7PE988 Independent Study Module Handbook | UoD

7PE988 Description of the Module

Independent study is the culmination of the student’s MA Education programme. Through engagement with this module, the processes involved in the planning, piloting, implementing and reporting of a substantial enquiry are explored. Through researching an aspect of professional practice in which they have a strong and committed interest, students will be challenged to deepen their knowledge, understanding and synthesis for practice of one or more education-related issues. The Independent study is a significant piece of work, and it is expected to include a full and detailed account and analysis of the processes and procedures undertaken and of the outcomes worthy of dissemination to the wider profession. Those studying for an MA Education with a specialist pathway descriptor are expected to choose Independent Studies relevant to their chosen pathway. Within this constraint, however, students have considerable scope for negotiating the precise nature and context of their Independent Studies.

Relationship to Programme Structure

The Independent Study is a culmination of the skills, knowledge and competences outlined in the programme specification:

On completion of the MA Education, you will demonstrate advanced: 

• independent, critical and reflective thinking;
• development and demonstration of conceptual understanding of the academic skills required to study at the postgraduate level; 
• critical appraisal of ideas and evidence, showing appropriate engagement in academic debate;
• ability to analyse and develop cohesive arguments demonstrating originality in the application of knowledge. 

Practical and Subject-Specific Skill 

On completion of the MA Education, you will demonstrate advanced: 

• competence of management and organisation within the context of your emerging knowledge of the field of education;  
• display of professional skills including critical thinking, presentation and report writing skills for disseminating their ideas;
• demonstrate a critical understanding of the philosophy, ethics, design, and practice of social research;
• present and communicate a critical understanding of a research proposal;
• ability to design, implement, justify, evaluate and present a small-scale research project;  
• Collect, record, analyse and interpret data appropriate to the educational study to highlight the outcomes of the investigation concerning existing knowledge. 

Transferable Skills 

On completion of the MA Education, you will demonstrate advanced: 

• professional skills, including report writing and presentation skills for disseminating and articulating ideas;
• confidence, competence and capability to actively engage in critical debate in their field;
• decision-making skills, dealing with complex issues both systematically and creatively;
• independent learning required for continuing professional development;  
• capacity to work on their initiative and in cooperation with others, taking personal responsibility; 
• capacity to acquire new knowledge and skills. 

Skills Mapping

7PE988 Learning Outcomes 

• Outline and critically evaluate the feasibility of a small-scale educational study in an area of relevance to the student and the education profession.
• Compile a critical review of pertinent academic literature to situate the educational study, drawing upon a range of sources from theory, policy and practice.
• Design, implement and evaluate an appropriate and ethical methodology for the small-scale study, drawing upon pertinent academic literature to inform the appropriateness.
• Collect, record, analyse and interpret data appropriate to the educational study to highlight the outcomes of the investigation with existing knowledge.
• Apply effective communication and presentation skills in line with those expected of a Master of Arts in Education.

Schedule of work FT

Assessment Strategy