Education and Lifelong Learning MA Mathematics Education

Overview

The MA Mathematics Education degree is intended for practising mathematics teachers, mathematics teacher educators and other educational professionals. Students will have an introduction to the study of mathematics education as an academic discipline, and be introduced to methods for research in education. The opportunity to pursue individual specialist topics within mathematics education is actively encouraged and supported.

The course consists of two taught modules and a dissertation. In the first of the two taught courses, participants will have a wide ranging introduction to the study of mathematics education as an academic discipline. The second course will introduce methods for research in education and then go on to provide opportunities for individual work on a specialist topic within mathematics education. The dissertation, a research-based study in mathematics education, is to be completed by the end of the programme.

It is likely that this course will appeal to practising mathematics teachers, mathematics teacher educators and other educational professionals. Teaching experience is welcome but so are applications from those just beginning or considering a career in mathematics education. Students on the course are likely to have a degree in mathematics and/or a professional qualification in mathematics teaching. The course will be designed to allow a useful interchange of ideas between those with a strong background in mathematics and those with significant teaching experience.

The Mathematics Education Group

The Mathematics Education Group at the University of East Anglia is a growing and vibrant community of researchers in mathematics education with a variety of research interests which range across the educational levels (primary, secondary and tertiary) and the workplace, as well as across educational research methods. We have a particular interest in qualitative studies of mathematical thinking, learning, understanding and teaching.

Our work has been supported by funders such as the ESRC, the Nuffield Foundation, the Higher Education Academy, the Learning and Teaching Support Network, the Training and Development Agency for Schools, the Social Sciences and the Humanities Research Council of Canada. Our collaboration, both in teaching exchanges and research, with several EU countries have been supported by the Erasmus, Socrates and Comenius programmes.

Our work focuses on four main themes: (i) teaching and learning of undergraduate mathematics; (ii) social, emotional and cognitive aspects of students' engagement in the secondary mathematics classroom; (iii) mathematics in the primary years; (iv) secondary mathematics teachers' pedagogical and epistemological beliefs.

Course Organiser

Dr Elena Nardi

Why Choose Us?

The School of Education and Lifelong Learning is one of the UK's leading centres for research and teaching in education, offering a distinctively broad range of programmes at Postgraduate level.

We are a diverse community of practitioners, scholars and academics who teach, research, and provide professional development. We seek to equip educationalists and other professionals with the skills and insights they need as part of their continued professional development at a time of rapid educational and organisational change.

The School is nationally and internationally recognised for its work in educational innovation and social change; literacy and development; and mathematics education. We have extensive links with overseas agencies and organisations and strong working relationships with practitioners, educators and policymakers in all sectors of the education system and other related professional fields. We are proud of both our local roots and our international reach and our partnerships with schools and colleges, with adult educational groups and with governments and universities are greatly valued.

We use a variety of teaching technologies, including lectures, seminars, practical work and IT e-learning resources. These are delivered by experienced members of academic staff, often in a relatively informal learning environment within small groups. Assessment is usually by written assignments and a dissertation. A continuous control process ensures that our teaching quality continues to develop, and students have access to a number of quality-control channels including student feedback forms, debriefing meetings, and the Student Liaison Committee to help us monitor, evaluate and develop current practice.

There are many external indicators which endorse the quality of our teaching and research. These include top ratings within the National Student Satisfaction survey, '+3' Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) recognition, and "Outstanding" recognition by OfSTED for our programmes of Initial Teacher Education.

Career Opportunities

Our graduates enjoy excellent employment prospects. A high proportion of our Masters graduates occupy senior posts in schools, universities and ministries all over the world.

The University of East Anglia provides a professional Careers Centre and, together with the School's Academic Careers Adviser, we will help students to pursue their chosen career path and develop their employability skills.

Come and Visit Us

Our Open Days will give you the opportunity to experience the University of East Anglia's unique campus atmosphere.

You will have the chance to attend subject-specific talks and presentations about student life and finance. You will also be able to talk directly to academics, admissions staff and current students giving you a first-hand impression of life at the University of East Anglia - check out the accommodation, learning resources, student support, and our sport and entertainment facilities.

If you are not able to visit us in person, check out our Virtual Open Day experience which we hope will help to provide you with an insight into life and study at the University of East Anglia.

