What will I learn on this module?
The aim of the module is to develop an understanding of the Education system in England; where it has come from and how it works in practice today. This will enable you to put all other education related modules into context. It will give you an understanding of the education system in England and allow you to identify and appraise its many facets. You will explore the UK system and consider the key features of the modern-day education system and the rationale which underpins that system. You will explore research papers, texts and policy documents and consider how they might challenge commonly held assumptions and beliefs about the current system.
How will I learn on this module?
Sessions will include formal lectures, seminars and group work. The e-learning portal will provide additional learning support and enable communication between students and staff. You will be encouraged to engage with current research in this field through the critical evaluation of research papers that will then be further explored within seminars. A ‘research rich’ learning approach will enable you to build upon previous higher education and/or practice experiences.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Academic support for this module is provided by the module leader. The module leader will ensure that you receive clear guidance about the module learning outcomes and how you will be assessed against these. Individual and group tutorial time will be identified during the module. Students requiring additional support can arrange to meet, e-mail or telephone the module leader outside of module sessions. The University’s e-Learning Portal will offer remote access to materials and aids for support and learning.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the
rationale for key features in the modern day
education system in the UK
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
1. Critically analyse and reflect upon key issues within
the education system in England.
2. Identify and critically discussa a facet of education in terms of the system as a whole
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
1. Enhance your communication skills through group discussion and your discussion in your summative written assignment
2. Enhanced your skills of critical reflection and problem solving through discussions and written assignment .
How will I be assessed?
Formative:
Students will participate in discussion groups critically reflecting upon key issues within the education system
Feedback:
Verbal feedback from tutor and peers.
Summative:
Write an assignment critically reflecting upon the development of the education system in England, focussing on the system as a whole or on one of the key facets or issues within the system and include recommendations for future practice.
(4,500 words)
MLOs: KU1, IPSA1-2; PVA1 & 5
Feedback:
The tutor will provide written, graded feedback against the criteria and using the elaborated grade descriptor.
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
The aim of the module will enable you to develop an understanding of the Education system in England, where it has come from and how it works in practice today. This will enable you to put all other education related modules into context. It will give you an understanding of the education system in England and allow you to critically appraise its many facets.
Course info
Credits 30
Level of Study Postgraduate
Mode of Study 28 months Part Time
Department Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing
Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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