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

Formative assessment 1: Identify a specific policy that impacts upon or relates to your chosen educational research topic.
Formative assessment 2: Consider alternative policy analysis models and explain what approach you will be taking to conduct a critical analysis of your chosen policy.

Assessment for this module comprises a written assignment of 3000 words. The assignment assesses learning outcomes 1- 4. Any figures and tables are not included in the word count. Any appendices and reference list are not included in the word count.

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.

The learning model adopted in EdD Stage 1 is that of group supervision where a cohort works and learns together collaboratively under the supervision of academic tutors.. Peer group learning is an essential element of the EdD programme. There is a strong emphasis on activity-focused learning and participants are expected to be prepared for each session and engage in group discussions in an informed manner. Within the group supervision model a variety of learning and teaching methods are utilised including some short presentations by academic tutors, case studies and participant-centred investigations. Participants are expected to actively engage in all sessions and in all 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 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 specifically in relation to their chosen educational research topic. 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.

Alexander, R. (2021) Education in spite of Policy. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge.
Ball, S.J. (2021) The Education Debate. 4th Edn. Bristol: The Policy Press.
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: Policy Press. (Available as e-book)
Gunter, H.M. (2023) A Political Sociology of Education Policy. Bristol: Policy Press.
Whitty, G. (2016) Research and Policy in Education. London: UCL Press.

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

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.