When I embarked on a Master's study in 1993, there were few opportunities within the early years to study at that level.I settled for doing a Master of Education by research, which was a rather solitary journey. I had an excellent tutor at the University of Leicester and the support of my work colleagues at the Pen Green Centre, but none of the excitement, stimulation and learning that being part of a group can bring.
I am now course leader on the MA in Integrated Provision for Children and Families (a multi-disciplinary course) that runs at the Pen Green Research Base in Corby. As a tutor, I am part of a vibrant learning community.
We are now recruiting for Cohort 7, who will begin their two-year, nine-month journey in October 2010 and will graduate in July 2013. One of the by-products of being part of this kind of learning community is that participants encourage and learn from each other, particularly when the 'going gets tough' and, therefore, we have a very high completion and achievement rate (97 per cent have completed and, of those, about 30 per cent have achieved distinctions).
We work with the University of Leicester (School of Social Work), which has an excellent reputation and fine library facilities online and in Leicester. We also have a library at the Pen Green research base.
Strands that run across all modules include Developing a learning community, Social policy and equality, ethics and rights, Partnership working/integration, and Making a difference.
Ms Betts-Davies (Cohort 3) says 'It was a truly life-changing experience ... I now promote the kind of practices that made my mind tingle during those inspirational couple of years studying for my Master's'.
Linking theory with practice is an important feature of the course. Kay Burke, a current participant, says she chose it because she feels it is more meaningful in terms of practice and personal learning.
'Some of the experience I can't explain, it's not tangible ... the atmosphere, being valued, being recognised for what you do.'
FURTHER INFORMATION
Visit the Pen Green website, www.pengreen.org. A launch event for Pen Green's new Alumni Association takes place on 7 July. Contact Becky Elliott on 01536 443435