Progression to Masters (MEd) Year 2

Cambridge PGCE year is equivalent to 50% of the Cambridge Masters course

In an exciting development, it is now possible for all Cambridge university PGCE trainees to gain recognition, through the Faculty's PGCE award, for the first year of a Master of Education (MEd) qualification at Cambridge. Trainees who successfully complete all examined elements of the PGCE course (without failing any element at the point of examination) are able to register for the second year of the Faculty's MEd course. For such trainees, the Cambridge PGCE year is equivalent to 50% of the Cambridge Masters course and trainees will have the option of completing the second year of the Masters (on a part-time basis) within two years of successfully completing their PGCE.

Studying for an MEd in Cambridge offers opportunities to develop:

An advanced knowledge and understanding of practices, processes, conditions and outcomes of teaching, learning, leadership and school improvement;
The capacity to analyse education issues and practices using systematic and research led approaches;
A critical understanding of and some experience of, applying commonly used research methods and the capacity to judge their appropriateness for educational enquiry;
The ability to read educational research critically
The practical, organizational and presentational skills necessary for the successful reporting of educational research;
An understanding of their learning to contribute to professional development and practice and personal goals.

Thematic routes

The different thematic routes within the MEd programme allow students to follow a course of specialist study, to develop their understanding of educational research and to undertake supervised research on a topic of their choice. The following thematic routes are open to PGCE students. The coordinator for the route is listed in brackets:

PGCE students wishing to progress to the MEd may join a thematic route either immediately after their PGCE year or after their NQT year and complete after one year of part time study whichever route is chosen.

*The Educational and School Leadership route requires students to have had at least one year's post PGCE teaching experience prior to starting the course. It is not possible to take Psychology and Education or Counselling as a one year route, due to accreditation requirements of external bodies.

Courses are supported through seminars, workshops, supervisions and, where appropriate, fieldwork. Students must complete a thesis of not more than 20,000 words in length, for which they will receive individual supervision. Individual themes may also have supplementary requirements.

Research Methods

Students on thematic routes (other than Researching Practice and Science Teacher Researchers and Practitioners, where research training is embedded in the course) will be required to attend a Research Methods Course. The course consists of 40 hours of teaching time and takes place on two afternoons per term in terms one to five of the programme. The course offers students support in the principles and practices of educational enquiry, and in the conduct and writing of their thesis.

The initial aim is to develop understanding of different research strategies - the kinds of assumptions that they depend on, the kinds of reasoning that they involve, the kinds of purposes that they are fit for, and practical and ethical issues concerning use of their associated methods. There is also an emphasis on fostering skills in critically appraising and synthesising published research studies. The course additionally aims to develop the understanding and skills needed to design, conduct, analyse, interpret and report a small-scale research study for thesis presentation. There is one formative assignment (800 words) requiring an outline of the thesis research design.

Co-ordinator of the Research Methods Course: Linda Hargreaves

Session Times for the Thematic Routes

The contact hours for all thematic routes are the same. For all routes except Researching Practice and Science Teacher Researchers & Practitioners, sessions will start at 2pm on a Wednesday. Researching Practice sessions begin at 4pm on a Thursday. Science Teacher Researchers & Practitioners students will be required to attend a number of Saturday conferences instead. There is some variation in the duration of sessions across courses that meet on Wednesdays. If you require further details, please contact the course coordinator.

Course Fees

The following is a breakdown of the costs you will incur as an MEd student at the University:

University Composition Fee 2008-2009: for the teaching and supervision you will receive from the department:

Home/EU: £1,650

Overseas: £4,665

College Membership Fee 2008-2009: approximately £450

How to Apply

Please download the pdf application form or Word application form and submit your form to Kim Down (kdd20@cam.ac.uk) in room 2S1 of the New Faculty Building as soon as possible. This can be done either in person, by post or by email. Please retain a copy of your application for your own reference. If you are not sure if your school will release you to follow the course or you do not yet have funding, please do not let this stop you applying. It is better to apply early and then turn down the place or defer it to the following year if you find you can not take it up. If you apply for a route other than Researching Practice or Science, a meeting will be arranged for you with the relevant route coordinator to discuss whether the route you have selected is the best choice for you.

Further Questions

If you have any further queries regarding your choices or how to apply, please contact Kim Down (kdd20@cam.ac.uk).