MA Technology and Education Futures

Program Overview

The MA Technology and Education Futures program at the University of Exeter equips students with the knowledge and skills to navigate the evolving landscape of education. This one-year program offers a comprehensive exploration of the impact of technology on learning, the curriculum, and the future of education. Students develop expertise in new approaches to teaching and learning, emerging educational technologies, and the challenges and opportunities of 21st-century learning.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Objectives:
• Learn how technology impacts learning, the curriculum, and the future of education.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between education and technology.
• Gain in-depth knowledge and skills in new approaches to teaching and learning, focusing on emerging educational technologies, teaching thinking, and teaching for creativity.
• Join a diverse and international student community with a wealth of educational and cultural experiences and perspectives.
• Description: This program provides a comprehensive exploration of the intersection of technology and education.
It equips students with the knowledge and skills to navigate the evolving landscape of education, focusing on innovative teaching methods, emerging technologies, and the challenges and opportunities of 21st-century learning.

Outline:

• Content: The program delves into the impact of technology on learning, the curriculum, and the future of education.
It covers a range of topics, including:
• New approaches to teaching and learning
• Emerging educational technologies
• Important issues and current discussions related to 21st-century education
• Structure: The program consists of two core modules:
• Education Studies: This module provides a broad overview of educational studies, helping students contextualize the teaching and learning approaches explored in other modules.
• Course Schedule: The program is a one-year full-time program.
• Individual Modules:
• Technology and Education Futures:
This module explores the impact of technology on learning, the curriculum, and the future of education. It covers a range of topics, including:
• New approaches to teaching and learning
• Emerging educational technologies
• Important issues and current discussions related to 21st-century education
• Education Studies:
This module provides a broad overview of educational studies, helping students contextualize the teaching and learning approaches explored in other modules.
• Reflecting on Educational Practices: This optional module offers skills that can be helpful in finding employment after the course.
• Dissertation or Portfolio: This optional module allows students to pursue their own research passions, either through a research study or the creation of a practice-based artefact relevant to a current issue in education.
• Credit Requirements: Students must complete 180 credits to qualify for an MA qualification.
This can be achieved through a combination of taught modules (120 credits), a dissertation (60 credits), and/or accredited prior learning or experience.

Assessment:

• Methods:
• Essays
• Digital artefacts
• Digital portfolios
• Virtual presentations
• Reflections on practice
However, general criteria include:
• Demonstrating a deep understanding of the course content
• Applying theoretical concepts to real-world situations
• Developing critical thinking and analytical skills
• Communicating effectively in written and oral form
• Demonstrating creativity and innovation

Teaching:

• Methods:
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Peer-led activity
• Online resources
• Digital Maker Space work
• Field trips and school visits
• Faculty: The program is taught by experienced and qualified faculty members who are experts in their fields.
• Unique Approaches:
• Education Studies Module:
This module includes weekly activity sessions that involve:
• Discussions and practical activities with psychology practitioners
• Designing materials to address racial inequalities in schools
• Working with an expert in young people's relationships education
• Pedagogy-focused sessions for students interested in working with young people in educational settings
• Research-Led Teaching:
The program benefits from the University's active research culture, which promotes the sharing of ideas and knowledge to encourage innovation.
• Partnerships and Collaborations: Students engage with high-profile visiting researchers, local partners in educational technology, and local schools, including:
• Broadclyst Community Primary School
• Real Immersive Plymouth
• Generative AI in Higher Education Project:
The program staff is involved in this project, which aims to understand the perceptions of staff and students regarding the potential role of ChatGPT in higher education.
• Robotics in Education: The program staff is working with a local robotics volunteer organization and local schools to explore the role of robotics in education.
• Narrative Writing Project: The program staff is exploring the use of technology for primary school narrative writing in an externally funded research project.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Teacher
• Subject Specialist Teacher (including design and technology)
• Special Needs Teacher
• Head of Department
• Education Technology Manager
• Education Officer
• Headteacher/Principal
• Education Consultant
• Online learning developer/consultant
• Lecturer
• Opportunities: The program provides students with the skills and knowledge to pursue a variety of careers in education and related fields.
• Outcomes: Graduates have gone on to work in a range of organizations, including:
• Ofsted
• Devon Education Authority
• Jersey States Education Department
• Plymouth City Council
• FEA Training and Development Centre
• Camden LEA
• Exeter College
• Hong Kong SAR Government
• Danish National School of Contemporary Dance
• Ministry of Education, Cyprus
• Saltash Community School
• University of Reading
• Career Support: The University's Career Zone provides career support services, including skills training, internships, job vacancies, employment fairs, and other events.

Other:

• International Students: The program welcomes applications from international students.
• Proficiency in a Second Subject: Students can complete 60 credits of modules in a second subject, such as a foreign language, data science, entrepreneurship, innovation, law, leadership, or social data science, to have the words "with proficiency in [subject]" added to their degree title.
• University of Exeter's Reputation: The University of Exeter has an excellent reputation with graduate recruiters and its students compete successfully in the employment market.
• Support for Chinese Students: The program staff is aware that Chinese students may want to become teachers in China after graduation.
They are happy to work with students to support them in translating their qualification into terms that work within the Chinese teacher training system.

2024/25 entry UK fees per year: £10,300 full-time International fees per year: £24,300 full-time