1. + From BA to MA: What does it mean to study for an MA? 12 October 2011

2. + Moving On Up… Doctorate Masters Degree Bachelors Degree Secondary Education Primary Education

3. + So, what makes an MA? Progression from the Bachelors degree Focused study into a specific subject knowledge area Specialist knowledge over generalist knowledge Clear understanding of the theories and issues within the field Criticality and analytical approach to research Mastery of the area with emerging expertise in the field

4. + The Pieces of the MA Pie… Taught Classes Independent Reading and Research Experience within the Field and your Reflections Hypothesizing and Doing Research Communicating Academically

5. + The Second Piece of the MA Pie… Your Independent Reading

6. + Whatever field within education that you are interested in… You need to read around the research literature… Who are the key authors whose names emerge over and over? What are the key ideas that everyone talks about? Does everyone agree with the key authors? Why do people agree and why do people disagree? Have you seen this in your own experience?

7. + The Third Piece of the MA Pie Your experiences in education

8. + Whatever field of education you are interested in, you need experience of it rather than reading about it! Everyone knows schools and everyone has an opinion of education! Every education system is different. Every education system has a different language. No one system is better than another but they are different. You need to know the system that you are researching!

9. + The Fourth and Fifth Pieces of the MA Pie Doing and Reporting Your Research!

10. + Your taught courses, your independent reading and your experiences will begin to shape your research ideas. What do you want to find out about in more detail? Why is this interesting to you? Readings, experiences and skills underpin your project Your supervisor: guide and mentor! Your project: small and do-able! Preparation + Research + Supervision = MA dissertation

11. + Finally, what are the traits of a Successful MA student?

12. + Characteristics include: Preparation Collegiality Inquisitiveness Self-awareness Proactive approach Honesty

13. + Any final thoughts?