Additional Information

Assessment

This is a masters level course. The assessment of each module enables you to demonstrate the knowledge, understanding and ability in critical method that you have gained while studying the course materials. Credit is also given for your reflections upon practice in the context of your current role within a school or college.

Modules 1-4

4,000 word written assignment

Up to 80% of the marks for each module is awarded following the submission of a 4,000 word assignment. Each assignment enables you to focus on the principles explored in the module and to reflect upon these in the light of your own practice within the phase in which you are based. A handbook is provided that gives detailed guidance on how to write and structure your assignments. We realise that it may be many years since you last completed an academic assignment so supportive tutorial support - in person or online - is available to you. Our mission is to help you succeed, not to catch you out.

I thought it would be difficult to start learning again but it hasn't been. Thanks!
(Secondary Curriculum Leader)

Assessment of contributions to online discussions

Up to 20% of the marks for each module are awarded for the contributions you make to the discussions that take place within St Mary's Online. The number, regularity and quality of contributions are rewarded. Clear assessment criteria are provided.

Research Methods and The Dissertation

To achieve the full MA, you are required to complete and submit a 20,000 word dissertation.

You enrol for two modules: Research Methods (15 credits) and The Dissertation (45 credits) and are provided with a detailed Module booklet and a course reader:
Bell, J. (1999) Doing Your Research Project, Maidenhead: Open University Press (5th Edition)

The choice of topic is yours - with only the requirement that the focus must relate to an aspect of Leadership within Catholic Education. Once you have proposed a topic a supervisor is allocated who will provide support as you progress. You normally have up to 1 year to plan, research and write up the dissertation. Assessment for Research Methods is based upon your progress up to the research stage.

Progression

Module 1 is the foundation module and should be studied first. Modules 2, 3 and 4 can then be taken in any order. Module 5 is normally taken when all other modules have been completed.

Accreditation

It is perfectly acceptable to study just one module for professional development purposes. To secure accreditation at least two modules must be successfully completed:

  • Postgraduate Certificate - 2 modules (module 1 and one other 30 credit module - modules 1 to 4 are 30 credit modules.)
  • Postgraduate Diploma - Modules 1 to 4.
  • MA Catholic School Leadership - All 5 modules

Links

To visit useful websites and/or to download/read the full documents referred to in the course units, click the links below.

Vatican Documents

The Tablet

The Bible

What Our Students Say

Comments from evaluation forms:

  • “Really enjoyed meeting other colleagues”
  • “The support and encouragement from tutors is excellent”
  • “Support materials are excellent; a really good balance is maintained between theory and practice”
  • “The course is very accessible – well organised module booklets make it easy to dip in and out - essential for any busy teacher”
  • “The best course companions I have ever used” [from a student who already held a doctorate and an MBA!"

 

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