Bath Spa University

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Professional Master's Programme

Our postgraduate Professional Master’s Programme (PMP) has been designed to offer professional learning related to general and specialist fields of education and training. We offer flexible study on a range of work based, independent study, taught and core modules, leading to Grad Cert, PG Cert, PG Dip or Master’s degree qualifications.

The PMP and its work based learning constituents are endorsed by fdf (Foundation Degree Forward) and are compliant with the Training and Development Agency’s (TDA) Integrated Qualifications Framework (IQF).

PMP Awards

The PMP has a selection of both specialised and general awards, some of which can be studied as a full-time programme.

Specialised Awards:

These awards include specific modules for study. The awards are:

• Education Studies (full-time option)
• International Education and Global Citizenship (full-time option)
• Specific Learning Difficulties/Dyslexia (full-time option)
• Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice

General Awards:

These flexible awards reflect the general focus of independent or work-based study undertaken. Participants undertaking general awards are initially registered to the 'Educational Practice' award. Based on the focus of their study, they may choose from a number of different titles for their final award.

The awards are:

• Critical and Creative Thinking
• Early Childhood Studies
• Educational Practice
• Educational Leadership and Management
• Learning and Knowledge Technology
• Mentoring and Coaching
• Primary Science Education
• Primary Mathematics Education
• Primary English Education
• Tertiary and Adult Education
• Vulnerable Learners and Inclusion

For further information on the various awards please contact CPD admin (see snapshot).

Qualifications Within the Programme

The range of qualifications offered have different requirements in terms of the number of module credits involved:

• Graduate Certificate (Grad Cert): This involves the study and completion of 60 credits at Level 6 (Honours).
• Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert): This involves the study and completion of 60 credits, a maximum of 15 at Level 6 (Honours) and a minimum of 45 credits at Level 7 (Master’s).
• Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip): This involves the completion of 120 credits. At least 90 credits must be at Level 7 with a maximum of 30 at Level 6.
• Master of Arts or Teaching (MA/MTeach): The MA or MTeach qualification is gained through the completion of 180 credits that includes a final dissertation of 60 credits. The final stage 60 credits dissertation research project is 15,000-20,000 words or equivalent.

The period of registration for part-time students is usually a minimum of two years and a maximum of six years, whereas for full-time this is from one year up to two years maximum.

Click for a larger version of this diagram

Elective and Core Modules Within the Programme

Elective Mid Stage Modules for General Awards:

These 30 credit modules are intended for those participants who have gained 60 credits and are moving through the General Awards. They are independent study options, and involve four evening sessions. They are additionally supported by Educational Context Seminars. The modules are:

• Learning and Teaching
• Leadership, Mentoring and Coaching
• Learning and Knowledge Technology
• Education, Politics and Society
• Including Vulnerable Learners

PMP Core Research Modules for Master’s Awards:

The core modules that all participants must complete to progress towards a Master’s dissertation are:

• Research and the Professional: Part 1 – Research Methodology (15 credits)
• Research and the Professional: Part 2 – Project Preparation (15 credits)

This then leads to:

• Master’s Research Project (60 credits)

NQT: Early Professional Practice module (EPP)

The 30 or 60 credit EPP module has been specially designed to meet the needs of any teacher who is new to the profession. It builds upon the PGCE and sessions address specific Core Standards including those related to working with other adults and improving practice. This module is relevant to NQTs, supply teachers and those seeking class teaching roles in school and can be included within your NQT file as evidence of your ongoing professional development. The first year in teaching can feel quite isolating (in comparison with PGCE) and a key strength of this module is that it also provides you with the opportunity to network with other teachers who are new to the profession. We offer a 50% fee reduction for Bath Spa Teachers.

For further details please contact: Fiona Maine, f.maine@bathspa.ac.uk.

Assessment Methods

Assessment for most modules is based on completing assignments related to professional learning tasks. An innovative range of assessment modes have been designed to reflect a diversity of professional needs and experience.

Entry Requirements

Working professionals do not necessarily need a first degree to join the Professional Master’s Programme. A professional qualification and at least two years professional experience are usually acceptable, together with evidence that you would benefit from study at this level. Candidates without a degree may apply to the Grad Cert route to enable them to progress to higher level awards. Please contact Dr Steve Coombs to discuss which level of qualification would suit you best (see snapshot).

