MA Education (Mentoring and Coaching)

Program Overview

The MA Education (Mentoring and Coaching) at the University of Worcester is a postgraduate taught program typically completed over one to two years, depending on the mode of study (full-time or part-time). It provides a flexible and in-depth exploration of the principles and practices of mentoring and coaching in educational settings. The program is designed for a diverse range of professionals working in education, including teachers, leaders, trainers, and those involved in professional development. It aims to enhance their understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of mentoring and coaching, the development of effective mentoring and coaching relationships, and the application of these skills to improve individual and organizational performance.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the MA Education (Mentoring and Coaching) is structured to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of the field. Core modules typically cover the theory and principles of mentoring and coaching in education, developing effective communication and interpersonal skills for mentoring and coaching, models and frameworks for mentoring and coaching practice, mentoring and coaching for leadership development, mentoring and coaching for teacher development and improvement, research methods in education, and the ethical considerations in mentoring and coaching. Students often have the opportunity to choose elective modules that align with their specific interests and professional goals, allowing for a more specialized focus. A significant component of the program involves a dissertation or major project, providing students with the opportunity to conduct in-depth research on a mentoring or coaching issue relevant to their own educational context.

Research Focus: The research focus within the MA Education (Mentoring and Coaching) at the University of Worcester is strongly aligned with contemporary issues and effective practices in the field. Faculty expertise may encompass areas such as the impact of mentoring and coaching on teacher effectiveness, the role of mentoring and coaching in leadership development, models of peer mentoring and coaching, the use of technology in mentoring and coaching, and the evaluation of mentoring and coaching programs. Students are encouraged to engage with current research literature and to develop their own research interests, contributing to the growing body of knowledge in educational mentoring and coaching through their dissertation or major project.

Industry Engagement: The MA Education (Mentoring and Coaching) at the University of Worcester benefits from strong links with educational institutions and professional development organizations in the region and nationally. The program often involves guest speakers who are experienced mentors and coaches in education, providing valuable insights into current practice and effective strategies. Students who are currently involved in mentoring or coaching roles can often integrate their workplace experiences into their studies, and the program aims to equip all students with the knowledge and skills to be effective and ethical mentors and coaches in their respective educational settings. The curriculum is informed by current best practices and professional standards in mentoring and coaching.

Global Perspective: The MA Education (Mentoring and Coaching) at the University of Worcester recognizes the increasing importance of mentoring and coaching in professional development across international educational contexts. The program may incorporate research and case studies from different countries, exploring varying approaches to mentoring and coaching in diverse cultural and educational systems. Students are encouraged to consider the global contexts that shape mentoring and coaching practices and to engage with international research and models in the field. The program may attract students from diverse international backgrounds, fostering a rich learning environment where different cultural perspectives on mentoring and coaching are shared and explored. This global outlook prepares graduates to be informed and adaptable mentors and coaches in an increasingly interconnected world.