MA Character Education

Theoretical and Historical Foundations of Character Education (30 credits)

This module examines key theories of character, virtue and human flourishing, as well as how historical, political and religious ideas about character have shaped historical and contemporary approaches to character education. Within the module, students will consider various theories from the fields of psychology, philosophy and education, for example through critically examining (neo)Aristotelian character education, positive psychology/education and wellbeing and happiness education. Students will also examine the history and politics of character education within their own and other contexts. Students will consider the influence of theory, history and politics on their professional practice – in particular the influence on planning, administration and policy. Throughout the module current problems and/or new insights in the field will be examined and critically debated.

Character Education Interventions in Schools and Organisations (30 credits)

This module looks at the practical application of character education. Within the module, students will examine how character education can be implemented in various educational settings, including schools and community organisations. Students will consider how character education can be delivered implicitly and explicitly and will apply critical thinking to develop their own character education interventions aimed at enhancing the cultivation of character and virtues. Students will consider appropriate design methodology as well as measurement and evaluation strategies when developing an intervention.

The Virtuous Practitioner (30 credits)

This module is framed around a central question: what does it mean to be a virtuous practitioner? Within the module, students will consider the character virtues of professionals working in different education contexts. Students will consider moral dilemmas facing professionals, and professionals’ moral and civic responsibilities. Students will focus on models of reflection and consider how reflection and practical wisdom might be developed through training in professional contexts.

Character Education Leadership in Schools and Organisations (30 credits)

This module examines the role of leaders in developing character education in schools and other organisations. Within the module, students will consider various leadership theories and critically debate the character virtues of a “good” leader. Students will consider how leadership theories might underpin the leadership of character education within schools and organisations and will examine the challenges of leading character education programmes.

Research Methods in Character Education (30 credits)

This module forms the first part of the dissertation project. The module will introduce you to the research process and how it is applied within character education. You will learn about the advantages and disadvantages of different types of research designs (e.g., qualitative versus quantitative) and tools for collecting data (e.g., interviews versus surveys), and how these have been used within character educational research.

This module will enable you to correctly formulate your own research questions and identify research methods appropriate to answering those questions. In doing so, you will consider practical and ethical challenges, and how your research should be communicated to stakeholders for maximal impact.

On completion of this module, you will be able to critically evaluate the character education research literature and develop your own research ideas to investigate how character education might be implemented within real world settings.

Dissertation (30 credits)

The 30 credit dissertation enables students to undertake independent research into an area of professional interest which will allow them to investigate an aspect of their programme of study. They will work with a tutor to determine a focus and to discuss issues of methodology and analysis.