Postgraduate Module Descriptor


EFPM913: Debating the Big Questions in Education

This module descriptor refers to the 2019/0 academic year.

Module Aims

The principal aims of this module are:

  • To enable you to critically explore a range of contemporary debates in the field of education
  • To introduce you to a range of varying viewpoints which might be proffered in debates on these contemporary issues
  • To encourage you to critically assess the issues in light of your own educational experiences, research interests or relevant professional expertise
  • To allow you the opportunity to actively engage in these debates with others and to develop considered statements (drawing on relevant theoretical perspectives, empirical research, policy and practice) on these issues over the course of study

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here - you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.

On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. Demonstrate ability to identify, effectively explain and critically evaluate key issues in education
2. Demonstrate ability to derive sound, theorized conclusions on a selected number of big issues that are debated within education
Discipline-Specific Skills3. Demonstrate ability to select, integrate and present coherently and reflectively, orally and in writing, relevant theoretical arguments relating to education
4. Critically reflect upon and evaluate your own (and others) understandings of current issues and debates in education
Personal and Key Skills5. Communicate and engage in debate effectively and accurately, orally and in writing, in a manner appropriate to the discipline
6. Undertake both directed and independent study to recognise, justify and analyse key ideas in the literature and relate these to research, theory, policy and practice