University of Roehampton London

Education MA

Explore the dynamic intersection of pedagogy and societal development. Deepen your knowledge and skills to shape the future of education – particularly its role in fostering progress and individual empowerment. 

This module is designed to move students beyond theoretical knowledge to reach an informed position in relation to equality, diversity and social justice in education. The module raises awareness of past and current international discourses in education, critically examining how they impact on children, young people, families and communities. Students are introduced to key concepts of race, ethnicity, class and gender. This will include key concepts from anthropology, post-colonial theory, critical race theory and critical multiculturalism which can inform international perspectives on constructs of childhoods and education. Drawing on key class and gender literary theorist, students will explore the dynamics of gender and social class and the significant impact on a person's educational opportunities. The module aims to assist students to develop critical understanding of addressing these social inequalities in relation to policy design and implementation. The module will examine international perspectives on constructs of childhoods and education. Students will explore and deconstruct these theories across global communities and examine the related social, cultural and political factors. The module will raise critical awareness of constructions of childhood and identity. How social and cultural influences operate in social policies and learning environments in the Western context. The module examines inequalities both structural and institutional that take place within contemporary society to address the unequal power relations. Students will be supported to develop understanding of power, how it can be analysed and how it can affect people. The teaching approach used on the course will be that of critical pedagogy and students will be supported to examine their own values, beliefs and experiences through an overtly political lens to consider alternative approaches to education.