Professional Studies in Education PgCert/PgDip/MA: Who teaches this course

• Staff teaching on this course

The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences teaches this course. Students benefit from a lively study environment, thanks to the wide range of postgraduate courses on offer.

Programmes cover everything from English literature and music to human rights and politics.

The Faculty provides a vibrant and forward-thinking environment for study with:

• courses designed in collaboration with industry professionals – keeping you up to date with the latest developments;
• established connections with the London arts and media scene – with a range of guest speakers, professors and lecturers visiting the University; and
• committed and enthusiastic staff – many of whom are expert practitioners as well as leading academics and researchers.

The Faculty's combination of academics and practitioners makes it a unique environment in which to further your studies and your career.

Where is the Faculty based? Most students are based at the University's Penrhyn Road campus, with our music and education courses taught at the Kingston Hill campus.

Dr Jean Ashfield

Jean is a Principal Lecturer whose work focuses on a range of postgraduate programmes, including the PGCE, MA in Professional Studies in Education and Doctor of Education. She is module leader for ‘Advanced Professional Practice' in the MA programme and for ‘Perspectives on Teaching and Learning' in the Doctor of Education programme. Jean's main interests centre around teaching, learning and professional development, with a particular focus on primary mathematics education, reflective practice and mentoring and coaching.

Jan Styman

Jan is a Lecturer in Early Years, working on a range of programmes including the EYPS pathways and MA in Professional Studies in Education. She is module leader for Phase 1 and 2 of the MA in Early Years, and the EYPS Long Part Time Pathway. Jan is involved in the TODDLER project (Towards Opportunities for Disadvantaged and Diverse Learners on the Early Childhood Road) – a 36 month long project focussing on early years provisions. This project is funded by the European Commission, DG Education and Culture under the Lifelong Learning Comenius Multilateral Programme. The TODDLER project is being implemented by a partnership of 9 partners in 8 countries. Jan's main interests include mentoring and work-based learning.

John Berry

John is responsible for delivering two courses each leading to a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma in Professional Studies in Education: The Inclusion of Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and Educating and Supporting Children and Young People on the Autistic Spectrum and their Families. Both courses are part of an MA pathway. As well as teaching and managerial experience in primary, secondary and special schools, he has worked with the Open University for many years as an Associate Lecturer on a wide range of courses. He was a member of the academic team responsible for the course, Inclusive Education: learning from each other. In providing staff development to teachers and teaching assistants in local authorities and elsewhere, John has also enjoyed working with various supply teacher agencies throughout the UK as a trainer and consultant.

Cynthia Jones

A Principal Lecturer in the School of Education's Continuing Professional Development  Post Graduate programme, Cynthia's areas of involvement are those concerned with social and developmental aspects of teaching and learning and in particular the field of  leadership and management for career progression. She is the pathways leader for courses which include Leadership and Middle Management, Behaviour, Social and Emotional Difficulties, Speech Language and Communication Needs and is the liaison tutor for off-site courses. Her particular interests are in the area of APL (Accreditation of Prior Learning) and professionally based learning, and also those projects which develop European and International Co-operation.

Greg Lancaster-Smith

Greg is a Principal Lecturer and Director of the MA in Professional Studies in Education. Within this postgraduate programme he runs both the Leadership and Management pathway and the final year Research Methodology and Dissertation modules. Throughout his university career he has worked on a range of professional development programmes, many of which have been based in local schools, colleges and professional development centres. Greg's main interests include the area of teacher support and development within the context of school improvement.