knowledge as well as the skills to foster an inclusive, representative, and supportive pedagogical approach and learning environment for all students.

Facilities

This distance-learning course can be studied from anywhere in the world. You'll need good internet access to use our Virtual Learning Environment, where you will access specially designed learning materials, e-books, e-journals, relevant websites and multimedia.

Entry requirements

We usually require applicants to hold at least a second class honours degree (usually a 2:1) or equivalent.

You'll also usually need a recognised teaching qualification. If you've previously studied a PGCE with us, you can transfer 60 credits over to this master's course.

If your first language isn’t English, you must achieve a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, with 6.5 in writing, and at least 6 in Reading, Speaking and Listening.

Fees and finance

Fees are £8,500. A £250 deposit must be paid prior to the start of the course. This deposit is refundable up until the point of enrolment.

Career ready

This MA International Education (DL) degree is ideal for teachers and other people working within international education institutions who want to quickly progress their careers. It will qualify you for more senior positions in teaching and educational management in international schools.

The knowledge and skills you develop will also transfer to many other sectors, particularly education policy and government.

Please note that this course does not qualify you as a teacher.