Education (Literacy) MA

The MA Education (Literacy) engages critically with key concepts in the study of literacy and literacy practices. Our modules focus on the various ways in which literacy is perceived, valued, used and appraised, across a range of life domains and cultural contexts. Students who take this MA learn with world-leading experts in the field of literacy and leave with key skills that can be used in a range of workplace contexts or to take on to further study at doctoral level.

About this degree

Students who complete the MA Education (Literacy) are able to critically engage with key concepts in the study of literacy, including multimodality, multiliteracies and the diversity of literacy practices, as well as explore a range of different theoretical approaches to understanding literacy and literacy learning. Using a primarily socio-cultural perspective this module will explore literacy use and learning across the life span and across a range of life domains and cultural contexts.

Who this course is for

The MA Education (Literacy) is a broad based, generalist programme, appropriate for all those who have a serious interest in literacy education, practice, policy and research. It suits those aiming to work in education policy, development, research or leadership, as well as educators who are looking to develop their careers in a wide variety of contexts. The MA Education (Literacy) is not a teacher training programme and, since it does not include a practice component, is unlikely to satisfy teacher certification requirements.

What this course will give you

The International Literacy Centre at UCL Institute of Education is a world-leading centre for the study of literacy learning and teaching. The MA Education (Literacy) is a unique programme that allows students to consider the various ways in which literacy operates in a changing world.

The department provides an impressive range of cutting-edge MA and CPD programmes, variously presented in face to-face, distance learning or mixed mode formats. In addition, we offer a first-class doctoral programme and staff members are actively involved in an extensive range of innovative, nationally and internationally acclaimed, research and development projects.

The foundation of your career

Our graduates will leave with a strong skill set applicable to a range of workplace settings; their professional in-depth knowledge of literacy practices will enhance any role in a school or education workplace. Our students learn to work in teams and develop key skills in time management working to a demanding set of individual deadlines.

Graduates will demonstrate a genuine commitment to learning and, along with sound problem-solving skills, are able to think critically about key educational issues and articulate their theoretical expertise through a range of excellent written and spoken communication skills.

Teaching and learning

Depending on the modules taken, the programme is taught through face-to-face sessions, occasional weekend daytime sessions, and/or online.

A typical face-to-face session consists of two-and-a-half hours of lectures, dialogue, small group discussions presentations and/or a range of other activities.

Employability

Graduates of this programme are employed in a diverse range of roles and educational settings, for example, as teachers, heads of department in schools and colleges, as staff in awarding organisations, education policy makers and as educational researchers. Recent graduates from the MA Education (Literacy) may use their new professional expertise to apply for promotions at work, to develop a new role focused on literacy or go on to undertake a doctorate focused on literacy.

A minimum of a second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. (Please note: one or two optional modules may have additional, specific entry requirements).