The MA in Residential Education consists of 3 core modules studied over the course of one year and can follow on immediately upon completion of the level 7 Buckingham PGCE or be a pathway to further study at level 7 for students who have successfully completed a level 6 PGCE or professional qualification in the past and wish to transfer credits from another institution.

Students who have level 6 credits from PGCE or other relevant qualification are required to do an additional bridging module to gain the full 180 credits required for the full MA qualification. These students will start on Module 1 whereas level 7 entrants will start on module 2. Level 6 entrants will have an extended.

The MA in Residential Education consists of 3 core modules studied over the course of one year and can follow on immediately upon completion of the level 7 Buckingham PGCE or be a pathway to further study at level 7 for students who have successfully completed a level 6 PGCE or professional qualification in the past and wish to transfer credits from another institution.

Students who have level 6 credits from PGCE or other relevant qualification are required to do an additional bridging module to gain the full 180 credits required for the full MA qualification. These students will start on Module 1 whereas level 7 entrants will start on module 2. Level 6 entrants will have an extended submission deadline for their final module which will allow them to have completed the additional non-taught component of the course (Module 1) in term 1.

The programme aims to enable experienced practitioners to develop expertise in areas of residential education through critical evaluation of research and scholarship in the field of education. Students will be able to critically analyze engage in and reflect on residential educational issues and reflect on the implications for teaching and learning.

Module 1: Transformative Practice (30 credits)
This is a bridging unit designed to give students who only have 30 level 6 credits at PG level enough level 7 credits to complete the full MA. In this module students will reflect on their development through critical evaluation of key documents relating to their professional learning to date as well as the effectiveness of target setting. Students will use this knowledge to present a plan for their continued professional development.

Module 2: Research of literature on contemporary issues in Residential Education (30 credits)
In this module students will research contemporary issues in Residential Education and synthesise relevant literature that will inform the research project for module 4. The module aims to develop meta analytical skills and academic synthesis of educational research and global learning about contemporary issues in Residential Education.

Module 3: Principles of Educational Research - research methods and project design (30 credits)
This module aims to develop advanced skills of practitioner inquiry. Students will use this knowledge to devise their own investigation, often work-based, to explore an educational issue with a view to improving their own practice or that of others. Students will explore a range research and inquiry methodologies as well as ethics and reflect on appropriate research methods to present a project proposal. Students will also learn to consider and evaluate ethical implications that could arise during the project.

Module 4: Residential Educational Research in Practice- Master’s Dissertation/ Research project (60 credits)
This module will involve students carrying out their own investigation in to a relevant residential educational issue that they have assessed as being valid and important following on from their literature review and professional or academic interests. Study culminates in a substantial dissertation and will involve students presenting recommendations for future practice.

This course aims to translate practical understanding into rigorous intellectual study through critical analysis and research. Study at this level culminates in a substantial dissertation, which contributes to the growing field of theoretical perspectives and theories and practice in Residential Education. The programme is concerned with the development of critical enquiry and reflection, together with professional knowledge and expertise. Students will assigned an academic supervisor whom they can contact at any time during the course through either Skype, phone or email contact for individual support and feedback.

The aims of the programme are:
• To critically analyse, engage in and reflect on residential educational issues, philosophies and initiatives
• To take responsibility for one’s own learning and study independently
• To function as an independently-minded professional capable of contributing to wider educational debate
• To develop skills in searching for and critically analysing relevant literature in order to plan educational research relevant to their chosen areas of interest
• To select and critically evaluate relevant theoretical perspectives relating to a chosen area of educational research
• To synthesise relevant literature and current trends within residential education in support of arguments

• Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (Link);
• Relevant Subject Benchmark Statement(s) (Link);

Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the departmental or programme handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually by the University of Buckingham and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.