Welcome to your Education course

Welcome to the MA Education.

On this page you will find lots of useful information to help prepare you for the next stage of your academic journey.

The first module you will study is called ‘Critical Thinking’. This module is intended to support you in the transition from Level 6 to Level 7 study.

Your staff team

We want to make sure you know some of our team before you arrive. Hopefully this will help you recognise us and ensure you know who you can contact if you need any additional help and guidance.

Dr Jo Basford

Course Director Assoc Prof

Education is transformative. It enables us to see the world differently, to challenge our thinking and to try new things. My ambition is that student’s learning with the Institute of Education will be a transformative experience.

Jo's profile

Dr Duncan Hindmarch

Course Director

My enthusiasm for learning led me to qualify, design and deliver to initial and subject specialist teacher training courses. I have an interest in developing virtual learning environments to support learning.

Duncan's profile

Dr Rebecca House

Lecturer

Rebecca is a Lecturer in Physical Education and a PhD Researcher in Sport Sociology. In particular, her main areas of academic interest include inclusion for LGBTQ+ individuals in PE and sport, PE curriculum designs, and alternative activities in PE.

Rebecca's profile

First activity

The transition from undergraduate to post graduate study can sometimes feel a little daunting, and students are not always sure what to expect. To prepare you for the transition to postgraduate study, we recommend that you access the free Open Learn course called Succeeding in postgraduate study.

Pre-Arrival Tasks

Pre-arrival tasks

In preparation for the first module Critical Thinking please watch, read or listen to these three sources of academic literature. These will inform opening discussions about a contemporary educational topic.

  1. Watch this TED Talk by Alvin Irby: Alvin Irby: How to inspire every child to be a lifelong reader | TED Talk
  2. Read this Report by the National Literacy Trust: Reading for mental wellbeing: Reading for mental wellbeing: Children and young people's voices in 2023 | National Literacy Trust
  3. Read this journal article by Simpson and Cremin (2022) Responsible Reading: http://ezproxy.staffs.ac.uk/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/responsible-reading-children-s-literature-social/docview/2652964559/se-2?accountid=17254

In light of your review of these sources, please:

  1. Identify your favourite book
  2. Consider the value of reading from your personal perspective
  3. How these sources may contribute to thinking critically about the way we consider reading.

Join us on Social Media

Join our Social Media accounts for the Institute of Education so you can feel a part of the IOE family before you arrive.

You’ll see what we post, links to relevant news articles, developments within the sector, employability support and things going on in our courses.

Following this account will give you the opportunity to do some pre-reading and research before you join the course.

We have four social media platforms, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. You can find us using @staffsuniIOE.

Visit our Twitter Page

Other Useful Links

Things to Think About

The assignment for the first module, Critical Thinking, will require you to focus on a theme in education that interests you. In can be from any sector of education, but it is useful to identify a theme early so that you can produce an academic project using academic sources.

Much of the academic work on the MA Education award is aligned to your choice of study topic, theme or interest. Reading contemporary literature and being familiar with educational policy contexts will be invaluable as you move through the course.

Academic skills

Whether you're joining us from school or college, or you're returning to education after some time away, everyone can benefit from the Academic Study Skills resources provided by the University library.

The Academic Skills team is here to support you throughout your academic journey and to help you gain the skills you need to reach your full potential. They can assist with academic reading and writing skills, give advice on how best to plan assignments, and help improve your time management.

The library's Academic Skills Guides offer the key information to make studying easier and give a comprehensive guide to the learning resources and services we offer.

Staffs CampusConnect

Staffs CampusConnect is our student-led community app for new students. Connect with other people from your course, hometown or country, and even those with similar interests.

To register, please ensure you use your Applicant ID (Student Number) that you received in your offer letter, and the email address you used in your application to us.

Register for CampusConnect

Welcome website

Our welcome website will provide you the link to your new student life. It's all about how you find your place at university, including everything from how to meet friends, feel confident in doing your academic work, being a member of your Student Union and getting involved in Union Societies, Academic Societies, Sports, Volunteering or representing your peers in your School.

Part of this Welcome Week - we have an exciting program of University and course level activities planned for you for your first week in September. We are also building an extended program for you to join a series of events throughout the first half of the autumn term. Further details will be shared with you via the Welcome website and Students' Union pages over the coming weeks.

Welcome website

Check your email

Please make sure you check your personal email account regularly over the next few weeks. We will be sending you lots of information about Welcome Week.

We look forward to welcoming you to the campus in September. If you have any questions, please send them to Dr Sharon Ingles (sharon.inglis@staffs.ac.uk). 

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