EDDi Extra

Postgraduate Study (Part 1 of 3)

Dear subscribers

MA or MEd, that is the question. Or, at least it’s the question we look at in this EDDi Extra - the first of a short series examining postgraduate study options for educationalists.

In addition, and exclusive to EDDi subscribers, we are offering to answer any and all questions related to postgraduate study for educationalists, including advice re selecting suitable postgraduate qualifications. Contact us via: contact@eddi.ac

Feel free to share the piece, and the offer, with interested colleagues.

Any thoughts or comments, let us know. Thanks for reading.

EDDi

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS FOR THE BUSY EDUCATIONALIST: MA OR MEd?

At some point in their career many educators ask themselves this question: ‘do I need another degree?’

No matter whether they are newly minted teachers, highly experienced school principals and managers, or university staff, the issue of further professional development will raise its head eventually.

But not just any PD, they will have to seriously consider a postgraduate qualification.

This and the following two EDDi Extras will be devoted to helping you answer this question. We will look at the MA/Med option, the MBA option, and the PhD/EdD option.  We will also take a brief look at the PGCEi, for those teachers who have yet to acquire one.

But first, the international school market.

EDDi Edition 12 includes an article on the growing crisis in teacher recruitment, with high numbers of state school teachers (especially in the USA, UK, Australia) reportedly planning to quit the profession in the near future. Adding to this is the expansion of international schools; expected to double in number over the next decade. This growth is leading to a huge demand for qualified English-speaking teachers, and school leaders.

Therefore, if you are teacher who is unhappy with their current employment or job role, the options are growing fast – there are plenty of jobs out there.

But to take full advantage of this you need an edge and a postgraduate qualification gives you it. In a survey of 117 Heads/Principals, 68% held Master’s degrees (source). As a recruitment consultant highlights:

“It’s essential these days that anybody over the age of 45 can demonstrate active professional development, plus a relevant Master’s or higher degree…”

If you aspire to Headship, a Master’s level qualification is clearly advantageous.

However, the choices facing you are many and they are all complex. Which university? Which qualification? How are they different? What are the assessment criteria? What is the attendance requirement? How do I prepare a research proposal? And, not least, what is the cost?

It is not easy to get neutral but high-quality guidance on the postgraduate qualification scene.

EDDi intends to fill that gap.

Whatever qualification you consider, the first question you ask yourself will be ‘how do I fit it into my busy life?’

Fortunately, most universities now offer postgraduate qualifications through either full distance learning, or mixed delivery. Unless you are willing to take an extended unpaid sabbatical to do the qualification full-time, then you are looking at part-time (MA, two years, UK and Australia). For busy professionals this allows the qualification, and the theory, to link with everyday practice. Similarly, essay writing and thesis research are much easier to do, and far more relevant, when undertaken within an active professional context.

Of the two main delivery options, full distance-learning or mixed delivery, we recommend mixed delivery. One of the most important benefits of doing any postgrad qualification is the opportunity to share the learning experience with professionals just like yourself. Many students report that the residential element is the most important, and the most rewarding, aspect of the whole programme. On mixed-delivery courses you will join classes full of fellow educationalists: teachers, college managers, principals, university lecturers, administrators. The professional mix will be vibrant and high-quality.

The MA or MEd

This tends to be the go-to qualification for most educationalists.

The big question being whether to opt for the standard MA or the professionally-distinct MEd? Before we get into the differences, what are the similarities?

In terms of assessment, typically an MA/MEd will consist of up to six essays (3,000 – 5,000 words in length) and concludes with a 15,000-20,000-word thesis or dissertation. One module will likely be Research Methods and students will be able to choose either quantitative, qualitative or a mix of both.

The key difference is that a general MA is unlikely to suit an educationalist unless it offers specific professionally-related options. While there might be some benefit in studying with students from outside education, on balance you will likely gain more from studying with your own professional group. Which leads most educationalists towards the MEd.

Every MEd offered by universities is a little unique; different tutors, different specialisms, different modules. But, for those seeking an international dimension, content and focus will be important concerns. This marks a key difference between doing an MEd in, say, Australia, USA or the UK which is focused on the respective state education systems, is informed by related research, and taught by professors who are experts in their state education system but have little or no experience of (the corporatised, for-profit) world of international education.

This is where you need to do your research.

Look for the key ‘international’ elements when choosing a postgrad qualification. Without that you could find yourself doing a Masters without the proper support and input from tutors. Indeed, a lot of the learning and delivery, while interesting, might not be directly relevant to your situation. You don’t want to spend your time in lectures listening to tutors discuss the intricacies of the UK state education system when your concern is delivering education in Asia, for example.

Examples of the types of MEd (international) programmes to look at closely are those offered by Warwick University, Leicester University, Bath University, Sunderland University, University of Sydney, and Newcastle University.

A further question you’ll need to answer is do I go for an MA focused on pedagogy or an MA focused on leadership and management? Only you can answer that. But, consider your intended career trajectory. If you intend to stay first and foremost as a teacher, then go for pedagogy. If you are aspiring to leadership and management, then that is your focus.

Two final questions invariably arise:

1. What are the entry requirements? Aside from the English language skills, you’ll likely need a first degree (e.g. BA). It is not necessary for you to have a PGCE or similar teaching qualification, though it helps. Nor does your first degree need to be in education. You will need two references. Note that some universities will consider applications from those who do not have a first degree, in which case consideration is usually given to work experience.

2. If is a long time since your days as a student, will you be able to get back into the swing of studying? Whilst something to be aware of, this is rarely a problem. Even older educationalists who graduated decades ago can invariably find the buzz from studying again. In fact, they tend to be the most enthusiastic and committed. And you’ll be amazed at how much knowledge you have and which can be used to really make the learning experience relevant and vibrant.

In the next EDDi Extra we will explain the main differences between an MBA (Education) and an MA in Leadership and Management, and offer suggestions on how to balance your time between studying, work commitments, and maintaining a life!

A special offer – only available to EDDi Subscribers!

To support your professional development, and exclusive to EDDi subscribers, we are offering to answer any and all questions related to postgraduate study for educationalists, including advice re selecting suitable postgraduate qualifications.

Contact us via: contact@eddi.ac