Master of Education in Early Childhood Education

The University of Mpumalanga identifies itself as an African university. Its Mission, Vision and Values speak directly to the context and content of teaching as an agent of transformation. The Master of Education programme serves as the vehicle for such transformation, providing the student with requisite subject content knowledge, educational theory, pedagogical learning, practical learning, fundamental learning and situational learning. It is a Research Master’s degree designed for students wishing to further their education by conducting research on the following themes: Early Childhood Education, Curriculum Studies, Inclusive Education, Technology in Education and Leadership Management or Governance.

The purpose of the M Ed programme is to provide students with a teaching and learning experience inclusive of the theory and practice required to function more effectively as a leader in the profession. To teach is to lead. They will therefore acquire contextually grounded knowledge in education generally, and their research topic specifically. As per the UMP Educational Philosophy, the M Ed programme aims for teaching that is theoretically informed, pedagogically appropriate, and sensitive to diversity in all its forms in the educational environment - emphasizing the interconnectedness of teaching and learning, research and scholarship, and engagement. Students of education thus know that they lead the transformation agenda by shaping the future, starting with their leadership role in any education situation. Indeed, the M Ed confirms that to teach is to lead.