This module will enable you to develop and demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of aspects of educational policy making and policy enactment that shape and influence the parameters of professional activity within your particular sector of education provision. It will allow you to develop knowledge of relevant literature in your chosen area of study and an extended understanding of appropriate policy related concepts and issues in the field of Education. It will also support you to develop the ability to effectively deploy theoretical concepts in pursuit of new perspectives on education policy and approaches to professional practice.

Assessment for this module comprises a written assignment of 5000 words. The assignment assesses all the module learning outcomes. Any figures and tables are not included in the word count. Any appendices and reference list are not included in the word count.

1.Conduct a critical analysis of an area of education policy related to your chosen professional context so as to inform the development of specific research questions.

A variety of learning and teaching methods are used such as presentations by academic tutors, group discussions, case studies, workplace-related learning activities and participant centred investigations. There is a strong emphasis on activity-focused learning and participants are expected to actively engage in all sessions and the structured tasks set by tutors in-between sessions. In addition, participants are required to engage in extensive independent study so as to consolidate and extend the learning that takes place in taught sessions. This takes the form of undertaking follow-up tasks and extensive critical reading of relevant key policy texts, theoretical and research literature and research papers in academic journals. Opportunities for ongoing formative feedback will be provided.

Tutorial support will be available via, for example, MS Teams, Blackboard Collaborate, telephone, in person, through scheduled appointments and group/individual discussion.

1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of recent research and published works, which afford new insights into education policy and practice in one particular education context.
Knowledge & Understanding

2. Demonstrate that you have explored and interpreted the ways in which different conceptual and theoretical frameworks may be used to analyse the complexities and ambiguities in education policy and practice in one particular education context.
Analysis, Learning.

3. Critically analyse the implications of a key education policy concerning professionalism and practice in your chosen professional educational context.
Learning, Enquiry.

4. Identify a set of focused research questions that arise from your critical analysis of one education policy relevant to your workplace.
Application.

5. Effectively communicate complex analysis and argument to peers in academic and professional domains. Communication.

- Blackboard VLE will be used for repository of materials and resources.
- University Library resources for a range of relevant texts, e-books and academic journals
- Access to academic study skills support
- Access to subject librarians

Ball, S.J. (2021) The Education Debate. Bristol: The Policy Press
Ball, S.J., Junemann, C. and Santori, D. (2017) Edu.net: Globalisation and Education Policy. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge.
Ball, S.J., Maguire, M. and Braun, A. (2012) How Schools Do Policy: Policy Enactments in Secondary Schools. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge.
Burnell, I. and Roffey-Barentsen, J. (Eds.) (2020) Completing your EdD. The Essential Guide to the Doctor of Education. Bingley: Emerald Publishing Ltd.
Chitty, C. (2014) Education Policy in Britain, 3rd Edn. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Forrester, G. and Garrett, D. (2016) Education Policy Unravelled, 2nd Edn. London: Bloomsbury.
Gunter, H.M. (2018) The Politics of Public Education: Reform Ideas and Issues. Bristol: Polity Press. (Available as e-book)
Whitty, G. (2016) Research and Policy in Education. London: UCL Press.

This module will enable you to develop and demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of aspects of educational policy making and policy enactment that shape and influence the parameters of professional activity within your particular sector of education provision. It will allow you to develop knowledge of relevant literature in your chosen area of study and an extended understanding of appropriate policy related concepts and issues in the field of Education. It will also support you to develop the ability to effectively deploy theoretical concepts in pursuit of new perspectives on education policy and approaches to professional practice.