Module Descriptors

Research Methods in Education

This module develops the skills needed to engage in research for a dissertation at Master’s level.  It also enables critical analysis of research studies in education, so that students can evaluate the relevance and applicability of existing research to their own field. A repertoire of research techniques and approaches will be introduced and discussed with reference to the themes being studied in core and elective modules within the programme.

Learning, Teaching and Assessment

This module helps students to gain knowledge of the nature of learning and what implications this has for teaching and learning environments. The main themes will be theories of developmental and cognitive psychology, memory and the structure of knowledge, analysis of problem solving and reasoning, metacognitive processes, cultural experience and situated learning.  Expert vs novice performance, issues in transfer of learning, children as learners, and effective teaching and assessment for learning will be reviewed in the light of learning theories and the implications for various instructional strategies of subjects and student achievement.

Innovation in Curriculum

this module explicates and explores curriculum models, design and, development procedures. It undertakes practical exercises in curriculum development as well. It explores Issues of power and control of the curriculum, as well as transfer across national contexts. The nature of innovation in the curriculum and teaching is critically evaluated in relation to a range of international case studies including contemporary initiatives in areas such as adult literacy, health education, peace education, community extension, vocational education and learner-centred learning. 

Educational Policy and Leadership

The module aims to develop students’ critical thinking, research, and communication skills while providing them with critical understanding of educational policies and leadership practices. Learners will be able to articulate and reflect on their own beliefs about educational policy-making and leading in education, and the relationship between policy, leadership, and student learning outcomes. Further, they will be able to undertake research in educational policy and leadership with the view to inform understanding and practice. Particular attention is paid to policy and leadership issues; policy making and leadership practices in the UAE and MENA.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice

Overall, Diversity, equity, inclusion and Social Justice module at the Masters level aims to develop students’ critical thinking, research, and communication skills while providing them with a deep understanding of related issues. The module enables students to become familiar with issues such as strategic direction, identification and evidence of efficacy in diverse settings, as well as related issues of social settings and equity in inclusive settings.

Critical Perspectives in Educational Psychology

The module explores perspectives in the field of educational psychology from a critical and analytical standpoint. It aims to provide students with a deeper understanding of the theoretical frameworks, research methodologies, and practical implications of educational psychology while encouraging them to question and critically evaluate the underlying assumptions and dominant paradigms within the field. Throughout the course, students engage with various critical perspectives and theories. They analyse how these perspectives challenge traditional notions of intelligence, learning, motivation, and assessment, and how they offer alternative frameworks for understanding and addressing educational issues.

Learning and Educational Technology

This module will consider the role of the educator and the learner in relation to the use of Educational Technologies in learning environments.  Learning theories and the pedagogical issues raised by the use of Information Communication Technologies will be discussed.  The ways in which technology can be used to enhance teaching and learning will be examined in relation to theoretical models of good practise as well as practical issues concerning the successful implementation and use of technologies in a pedagogically sound manner.

Studies in Educational Documents and Texts 

This module deals centrally with the issues involved in syllabus design. Linked to this, the module looks at the issue of examining the curriculum; another area central to teachers and managers.  The module considers the problem of reconciling syllabus and materials design with what is known about the process of language learning and the attempts of established approaches to syllabus design to solve these problems. It examines the models of language, such as structure and function which have traditionally underpinned such courses.  It also looks at the methods used to teach initial literacy skills in a second language, a neglected area in many international textbooks. The module goes on to examine different approaches involving the establishment of a pedagogic corpus, the use of task-based methodology, and the development of analytical exercises.  Having established this general approach, the module goes on to look at: the design of a pedagogic corpus, the design of communicative tasks, and the design of analytical exercises.

Introduction to Developmental and Social Psychology

The module provides students with comprehensive and critical understanding of how developmental and social psychological theories and concepts apply to the field of education. It explores the intersection of developmental psychology, which focuses on human growth and change across the lifespan, and social psychology, which examines how individuals’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are influenced by social interactions and environments. Students learn about the key developmental milestones and factors that shape children’s learning and behaviour, such as genetics, culture, and parenting styles.

Introduction to Learning Difficulties

This module provides an overview of the education of learners with learning difficulties (moderate, severe, profound and multiple). It looks at curriculum and development, interdisciplinary work, differentiation of lessons, classroom management strategies and writing individual education plans. it provides students with knowledge about challenges facing decision makers to decide on important matters like provision of placement in the regular school, and production and evaluation of individualized educational programs in regular class settings. This module is essential for students who wish to study the education of learners with special needs and disabilities as part of their MEd.

Scientific Ways of Knowing

The module provides a discourse on major theories and issues on the history and the philosophy of science, develops an informed understanding of the nature of science, and connects discussion to science research and practice. It provides opportunities to examine the historical, social, cultural, multicultural, and philosophical perspectives of science. It considers the nature of science, how does it work, and its ethical and societal considerations. Classroom implications for teaching and learning, management, policy, and implicit and explicit nature of science are discussed and developed.

Teacher Professional Learning and Development

Teacher professional growth and development is an essential component to guarantee teacher effectiveness. Key perspectives, concepts and approaches to teacher professional development are critically evaluated. Approaches to reflection, professional development planning, implementation, evaluation of impact on learners’ achievement and action research and issues related to these are critically examined across a wide range of contexts. The module draws on wide range of sources including research, case studies and grey literature from professional and organisational sources.   

Leadership for Organisational Effectiveness

In this module, students will go through a thorough study of leadership, its various definitions and forms and a systematic analysis of the effects of leadership on variables such as vision, mission, process, product, project, people development / improvement.

Careful attention will be given to a) empirical research studies on the effectiveness of various approaches to leadership, and, b) the development and application of research methods for study of leadership in the local context, c) understanding of cross-cultural variables in leadership such as norms and religion, modernization, cultural convergence, issues.

Citizenship and Sustainable Education

This module examines some of the important, if sometimes controversial, areas of education in a globalised world:  citizenship, responsibility for the environment, and the impact of human rights.  The module tackles the conceptual and practical issues, looking at the meanings of being an active citizen and the implications for leadership, policy, management, and planning in educational organizations for the Gulf region, as well as principles for curricular goals and guidelines.

Professional values and ethics web 

In this module, the fundamental principles, concepts and practices of teacher professional values and ethics are explored & studied.