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Research-Informed Science Education (Online Distance Learning)

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PgCert Research-Informed Science Education (Online Distance Learning) (ICL) - 21 Months (Part-time Intermittent Study)

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Individual programme fees are linked above. For detailed information on fee status, policies, payment and funding opportunities see:

Contact information: MSc Administrator
Phone: +44 (0) 131 651 7067
Fax: +44 (0) 131 650 5902
Email: msc@epcc.ed.ac.uk; Address: School of Physics & Astronomy
The University of Edinburgh
James Clerk Maxwell Building
Edinburgh
EH9 3JZ

Adopting a distance learning model, the RISE programme offers an approach to professional development that is deliberately distinct from the traditional continuing professional development (CPD) available to teachers, and provides a high level of intellectual challenge leading to a postgraduate qualification.

The programme is open to teachers, educationalists involved in the training and support of teachers, and others involved in the design and delivery of science teaching at secondary level or in further or early higher education.

Entry requirements

A UK 2:1 degree, or its international equivalent, is normally required. Applicants with a 2:2 degree or equivalent may also be considered.

International students

All applicants must meet our general entry and language requirements. Detailed advice for international students is available here:

Programme description

Our innovative curriculum design has produced unique courses, ideally suited to postgraduate study where critical thinking and analysis are crucial and distinctive skills.

Programme structure

There are two masters level courses: Research-Based Instructional Strategies in the Science Classroom and Technology Enhanced Learning in the Science Classroom. Each of these can stand alone as a CPD qualification at SCQF Level 11, or together they can form the basis of a Postgraduate Certificate in Science Education Research.

Research-Based Instructional Strategies in the Science Classroom

SCQF Level 11 (Four months part time - September to December)

This course gives you the framework and contextual knowledge to formulate a research question and plan and execute a small-scale educational research project in the science education research tradition. You will develop key skills in research design, including methods in qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis.

Your assessed work will include a written presentation of your research proposal and a report on your research project’s results.

Technology Enhanced Learning in the Science Classroom

SCQF Level 11 (Four months part time - January to April)

This course covers the main learning theories of the past century – behaviourism, cognitivism, constructivism, social learning and connectivism. When exploring each theory, you will collaborate with other students to devise technologically enhanced teaching approaches.

Your assessed work will include written and multimedia presentations on your instructional intervention and its results.

Postgraduate Certificate in Science Education Research

The PgCert requires an additional course chosen from the MSc in e-Learning offered by the Moray House School of Education Graduate School. A typical route to the PgCert would be to study part time for the RISE courses in one academic year and to study part time for an optional course in the next year.

Online learning

Courses are delivered entirely online, through a variety of synchronous and asynchronous teaching methods, including virtual classroom sessions, individual research and the construction of collaborative materials such as wikis. Participants on the RISE courses are registered, part-time students at the University and have access to the support services available to face-to-face students.

Funding

Please see Scholarships and Student Funding Services for information about funding opportunities:

Scholarships and Student Funding Services

Staff

The RISE team brings together staff with expertise in teaching and learning development.

The team is led by Dr Judy Hardy, who heads the Edinburgh Physics Education Research group and has research interests in science education and the use of technology to support learning.

Other members of the team include Professor Colin Pulham, Director of Teaching in the School of Chemistry and Karon McBride, Learning Designer at the School of Physics & Astronomy and a former schoolteacher of 20 years.

Further Information

This article was published on Apr 25, 2013