Further Information

If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances with the Admissions Office prior to applying
please do contact us:

Admissions Office (Education and Lifelong Learning)
Tel: +44 (0)1603 593252
Email: pgedu.admiss@uea.ac.uk

Please click here to download the School of Education and Lifelong Learning Postgraduate Prospectus or register your details via our Online Enquiry Form.

International candidates are also actively encouraged to access the University's International section of our website.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should normally have a good first degree from a recognised higher education institution. The University will also take into account the employment experience of applicants where relevant and applications are actively encouraged from those who want to return to academic study.

It is normal for undergraduate students to apply for entry to postgraduate programmes in their final year of study. Applicants who have not yet been awarded a degree may be offered a place conditional on their attaining a particular class of degree.

Undergraduate Degree Subject Social Science or Mathematics
Undergraduate Degree Classification 2.1 or equivalent
Special Requirements Relevant teaching experience desirable

Students for whom English is a foreign language

We welcome applications from students whose first language is not English. To ensure such students benefit from postgraduate study, we require evidence of proficiency in English. Our usual entry requirements are as follows:

· IELTS: 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in all components)

· TOEFL: Internet-based score of 92 (minimum 19 listening, 21 speaking, 19 writing and 20 reading)

· PTE (Pearson): 62 (minimum 55 in all components)

Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.

Other tests such as TOEIC and the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English are also accepted by the university. Please check with the Admissions Office for further details including the scores or grades required.

INTO UEA and INTO UEA London run pre-sessional courses which can be taken prior to the start of your course. For further information and to see if you qualify please contact intopre-sessional@uea.ac.uk (INTO UEA Norwich) or pseuealondon@into.uk.com (INTO UEA London).

Year 1

Year 1

Compulsory Study (180 credits)

Students will select 180 credits from the following module(s).

Name	Code	Credits	Period
Education Dissertation The final part of the MA in Education focuses on the Dissertation. Working with an individual supervisor, the student is required to design, research and write up an inquiry-based project for a 20,000 word dissertation. The student chooses his or her dissertation focus according to their individual interests and purposes. more...	EDUEM03X	60	Semester 2
Mathematics Education This module starts with an introduction to Mathematics Education Research as an academic discipline: its aims and objectives; its key theoretical frameworks and methodologies; and its dissemination practices. It continues with a discussion of elements of Philosophy, Epistemology, Sociology, Psychology and Neuroscience in Mathematics Education and then examines more closely issues of learning and teaching mathematics at the primary, secondary and post-compulsory levels. Arithmetic, Geometry, Algebra, Calculus and Proof are amongst the topics covered in the sessions. The sessions cover a range of cognitive, social, emotional, curriculum / policy / practice-related issues that concern the teaching and learning of mathematics. more...	EDUEM04Y	60	Year Period
Research Methods This research methods component of the MA in Education is to provide students with sufficient grounding in the methodology of qualitative inquiry to be able to begin to design and conduct research in their own specialist areas of educational experience and interest. The module is divided into two parts. The first part concentrates on an introduction to research and qualitative approaches to education. The second part concentrates on the development of critical reading and inquiry. more...	EDUEM02Y	60	Year Period

Disclaimer

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules and regular (five-yearly) review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff or sabbatical leave. Where this is the case, the University will endeavour to inform students.

Fees And Funding

Fees for the academic year 2012/2013 will be:

UK/EU Students: £5,000
International Students: £11,900

International applicants from outside the EU may need to pay a deposit.

Living Expenses
Approximately £7,500 living expenses will be needed to adequately support yourself.

Scholarships and Funding

A variety of Scholarships may be offered to UK students. Please click here for more detailed information about funding for UK students.

The University offers around £1 million of Scholarships each year to support International students in their studies. Scholarships are normally awarded to students on the basis of academic merit and are usually for the duration of the period of study. Please click here for further information about fees and funding for International students.

How To Apply

Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.

You can apply online, or by downloading the hard copy application form, or by using the application form in the University’s Postgraduate Prospectus.

Further Information

To request further information & to be kept up to date with news & events please use our online enquiry form.

If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying please do contact us:

Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk

International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.

Education and Lifelong Learning Courses