Overview
By studying literary texts, performance pedagogy and theatre in education, you will develop creative approaches to the teaching of drama and creative writing in a range of educational and community settings. You will challenge young learners to create powerful and transformative imaginary worlds to spark their creativity.
The teaching of writing in mainstream education is becoming narrower and more prescriptive. This course will help you to become a creative educator who places students at the centre of their learning through the creation of lived-through drama experiences, providing a fertile ground for your own creative writing and a supportive environment in which young people feel encouraged to write creatively.
As well as developing innovative approaches to learning, you will also be able to specialise in drama, creative writing or educational practices through a choice of option modules, one of which includes an international placement. You will be able to choose how to present your final major project, be that in the form of an installation, a piece of creative writing or a self-produced performance.
Working with an experienced team of published educators and theatre-based organisations in Leeds, you will develop the confidence and skills to work with and inspire young people.
RESEARCH
Academic staff from the course are engaged in a number of research projects linked to this course. One current project focuses on teachers using drama to engage children in writing. You can read more about the project by clicking here, and by visiting The Conversation website.
Find out more about the Carnegie School of Education.
You will be taught by a highly skilled and experienced team, including Senior Lecturer Dr Tom Dobson, a former secondary English teacher whose current research into English pedagogy focuses on the identity of the teacher as a writer. Our tutors also have links with arts organisations such as Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Kirkstall Abbey Museum and Leeds Art Gallery, as well as a range of community theatre groups, which will feed into your learning and help you to develop creatively.
In addition, you will have the chance to network with industry professionals, such as Professor Cathy Burnett a Professor of Literacy and Education, during our guest lecture series. Previous speakers have included contemporary writers such as award-winning romantic and paranormal fiction writer Kate Johnson, and novelist and critic Professor Manju Jaidka.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should either have at least a second class honours degree or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; a template can be accessed at this link.
All applicants should satisfy our University English language requirements, please access further details at this link.
IELTS:
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.Mature Applicants
Our University welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. We usually require some evidence of recent academic study, for example completion of an access course, however recent relevant work experience may also be considered. Please note that for some of our professional courses all applicants will need to meet the specified entry criteria and in these cases work experience cannot be considered in lieu.If you wish to apply through this route you should refer to our University Recognition of Prior Learning policy that is available on our website.
Please note that all applicants to our University are required to meet our standard English language requirement of GCSE grade C or equivalent, variations to this will be listed on the individual course entry requirements.
Applicants should either have at least a second class honours degree or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; a template can be accessed at this link.
All applicants should satisfy our University English language requirements, please access further details at this link.
IELTS:
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.Verify your qualifications
If you are an international student, we can help you to compare and verify your qualifications. Please contact our International Office on +44 (0)113 812 1111 09.00 to 17.00 Mon-Thurs / 09.00 to 16.30 Fri GMT or email internationaloffice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.Need to improve your English Language skills?
Don't worry if you don't have the level of English required for your chosen course. We offer a wide range of courses which have been designed to help you to improve your qualifications and English language ability, most of which are accredited by the British Council. Check your English and find out more about our English courses.More questions?
No matter what your questions, we are here to answer them, visit our International website to get more information and find out about our online open days.Careers
Careers
MA Childhood Studies & Early Years
“After doing my Masters, I have a much broader knowledge of the psychological and developmental stages of young audiences. From that, I have gained a deeper understanding as to why they respond in the ways they do.
Modules & learning
Lisa began her career as a Primary School Teacher and now works as a Senior Lecturer teaching across ITT Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses. Lisa's specialist area is Drama pedagogy, working in partnership with schools to develop meaningful and motivational learning opportunities for children.
This course provides a research-informed approach to creative learning through writing and drama practices, which bring learning to life and place the child at the centre of the learning experience.
Postgraduate Study - Invest in yourself
Fees & funding
Additional information
For further information on financing your studies or information about whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships, follow the links below:
Facilities
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Library and online resourcesOur Library is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year, providing you with access to specialist books and journals, learning spaces, computers, multimedia facilities and media equipment hire. Tens of thousands of our Library's digital resources, including ebooks, ejournals and databases, can be accessed online at a time and place to suit you.
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Map
Headingley Campus
Home to our first-rate sporting facilities – Headingley Campus has a rich and diverse history having played to visitors such as Winston Churchill and Oscar Wilde. Set in 100 acres of parkland, with easy access to Leeds city centre, many of our buildings look out onto our grassy acre – a perfect place for hanging out, playing games and catching up with friends on long summer days. Headingley Campus has modern sport science laboratories, animation and music studios and the latest computing labs, as well as one of our libraries, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
