Institutional Management and Leadership (IML) in mathematics education MA(Ed)

A unique course for 21st Century mathematics education teachers and leaders

The IML in mathematics education course is a master’s level qualification aimed at equipping 21st Century teachers and leaders in education institutions with the latest developments and thinking in research and practice which will propel and drive innovation and quality at the forefront of practice. The course has been developed in consultation with various professional associations to meet the needs of education institutions within the UK and incorporates a strong international dimension to cater for the needs of those intending to play a role in teaching, leading and managing education in the international context. With a research and evidence based focus, the course brings together the latest professional knowledge and practice (both in mathematics and generally), cutting edge research and a commitment to support institutions and staff in meeting current and future challenges for a mathematics curriculum and leadership.

Benefits associated with studying the course

Our graduates are highly sought after and supported by educational institutions both in the UK and overseas. With an employment rate of about 100% following graduation, and with many of those accessing promoted positions, we are confident of the value of the degree to both the students and the institutions that support them. Studying alongside a diverse student group from a range of countries, you will gain insight into both English language based educational systems and those across other countries.

The School of Education has recently refurbished much of its teaching space and relocated into a new multimillion pound building on campus, and students on this course will enjoy the excellent world class facilities and latest audio, visual and computer equipment along with a strong tutorial support system.

Chris Downey

The Core Units of this course are:

Issues in Educational Leadership and Management

This unit explores theories of leadership and management and research related to leading and managing educational institutions. The theory of change and management of change is a central theme of this unit, in allowing students to develop practical strategies for effective implementation of high quality leadership and management.

Institutionally based Research and Inquiry

Exploring successful past and current research on institutional leadership and management, we will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to undertake small scale research and inquiry based on institutional needs.

Principles of Teaching and Learning

Being one of the largest centres of educational research in the UK, we are excellently placed to provide you with the latest ideas and thinking around areas of teaching and learning which have an impact on management and leadership of educational institutions. Teaching and learning are at the heart of the missions of educational institutions. The unit explores the latest ideas regarding these concepts and places them within the broad context of leadership and management in educational institutions.

Evidence Based Practice for Institutional Development

The unit will provide you with the skills to obtain data and use it for purposes of planning, benchmarking and performance management in your own institution and in other educational institutions.

The Optional/Elective units

Students on the MA(Ed) IML in mathematics education will have the opportunity to select two mathematics education-based units, depending on interests and the focus for research for the dissertation. To gain the mathematics education qualification, students will be expected to focus their optional/elective assignments and most of the core assignments on an issue or theme related to mathematics education.

The following optional units are available and are taught by a team of mathematics education tutors, highly experienced across early years, primary, secondary, post compulsory and adult education. All tutors are actively engaged in cutting edge research in a number of mathematics education fields.

Curriculum Issues in Mathematics Education

This unit examines a range of practical pedagogical issues concerning the teaching and learning of mathematics through a consideration of the research evidence available. Topics cover the range of the mathematics curriculum and can include issues in number learning, the teaching of algebraic ideas, issues in teaching and learning geometry, and data handling and representation.

Research Issues in Mathematics Education

This unit critically examines the findings of research in mathematics education. Topics can include learners’ mathematical misconceptions, dyscalculia, learner attitudes to mathematics, learning mathematics in groups, specific content areas such as geometrical reasoning, an international dimension to mathematics education, and the use of ICT. Where appropriate, the unit can involve working alongside an experienced researcher on a current research project.

Mentoring and Mathematics Teaching

This unit addresses the nature of professional development within mathematics teaching. Among the issues covered are the nature of mentoring, learning to teach mathematics, effective observation and feedback, monitoring and appraisal, professional relationships, and reflective practice which enhances development.

The Dissertation

The dissertation is an individual research project carried out on a topic of your choice related to mathematics education. This may focus on an institution-based issue or a more general mathematics education-based theme. To prepare you for the dissertation, you will take an unassessed unit entitled Dissertation Studies. You will work under the guidance of a dissertation supervisor and are expected to produce a report of approximately 16000 words.

Support during study

You will have a range of tutorial support while you study for your IML in mathematics education degree. Course tutors offer support related specifically to the courses they teach. The programme tutor is there to offer general leadership and management support to both staff and students on the course. Each student will be allocated a personal tutor who you will meet once every term to review progress and attend to any issues that may be impacting on your study. All students are expected to attend the masters induction programme which is offered in conjunction with the Students union and the international office of the university. Visit www.soton.ac.uk/postgraduate for useful information about returning to study and www.soton.ac.uk/international for information about the wide variety of support and services available for international students.

Key elements of the course

The flexible nature of the course allows you to study full time over one year or part time over two years. The course combines taught elements and individual study.

You are expected to study 4 course units (Core Units) and to take two mathematics-focused Optional/Elective units. For each of the units, you will be assessed through a 4000 word written assignment, focussing on a mathematics-related topic. You will also be expected to undertake a research project culminating in a dissertation under the supervision of an experienced member of academic staff within the School.

Workshops and Research Seminars

You will have the opportunity to attend a series of workshops which cover general research skills, including study skills, bibliographic and ICT skills. We also have a full programme of Research Seminars held during term time. These provide an opportunity to meet a wide range of students and to hear about different aspects of research in the School. Visit www.education.soton.ac.uk/research for more information about our latest series.

Career Prospects

On a personal level, you will gain the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary to improve performance in your own classroom and / or give leadership in your area of responsibility. The qualification and expertise it brings will enhance your career development and your institution will gain enormously by enhancing your engagement with best practice, research and understanding. Career destinations of our students include key roles in governmental departments, local authority advisors, advanced skills practitioners, co-ordinators of institutional development, career researchers, in-house trainers, freelance educational consultants, and adult education staff.

What courses can I progress onto?

The degree offers a thorough preparation for those intending to progress to doctoral level study in associated areas. Over the years, many students have come back or proceeded directly to study for a PhD on the back of this prestigious qualification. Upon successful completion of the MA(Ed) you could progress on to one of our Research Degree Programmes such as an EdD or PhD.

Entry will normally be a first degree or degree equivalent in mathematics or a mathematics-related discipline with some professional experience as a practitioner in mathematics education. Although this is the expected entry requirement, we recognise the diversity of background experiences of those working in mathematics education, and examine each application on merit for those without a mathematics or mathematics-related degree who have significant professional experience in mathematics education.

Financial commitment to study

International students are expected to make a significant financial contribution to studying in UK HE. Details of the fees levels and available university support in the form of bursaries and scholarships for international students are found on our website by visiting www.education.soton.ac.uk/funding.

Details on how to apply for the Masters Degrees are available here...

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