Postgraduate taught degree programmes

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Teaching Adults

Programme structure

For the Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching Adults students will complete four core-courses and a practice placement, which will total 120 credits at masters level 11 (SCQF).  For the Master of Science in Teaching Adults students will also undertake a research project, which will total 180 credits at masters level 11 (SCQF). Below is the list of core courses:


International Issues in Adult & Continuing Education

20 credits at masters level 11 (SCQF)

This course identifies the major influences upon the historical traditions of adult and community education in Scotland, the U.K. and internationally. Building upon this historical background, current developments in adult education will be located within the context of contemporary social and economic trends. Particular attention will be given to policy issues relating to adult participation in different forms of education and training, including widening access, literacy, work-based learning and competence based assessment.

The Psychology of Adult Learning

20 credits at masters level 11 (SCQF)

This course explores the psychological characteristics of adult learners. It asks “what makes a successful adult learner?” and “what, then, makes a good adult educator?”. The course draws on areas such as adult development, intelligence, the socio-cultural nature of learning, the nature of collaboration and the effects of changing educational media. Traditional and contemporary psychological models of learning will be critically reviewed, as well as ideas about the effect of the learning context, emphasising the implications and applications of such ideas for adult education practice.

Curriculum Development in Adult Education

20 credits at masters level 11 (SCQF)

This course provides participants with the opportunity to develop; their philosophy as an adult educator; their skills in designing materials to support adults’ learning capabilities and their understanding of teaching and learning theories, approaches and processes in adult education.

Modern Educational Thought

20 credits at masters level 11 (SCQF)

This course explores significant concepts, debates and discourses on theoretical issues that are important for students engaged in the study and practice of education. This course is focussed on central questions around the aims and purposes of education and ways in which modern educational thought plays out in professional practice and/or policy contexts. In addressing these questions, we will take as a starting point the claim that the development of rational autonomy, that is the Enlightenment project, is the central aim of education. Thus the course will begin with key readings in the history of ‘liberal’ thinking on education. It will encourage a critical reading of texts in the history of modern educational ideas, taking into account critiques of the liberal tradition from positions that include Marxism, postmodernism, communitarianism and feminism.

Adult Learning Placement

40 credits at masters level 11 (SCQF)

This course will enable students to apply theoretical knowledge and skills gained in the Curriculum Development course to real adult learning situations. It will provide participants with the opportunity to; develop skills in the practice of adult and continuing education; develop a reflective approach to their professional work; provide a structured context within which adult education principles and theories can be related to practice and enable students to develop a critical approach to adult learning contexts.

Research Project (MSc only)

60 credits at masters level 11 (SCQF)

For the dissertation/research project you will complete a guided enquiry project focusing on a specific aspect of teaching adults.  The project is approached on a group basis, but leads to an individual dissertation.  You are encouraged to follow your own interests in the design of the project and will be fully supported by your allocated supervisor throughout your research.