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Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Studies in Education - Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes

The qualification provides opportunities for you to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:

Knowledge and understanding

On completion of this diploma, you will have knowledge and understanding of:

  • key concepts and themes in education and their application to practice in a range of contexts
  • concepts, current debates and issues in the studied route and their relationship to wider political, economic and social developments
  • the different disciplines and discussions that contribute to writing and practice in the chosen route
  • approaches to the practice of applied research and ethical issues relating to research and enquiry.
  • the processes entailed in carrying out practice-based enquiry 
  • links between theory and practice, such as would enable the student to undertake enquiry in an area that is of interest.

Cognitive skills

On completion of this diploma, you will be able to:

  • define and appropriately utilise key terms, concepts and theories in applied research
  • identify and articulate a personal perspective on learning in response to understanding of new ideas and encounter with relevant studies
  • critically analyse and evaluate current themes and issues in education, using appropriate concepts and research evidence
  • interpret, assess and deploy research methodologies and their evidence
  • engage critically and creatively with debates relevant to the development of own professional thinking.

Practical and/or professional skills

On completion of this diploma, you will be able to:

  • begin to plan, design and analyse a research proposal or a small-scale investigation within a professional or practice-based setting to develop or enhance the understanding of practice
  • work independently and collaboratively in a range of modes to address cognitive problems and design solutions
  • reflect critically and constructively, in the light of ideas and frameworks presented in the course, on your own thinking, practice and organisational impact and how these might be developed
  • produce original texts to communicate ideas concisely and effectively in written work which shows clear expression and coherent structure
  • take personal responsibility to complete an extended and varied programme of learning which requires sustained and independent application
  • use information and communication technology appropriately for information retrieval and communication purposes.

Key skills

On completion of this diploma, you will be able to demonstrate the following skills:

  • independently source and read academic publications with confidence
  • appraise, review critically and reflexively formulate arguments relevant the area of study
  • critically reflect on the area of your own practice
  • produce and present written text employing a suitable writing style appropriate to specific academic genre that uses and cites source materials correctly and appropriately.

Teaching, learning and assessment methods

Each module uses a range of online study techniques to help you engage with the academic literature and to reflect on your own practical and professional knowledge. If you have a learning difficulty or disability that could impact on studying online please do speak with us and your tutor so that where possible reasonable adjustments can be made to facilitate your participation.

There are a variety of tutor-led or tutor-supported activities to support students in developing skills, knowledge and understanding of discourses specific to their pathway alongside skills (especially in Stage 1) more generally applicable to masters level study, such as workload management and leadership in online collaboration. Academic practices – such as academic writing, critical reading and critical argumentation; relating theory and practice; identifying, evaluating and using evidence appropriately – are taught and developed across modules within each pathway covering specific and appropriate forms of those practices.

A variety of informal and formal assessment tasks are incorporated into the coursework. Within each module, coursework is designed to prepare you for independent study within a particular educational discipline. We do encourage a sharing of ideas and experiences with your peers through asynchronous forums and there may be some activities that recommend working with other students as this is an important way in which you can broaden your knowledge and understanding of education across different contexts.  However, alternative ways of working can be facilitated.

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