Education

DPhil in Education

Course Code | 003115 

The department shared top place in the 2008 UK Research Assessment Exercise Education ranking, and its researchers are internationally recognised. Over 95% of research outputs were judged to be ‘international’ and over 25% (the highest percentage in the UK) were seen as being ‘world leading’. There is a wide range of funded research projects based in the department and many of these projects have had a major impact on national policy.

Twenty DPhil places are offered each year, and admission is highly competitive. The department's doctoral students develop their skills through a range of research training seminars in their first year, and are encourage to make the most of the doctoral training and research methods provision available across the Social Sciences division. Students can also join one or more of the department's research groups, becoming part of a vibrant educational research community with an active set of doctoral student-led events, seminars and conferences.

Supervision is arranged by the department at the point of admission and applicants do not need to contact potential supervisors before an offer of admission is made.

Details of current research groups on the Education website

MSc in Education (Research Design and Methodology)

Course Code | 003090

The MSc Education pathway aims to give prospective educational researchers and research students the comprehensive, systemic and wide-ranging foundation of knowledge, understanding and skills that they will need to undertake qualitative and quantiative research competently and flexibly.

It is designed both for those who wish to prepare for doctoral work and for those going on to professional careers where research skills can be utilised. The course consists of six papers and a dissertation based on an empirical research project. The course is an accredited pathway in the University's Doctoral Training Centre.

• Length of programme: Twelve months (full-time) or two years (part-time)
• Core courses and programme specification

MSc in Education (Child Development and Education)

Course Code | 003085 

This MSc Education pathway combines a strong research basis with recognised expertise in policy and applied research offered by the staff. It aims to promote students’ critical understanding of developmental theories and research and the use of this knowledge in the design and evaluation of programmes aimed at promoting children’s development.

A core objective is to promote reflection and discussion about how theories of child development inform practice and how challenges faced in educational and care settings call for further theoretical and research enquiry.

The course consists of six papers, which are examined by essays, and a dissertation based on an empirical research project.

• Length of programme: Twelve months (full-time only)
• Core courses and programme specification

MSc in Education (Comparative and International Education)

Course Code | 003075 

This MSc Education pathway offers a comprehensive introduction to a range of theoretical perspectives and current debates within comparative and international education, a strong foundation in research methods and the opportunity to choose from a range of specialist option papers linked to research being carried out within the department.

The course consists of six assessed papers and a dissertation based on an empirical research project.

• Length of programme: Twelve months (full-time)
• Core courses and programme specification

MSc in Education (Higher Education)

Course Code | 003095

This MSc Education pathway offers a comprehensive introduction to a range of theoretical perspectives and current debates within Higher Education, a strong foundation in research methods and the opportunity to choose from a range of specialist option papers linked to research being carried out within the department.

The course consists of six assessed papers and a dissertation based on an empirical research project.

• Length of programme: Twelve months (full-time only)
• Core courses and programme specification

MSc in Education (Learning and Technology)

Course Code | 003076

This MSc Education pathway offers a comprehensive introduction to a range of theoretical perspectives and current debates within the use of learning technologies in Education, a strong foundation in research methods and the opportunity to choose from a range of specialist option papers linked to research being carried out within the department.

The course consists of six assessed papers and a dissertation based on an empirical research project.

• Length of programme: Twelve months (full-time only)
• Core courses and programme specification

MSc in Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition

Course Code | 002620 

• Length of programme: Twelve months (full-time) or two years (part-time)
• Core courses and programme specification

MSc in Learning and Teaching

Course Code | 003181

This is a part-time MSc programme for teachers who are interested in developing a research-informed, critical reflection on their practice. It has been devised in partnership with local schools and authority advisors. The focus is on the processes of learning and teaching, and the programme is rooted in participants’ own school-based practice (or in other educational settings).

It involves carrying out investigations in school, supported by appropriate reading, and attendance at up to four intensive two-day residential courses in Oxford each year. Throughout the course there is a strong emphasis on collaboration. The final year is a research and development project, which involves implementing a new strategy and reviewing its progress, while working with colleagues.

The university’s Virtual Learning Environment (Weblearn) is used to support the school-based tasks and sustain critical discussion. Supervision of students’ work  will mainly be offered within small subject-specific support groups, and from a university supervisor with expertise in a particular subject.

The course is open to all practising qualified teachers, but there are two routes through it; one for those who already have a Masters level PGCE qualification and one for those who do not. Much of the course content is common to both, but the duration of the course and the assessment demands for each group will differ.

On entry to the course, all students will follow the Postgraduate Diploma in Learning and Teaching in the first instance. Please see the Education website for the route through the course.

• Length of programme: Two or three years part-time study depending on prior qualifications

Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching English Language in University Settings

Course Code  | 002906

This part-time mid-career diploma, taught mainly by distance, is for current and aspiring university English language teachers who wish to develop their knowledge, understanding and practice.

The course combines a strong basis in the understanding and critical evaluation of research in English language learning, teaching, materials development and assessment, with an emphasis on the practical implications of this research for university English language programmes and materials.

The course is modular, over four university terms spanning two years (October to April), plus one residential week in August of each year.  Assessment is by end of module assignment and reflective portfolio.

• Length of programme: Four terms of part-time study over two years
  

The PGCE is awarded after a one-year, full-time course of teacher training for graduates.

The emphasis of the course is on professional preparation in partnership with associated schools in local authorities. The course is designed for intending secondary school teachers wishing to specialise in teaching Biology, Chemistry, English, Geography, History, Mathematics, Modern Languages, Physics and Religious Education.

A range of additional optional courses is offered and all course members take part in a programme of activities related to cross-curricular and whole school topics, such as Special Educational Needs. 

The Bodleian Education Library, located at the centre of the Department of Education, specialises in material on Education and related fields.

As well as a print collection of books, journals and statistics, the library provides access to a wide range of electronic resources. The library also houses a collection of teaching resources, primarily in support of subjects covered by our secondary PGCE course.

The Social Sciences library provides valuable additional resource to students pursuing Education programmes.

The University's Virtual Learning Environment, Weblearn, is deployed to support and connect students on the part-time MSc in Learning and Teaching, particularly in school-based components of the programme.

Past students from the Department of Education have gone on to careers both in the UK and other countries in teaching and research in universities, policy for government departments and NGOs, and administration at local and national levels.