Welcome to your Education course

Welcome to University of Staffordshire

We know you're already passionate about your subject, which is why we're excited you've chosen University of Staffordshire as the place to turn possibility into reality.

To give you an insight into what life as an Education student is like, your course leaders have prepared introductions to the course and further activities.

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.

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.

Watch this TED Talk by Alvin Irby: Alvin Irby: How to inspire every child to be a lifelong reader | TED Talk
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
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:

Identify your favourite book
Consider the value of reading from your personal perspective
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

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.

Meet the team

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

What to expect on Welcome Week

We're so excited for you to join us on campus and to welcome you to where you matter. During your welcome week you'll be able to meet our friendly student services teams, connect with new friends, join societies, explore on-campus venues attend club nights and much more.

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).