Education MA, Independent Work, 30 credits

Aim

The course aims for the student to demonstrate advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities in relation to second‑cycle education and shall, in addition to what applies at the first‑cycle level,


- further develop their ability to independently integrate and apply knowledge within the main field of education (pedagogy),
- develop their ability to handle complex phenomena, issues, and situations,
- develop their capacity for professional practice that places high demands on independence, or for research and development work within the main field of education (pedagogy),
- demonstrate advanced methodological knowledge within the main field of education (pedagogy).

Course objectives

Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:

• account for their knowledge and understanding of the main field of education (pedagogy), including both an overview of the field and substantially advanced knowledge in certain areas, as well as demonstrate insight into current research and development work,
• demonstrate the ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and to analyze, assess, and manage complex phenomena, issues, and situations, even with limited information,
• critically, independently, and creatively identify and formulate research questions, and be able to plan and, using appropriate methods, carry out qualified research tasks within given time frames, thereby contributing to knowledge development, as well as evaluate this work,
• clearly present and discuss, both orally and in writing and in both national and international contexts, their conclusions and the knowledge and arguments on which these are based, in dialogue with various groups,
• demonstrate the skills within the main field of education (pedagogy) required to participate in research and development work or to work in other qualified professional contexts,
• demonstrate the ability to make assessments within the main field of education (pedagogy) with consideration of relevant scientific, societal, and ethical aspects, and show awareness of ethical dimensions of research and development work,
• demonstrate insight into the possibilities and limitations of science, particularly pedagogy, its role in society, and people’s responsibility for how it is used,
• identify and describe their need for further knowledge and take responsibility for their ongoing learning,
• have completed an independent project of at least 30 credits within the main field of education (pedagogy).

Content

The course addresses how an independent scientific project is carried out and reported.

Entry requirements

A completed Bachelor’s degree of at least 180 credits, including at least 90 credits - of which 15 credits must be an independent project (degree project) - in the main field of education (pedagogy) or an equivalent field, as well as at least 15 credits in research methodology at the second‑cycle level, and proficiency in Swedish equivalent to the general entry requirements for higher education in Sweden.

Selection rules and procedures

The selection process is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.

Teaching form

Teaching is delivered digitally in the form of lectures, seminars, group exercises, supervision, and self‑study. The course includes compulsory components and examinations that require attendance. Instruction may be conducted in English and may make use of various forms of communication.

Examination form

3001: Independent Project for the Master’s Degree in Education, Degree Project, 30 Credits
Grade scale: Three-grade scale

The student’s ability to achieve the course learning outcomes is assessed individually. The student’s performance is assessed in relation to the learning outcomes through a written independent project, following a respondent–opponent format.

The student’s ability to write an independent project, defend their own work, and act as an opponent on another student’s project is included in the grading in relation to the learning outcomes.

Learning outcomes related to knowledge and understanding are assessed in writing or orally.

Skills‑related outcomes are assessed by evaluating the individual student’s performance in practical activities.

If the independent project is written by two students, each student must individually be able to account for the entire content. A preface must clearly specify each student’s individual contributions regarding content and writing.

If a student has a decision from the coordinator at Mid Sweden University regarding educational support due to a disability, the examiner is entitled to provide an adapted examination.

Link to grading criteria: www.miun.se/betygskriterier

Grading system

Three-grade scale

Other information

This course cannot be included in the same degree as the course PE019A.

Course certificates, credit transfers, appeals, etc., are regulated by the Higher Education Ordinance.