Professional Learning

This module in Professional Learning aims to support you in critically reflecting on your learning in recent continuing professional development undertaken and examine the impact of this training on practice.

It will enable you to scope your chosen topic, identifying, analysing and prioritising key issues in preparation for your own research in that field of study. 

You will also learn to critically evaluate research findings to date in the field chosen as the focus of your study, deepen your understanding and develop your skills to enable you to carry out professional research. 

This module in Professional Learning also aims to be a vehicle, which provides the opportunity for bespoke continuing professional learning as part of collaborative partnerships.

The module is aimed at any practitioner in a professional role. Typically, participants come from a range of public sector roles or commercial or third sector organisations.

There is the option for participants to collaborate with colleagues by researching topics linked across a common theme.

During the Professional Learning module, you will study:

• Research approaches: differing methodological approaches and planning a small-scale research project, including ethics in research.
• Writing at Masters Level: writing reflectively, writing critically and constructing academic arguments.
• Scoping and structuring: a literature review and literature research strategies. 
• Critical evaluation of published research and identification of areas for study, including analysing, evaluating or synthesising ideas in the field.
• Generating, analysing and evaluating data in order to answer research questions.

The Professional Learning module is assessed in two parts:

1. A reflective account and evaluation of recent CPD training undertaken with an analysis of the impact of this training on practice. The account should be based on a minimum of twenty hours of professional learning, completed within the previous year. The log can be presented as a word-processed document or as an online blog or wiki. (1000 words)
2. A critical review of academic sources and research studies in the chosen field. This will draw out the relevance and application of theory to the chosen field. In consultation with the module leader, it may be possible for students to submit joint assignments where work has been undertaken collaboratively. (4000 words)

This module provides 30 credits at level 7 (Masters level) and can be combined with another module, Professional Learning through Action Research, to attain a Postgraduate Certificate.  

If you then wish to continue your studies, you can use these credits towards a full MA award, including the MA Innovation Learning and Teaching or MA Leadership & Management (Education).  

To register your interest or find out more about this course please email [email protected]