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Study information

Programme Specification for the 2023/4 academic year

MA International Education

1. Programme Details

Programme nameMA International Education Programme codePTA1EDUEDU05
Study mode(s)Full Time
Academic year2023/4
Campus(es)St Luke's (Exeter)
NQF Level of the Final Award7 (Masters)

2. Description of the Programme

The purpose of this programme is to explore theory and practice related to education as an international and increasingly internationalised and globalised sphere of activity. The programme will introduce you to key thinkers and major schools of thought on international aspects of education and to the ideas, theories and concepts underpinning these varying perspectives. It will examine the research basis of dominant, alternative and emerging theory and practice in this field and to the changing relationship between international and global policy environments and the development of international and internalised educational institutions and networks in a range of global contexts. You will be asked to critically examine theory and practice in global and a range of local, national and international contexts.

In addition, through this programme you will be able to develop your own understanding and potential to work within international educational institutions and those focused upon internationalising their curriculum. This will involve an examination of some of the major trends in the field of international education and of emerging ideas including an appraisal of those qualities, competencies and behaviours associated with working in internationally focused educational institutions. 

You will undertake a range of formative and summative assessment tasks including a dissertation or portfolio project.

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

1. What is international education?
2. In what ways do global and international education differ?
3. In what ways and why are educational institutions and actors increasingly internationalising their practices?
4. What are the qualities, competencies and behaviours associated with working in international, global and internationally focused educational organisations?
5. What role might education play in creating a more just, equitable and sustainable world?
6. How might we compare and contrast education systems from a range of different national contexts and draw sound conclusions from related empirical research?

The principal aim of this programme is to facilitate critical examination of international education in global, national and local contexts. You will consider theories and methodologies which have underpinned the study of education in global and international contexts and their relationship to policy, international research and educational practices and institutions. You will also critically examine and reflect on international education.

The programme will examine key questions such as:

4. Programme Structure

The modular format of the Programme provides exit points in the form of Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits) and Diploma (120 credits) organised in line with the national framework established by the QAA. You may exit the programme with these qualifications provided you have obtained the requisite number of credits as shown below.

 

Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits)

2 x 30 credit modules

OR  1 x 60 credit module

Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits)

4 x 30 credit modules

OR 2 x 30 credit modules plus 1 x 60 credit module

5. Programme Modules

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.

https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/

Your International Education programme is a 1 year programme of study at National Qualification Framework (RQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). The programme is also divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.

Stage 1


150 credits of compulsory modules and one 30 credit option module.

Compulsory Modules

Compulsory Modules (150 credits)

In addition to taking core modules EFPM200, EFPM914, and EFPM912:

a - Students must take at least one of EFPM910 Education Policy OR EFPM375 Education for Diversity (the one not chosen can be taken as an option module):

b - Students must take either EFPM308 Preparing for Educational Research and Dissertation OR EFPM331 Preparing for Education Inquiry Portfolio


CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
EFPM200 SoE Success for All 0No
EFPM914 Education Studies 30No
EFPM912 Perspectives on International Education 30No
EFPM910 Education Policy [See note a above]30No
EFPM375 Education for diversity [See note a above]30No
EFPM308 Preparing for Educational Research and Dissertation [See note b above]60Yes
EFPM331 Preparing for Educational Inquiry Portfolio [See note b above]60Yes

Optional Modules

Students can either take the remaining module not already chosen from EFPM910 and EFPM375 (see note 'a' above), or they can choose one of the modules from the list below.

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
EFPM919 Critical Perspectives on Inclusive Education 30No
EFPM294 Technology and Education Futures 30No
EFPM907 Creativity in Education: Valuing, Facilitating and Assessing It 30No
EFPM918 Reflecting on Educational Practices 30No
EFPM913 Debating the Big Questions in Education 30No

6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

1. Demonstrate sound understanding of the theories and methodologies which have underpinned the study of education in international and global contexts
2. Demonstrate ability to understand and critically consider a range of social, economic, cultural, political and environmental policies, practices and perspectives which inform international education
3. Demonstrate a critical understanding of key global, international, national and local issues in international education

Whilst there may be some differences in terms of teaching and learning methods across modules, you can expect to engage with a range of learning activities.  For example, in addition to lectures, you will also take part in seminar sessions where you will get the opportunity to develop your knowledge and understanding even further by contributing to group discussions, taking part in debates, critically engaging with academic literature and research, (guided and independently) and encouraged to work independently and collaboratively with others.