Lifelong Learning (Initial Teacher Training)

We offer a Certificate in Education / Professional Graduate Certificate in Education aimed at professionals teaching and training in the 'lifelong learning' sector (see page xx for full details).

This provision has been recognised as one of the best in the country and has been awarded a Grade 1 in two consecutive Ofsted inspections, first in 2007/8 and again in 2011. Please contact Jim Crawley for further information (see snapshot).

We also offer a generic PMP Award for those working in the further education and adult training sector linked to our range of level 6 and 7 qualifications:

The PMP award title is:

• Adult and Tertiary Education

Valuing Previous Learning (APL)

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) can be offered if you have successfully completed previous Level 6 or 7 modules at another university. We accept APL for our PG Dip or Master’s qualifications. As a guide, up to a maximum of 90 credits may be credited towards a Master’s Degree and 75 credits towards a PG Dip. We will require a full transcript from the awarding university.

It is also possible to gain accreditation for other kinds of professional development by compiling an independent study portfolio of professional development (APEL - Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning). For further information about gaining credits in this way please contact CPD admin (see snapshot).

School-Based CPD and Consultancy

At Bath Spa University we offer a wide range of school-based CPD opportunities. We are keen to provide professional development which reflects the changing contexts and priorities of schools and our current involvement ranges from specific CPD programmes for individual schools, or networks and clusters, through to strategic partnerships with Local Authorities. Timings for bespoke school/LA centre based modules will be individually negotiated to meet the group’s needs. These development projects include:

Learning and Teaching in the 21st Century

Your project focuses might include:

• Creative approaches to curriculum design
• The central role of talk and collaborative learning in the classroom
• Promoting and teaching learning to learn dispositions
• The place of Web 2.0 technologies to enhance learning

Mentoring and Coaching

Your mentoring and coaching project could include:

• Exploration of the similarities and differences between mentoring and coaching
• The place of mentoring and coaching in the workplace
• Development and consolidation of skills and knowledge associated with mentoring and coaching
• Strategies to support the development of a coaching culture in your school/ setting.

Leadership Development

Your leadership development module could include:

• Personal reflections on what informs your leadership aspirations and practice
• Understanding different leadership styles and their impact upon school climate
• The leadership of learning.
• Strategies to develop and support the leadership of change
• Critical understanding of building and leading effective teams

For more information about school-based CPD and consultancy contact Dr Fiona Maine (see snapshot).

Fees and Financial Support

These fees are for the academic year 2011-2012 and may be subject to change. Please visit the CPD website for the latest information on fees.

Standard University Fees (UK/EU residents)

• £4,410 is the full-time fee (UK/EU students only)
• £370 per 15 credit module
• £740 per 30 credit module
• £1,110 per 45 credit module
• £1,480 per 60 credits and Master’s final Project

School-based CPD Fees

We offer accredited and non-accredited CPD options. These attract flat-fee options for groups with a total of 15 participants; top-up options and individual day course rates. We can negotiate these as part of your school-based CPD project.

Financial Support and Assistance

• National Scholarship Scheme: Up to £3,000 is available for teachers towards specific subject areas including SEN, Science, Maths and English.
• Professional and Career Development Loans are available to all UK adults enrolling onto the PMP.

Student Profile

I am completing the PMP on a part-time basis at the same time as my full-time job as a classroom teacher at a Primary School in Wiltshire. I chose to do this course to improve my understanding of teaching and learning and to develop as a teacher, improving the learning experiences of the children I teach. I also enjoy it! I chose Bath Spa University because of the connections with Wiltshire County Council; my first 2 action research projects were completed as a joint course between the two. I really like the fact that the course is linked to my teaching so I can see, and note, the benefits it is having on my teaching and the children. I like how I have been able to complete the PMP part-time and to a certain degree at my own pace, depending on my teaching job. I have found the lecturers at Bath Spa are easily contactable and are always available to help with any questions I have. Also, the campus is in a beautiful situation with lots of resources to use. I’m still completing the course but so far it has taught me to be more of a reflective teacher, and will help with my future career development. The PMP is a highly enjoyable programme that has made me really ‘think’ and develop my teaching.

Hannah Crook, PMP (part-time).