Fred Jamieson

Graduate – MA in Education (Dance Teaching)

I am a freelance dance educationalist working in Scotland and felt that the part-time mode of delivery of the MA in Education (Dance Teaching) suited the freelance nature of my work perfectly. There is a variety of optional modules to choose from, which gave me the opportunity to tailor my studies to meet my needs, interests and aspirations, and to develop my teaching skills within my own unique teaching contexts. The modular structure of the programme enables you to work independently with the support of your tutors and peers through forum-led discussions, tasks and formative assignments. Juggling my teaching, family commitments and studies has been challenging at times, but this has been overcome by the flexible design of the programme, with study tasks to help you keep on track.

Through my studies, I was challenged to review and reflect on my teaching practices and deepen my knowledge and understanding of dance education and training. The practice-based research focus of the programme will hopefully impact my teaching, influence future partnerships with my freelance employers, and help me find my voice in how I write about and articulate my practices as a dance teacher.

I found the programme materials to be of a high quality. There is a well-conceived VLE for student use and, in my experience, my tutors were very supportive and responsive. There is rigour in marking and assessment procedures, and I feel that the Faculty of Education endeavours to put the student at the forefront of its thinking when it comes to programme design.

I would highly recommend the MA in Education (Dance Teaching) – it has been challenging, enlightening and insightful!