As a Masters level student, you will be expected to prepare for seminars by completing set tasks and readings before the sessions; contribute to seminar tasks and discussions; and regularly meet set deadlines.

The different ILOs will be assessed through a range of assessment methods and will be particularly relevant to Perspectives on International Education and Education for Diversity. Assessment methods include written essays, and contributions in online activities.  Optional module assessment methods vary, but include digital posters, digital artefacts, critiques of journal articles critical reflections, presentations, and portfolios.

Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

4. Critically reflect upon and evaluate your own interpretation of international education and its application to education settings with which you are familiar
5. Demonstrate ability to compare and contrast education systems from a range of different national contexts and to draw sound conclusions from related empirical research
6. Critically evaluate research evidence related to international education

Whilst there may be some variation in learning and teaching activities across the programme (depending on optional module selections), you can expect to attend lectures and seminars, as well as take part in group discussions and debates, and critically engage with academic literature and research (guided and independently).  Throughout the programme, you will be encouraged to work independently and collaboratively with others.

As a Masters level student, you will be expected to prepare for seminars by completing set tasks and readings before the sessions; contribute to seminar tasks and discussions.

As above, although ILOs from core and optional modules will be relevant as will the dissertation (depending on focus).  Assessment methods used may include written essays, and contributions in online activities.

Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

7. Construct organised, structured, critically reflective and analytic writing
8. Engage in critical, reflective debate
9. Undertake both directed and independent study to recognise, justify and analyse key ideas in international education literature and relate these to research, theory, policy and practice

Whilst there may be some variation in learning and teaching activities across the programme (depending on optional module selections), you can expect to attend lectures and seminars, as well as take part in group discussions and debates, and critically engage with academic literature and research (guided and independently).  Throughout the programme, you will be encouraged to work independently and collaboratively with others.

As a Masters level student, you will be expected to prepare for seminars by completing set tasks and readings before the sessions; contribute to seminar tasks and discussions.

ILOs from core and optional modules will be relevant as will the dissertation (depending on focus).  Assessment methods used may include written essays, academic posters, presentations, and contributions in online activities.

7. Programme Regulations

Classification

Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

Personal and Academic tutoring: It is University policy that all Faculties should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The role of academic tutors is to support you on individual modules; the role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.

As an undergraduate or postgraduate taught student in the Faculty of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (HASS),, you will be allocated a Personal Tutor at the commencement of your studies.   In normal circumstances your Personal Tutor will remain your tutor throughout your study programme. Your Personal Tutor is normally available through scheduled office hours but should also see you as a matter of course three times a year.  These meetings may typically commence soon after registration. These meetings will take place termly to discuss your progress. You should feel that you are able to approach your personal tutor for advice, pastoral support or academic support in a wider sense.

Library, ELE and other resources provided to support this programme:
The Library offers you core services for learning and research.  Whilst the various locations house a large collection of materials and services, many of our resources are available online through the library website for you to use at home, work or wherever you are located for your study. Each discipline has a subject librarian on hand to help you to find resources and we also work with tutors to digitise reading lists for inclusion in the Exeter Learning Environment (ELE).  ELE is used throughout the University to make course materials available online. You will be able to access module information, presentations, handouts, reading materials as well as interacting with other students and your tutors. Many tutors use ELE to run assessments and set coursework assignments. In addition to the materials provided by your tutors, there are various other resources available on ELE to help you in your studies.

The University provides a range of IT services, including open and training clusters of PCs (available on a 24/7 basis). In the Faculty of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences this includes a 24/7 suite in Amory and a second one in the St Luke’s Campus Library. These suites are accessible by swiping your university card.   The majority of the Faculty also has access to the university’s wireless network. Network access is available from the majority of rooms in University halls of residence through the ResNet system.

Helpdesks are maintained on all campuses but for students based on St Lukes campus, your main point for help will be Info St Lukes.

Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students & staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.

9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning

Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.

10. Admissions Criteria

Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.

Applications can be made via the MA International Education website.

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.

(Quality Review Framework.

14. Awarding Institution

University of Exeter

15. Lead College / Teaching Institution

Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS)

16. Partner College / Institution

Partner College(s)

Not applicable to this programme

Partner Institution

Not applicable to this programme.

17. Programme Accredited / Validated by

0

18. Final Award

MA International Education

19. UCAS Code

Not applicable to this programme.

20. NQF Level of Final Award

7 (Masters)

21. Credit

CATS credits

180

ECTS credits

90

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

23. Dates

Origin Date

25/05/2018

Date of last revision

13/12/2023