Course Catalogue

The specific aims of the programme are designed to enable the student to: - Develop critical reflection within the field of teaching, learning and supporting learners with a visual impairment through analysis and evaluation of research and practice. - Play a significant role in relation to application of knowledge in the field of education practice in schools, colleges and other educational settings - Develop skills in scholarly presentation, evaluation and communication - Achieve their full academic potential through postgraduate level study which encourages a high degree of initiative, self-direction, self-motivation and self-awareness - Plan and conduct a small-scale research project in their own educational setting

The programme will utilise a range of teaching and learning methods including both face-to-face teaching, technology enhanced learning and individualised learning opportunities including: seminars, individual tutorials, online materials, and case studies. It is designed to be inclusive, accessible and foster a deep approach to learning with a means of improving practice informed by critical reflection, scholarship and research. Students will be supported to develop their critical reflection, analysis, reporting and writing skills expected at Masters Level. Teaching through seminars, individual tutorials and online materials will be designed to support the transition into the dissertation module and key expectations around the research process. The dissertation will enable an opportunity for individualisation of the learning experience according to professional contexts of teaching learners with a visual impairment and student interests. The programme involves a significant amount of independent learning and requires students to be motivated and self-directed in their study as well as professional development. Independent learning will be supported through a range of online learning resources (including but not limited to core readings, formative and structured tasks, audio/video links) and a clear support framework for academic study will be in place. In addition, students will be supported through one-to-one tutorials and be able to gain feedback from an assigned supervisor at key stages of the research process from initial deign to write-up of findings. There will also be opportunity for group work and discussions during seminar activities enabling students to work together, learn from each other and develop a small research community dedicated to exploring key topics and debates relating to teaching learners with a visual impairment. The approach to assessment has been developed in order to meet the appropriate academic requirements of Level 7 while also being deeply rooted in the professional practice of the student. Consequently, the research project can be conducted in students' classrooms, schools or other educational settings but other suitable settings can also be considered.

The programme is purposively designed to meet the professional and research learning needs of those working within the education and service sector for learners with a visual impairment. Consequently, assessments may be conducted in the students' own educational setting but do not have to be. In addition, study is flexibly scheduled over the academic year to best support students' work commitments.