MA Education, 2018
“My interest in the teaching profession grew when I was working as a teaching assistant. This led me to return to my studies as a postgraduate student to gain a PGCE. I chose to study my PGCE at Oxford Brookes because I had such an enjoyable experience during my undergraduate studies, and its location is ideal, as my home is in Oxford.”
Prior to starting her postgraduate studies at Oxford Brookes, Lucy completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology combined with English Literature.
My interest in the teaching profession grew when I was working as a teaching assistant. This led me to return to my studies as a postgraduate student to gain a PGCE. I chose to study my PGCE at Oxford Brookes because I had such an enjoyable experience during my undergraduate studies, and its location is ideal, as my home is in Oxford.
During my studies for the PGCE, I found the staff exceptionally supportive and inspiring. In particular I would like to mention Mat Tobin, Jane Scholey and Jon Reid, with his work on behaviour and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in schools. They have passion and enthusiasm for what they are teaching and they are always available to discuss ideas and provide assistance when necessary.
Learning in this environment encouraged me to research the possibility of studying an MA Education at Oxford Brookes. I would have to balance working while studying for my MA but I knew this would be possible from my previous experiences of studying at Brookes.
Postgraduate study has helped me grow into a confident person with the belief that if I work hard I can achieve my career goal of becoming an Educational Psychologist. What I enjoy most is the variety of topics there are to choose from in terms of directing your study on the MA Education. There have been lots of module choices available which I have been able to tailor to my current practice. I have found it highly beneficial as a reflective practitioner for my study to inform my work and vice versa. I have been able to study certain topics in great detail and there is flexibility in your choices of what to study.
Studying at Oxford Brookes has helped me develop the skill of critical and reflective thinking. I feel more confident in being able to critique research and identify what can be learned and put into practice. I believe that critical thinking is a great asset, being able to solve/analyse problems in a multi-dimensional way is favourable for employers.
My postgraduate studies have built upon both my practical experience and experimental research in context. If I were to apply for a PhD in Educational Psychology in the future, I now feel that as a result of my studies at Brookes I have a secure and varied experience base to confidently do so.
I am forever grateful for the learning opportunities I have been given at Oxford Brookes. It has helped me to grow into a confident person with the belief that if I work hard I can achieve anything.