By Faiza Qureshi
Faiza Qureshi is the Discipline Lead for the Master of Education and Foundation Programs at Murdoch University Dubai. She serves as Chair of the Learning and Teaching Committee and is a full-time lecturer for the MEd and Graduate Certificates in Education courses.
Benefits of Postgraduate Studies in Education – The constantly shifting landscape of education is both exciting and challenging for academics across the schooling and higher education contexts. As teachers, researchers, and leaders in the field of education, we are increasingly challenged and expected to navigate complex educational issues and drive positive change within educational contexts to support the best possible learning and teaching experiences and outcomes.
Currently, the use of artificial intelligence in teaching and learning and ensuring equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) for our learners are two issues we grapple with as educators. Institutions are working on aspects such as resource availability, policy development and standards and compliance fronts while educators, academics and teachers work towards curriculum design, content development, research, classroom usage and management and incorporation in learning and teaching in AI in education and EDI support. However, as we try to navigate these challenges, we must consider whether we are appropriately equipped with the right tools, knowledge and support to successfully implement change, improve the quality of teaching and learning, effectively incorporate new methods and mentor other educators to do the same.
Continual professional development, educational research and postgraduate studies in education are a few ways that we can upgrade our knowledge, become up-to-date with educational issues and equip ourselves sufficiently to effectively resolve such challenges in our own educational contexts. Furthermore, as we upskill ourselves, these advancements in our own knowledge and learning will help to lessen the gap between educational research and practice, guide us to implement what we learn in our workplaces to collaborate with like-minded educators and learn from their experiences through communities of practice.
There are several advantages of postgraduate studies in education, such as a Master of Education or a Graduate Certificate in Education. In effect, they encompass CPD, research, communities of practice and the building of knowledge whereby, serving as a consolidated platform for the educator. This continues as a network and opportunity as an alumnus of a postgraduate in the education programme. One example of how postgraduate studies in education achieve this is the deepening of specialised knowledge. Through engaging classes and coursework, critical analysis of educational theories, philosophies and thinkers, critical analysis of policy and critical incidents from one’s own educational contexts, engagement with recent research and conducting their own research, postgraduate students in education develop a comprehensive understanding of their area of specialisation.
Whether focusing on content and curriculum development, using ICT and AI tools for teaching and learning, leadership in education, inclusive education practices, teaching in culturally diverse environments, working collaboratively and critically analysing policy, postgraduate in education students become equipped with practical and research insights necessary to address complex challenges in their field. Another important facet of postgraduate degrees in education is developing and understanding educational research skills. Educators conduct original research, engage in empirical studies and their reviews, develop methodologies and theoretical frameworks and engage in academic writing. In turn, this contributes to research in their areas of specialisation. This helps inform evidence-based practices in their own educational settings and brings about meaningful change and implementation to improve standards in teaching, learning and running of educational institutes.
In addition, postgraduate studies in education drive career advancement and professional development opportunities. Whether pursuing another Master’s degree or obtaining a short Graduate Certificate in Education for upskilling or a specialised focus such as International Education or Instructional Leadership, it is a transformative journey that effectively empowers and equips educators to become agents for positive change within the field of education.
Educators become equipped to address complex educational challenges, innovate pedagogical best practices, and advocate for inclusive, equitable educational opportunities through their specialised knowledge acquisition, educational research expertise, continuous professional development, critical reflection, and collaborative engagement. These results from investing in and fostering one’s lifelong learning journey. In a nutshell, embracing the benefits of postgraduate studies in education is not only a professional investment but a commitment to quality, equity, and innovation in education.
