MA in Education
International Baccalaureate Teacher Award Scheme
It is possible to study the International Baccalaureate Teacher Awards 1 and 2 at the University of Bath, either as part of the MA in Education or as a stand-alone qualification.
Background
The IB Teacher Awards formally recognize the experience and commitment of IB teachers, as well as their skills and understanding. The four units of study which comprise the Level 1 Teacher Award have a stronger focus on developing a practical understanding of the IB programmes and incorporate a strong critical reflection component. The dissertation, which comprises the Level 2 Teacher Award, requires participants to undertake rigorous and systematic investigative work into some aspect of IB education at masters level or above. Holders of these qualifications will be recognized by the IB as having met the professional development requirements associated with the IB's programme authorization and evaluation procedures.
More information about the IB Teacher Award scheme can be obtained from the IB website.
Please email teacher.award@ibo.org for specific IB related queries.
The Level 1 Award programme of study
When students enrol on a unit they are asked to indicate that they are intending to complete the unit as part of the IB Level 1 Teacher Award. In addition they should specify the IB programme (PYP, MYP or DP) on which they intend to focus their studies. They are required to complete an assignment which directly addresses a series of 'essential' questions associated with a particular IB programme. As the Level 1 Award is IB programme specific, those wanting to register for the award must ground all four assignments in one IB programme. To gain the IB Teacher Award, students must take the following four MA units and base their assignments on current or reaching IB teaching practice.
Assessment
Curriculum Studies
Education in an International Context
Understanding Learners & Learning
It is possible to take each of these units by Distance Learning. Our units are also taught at Study Centres, Summer School, and at timetabled sessions on the University of Bath's Claverton Campus during termtime.
If you wish to conclude your studies after completing the IBTA Level 1, you may do so. As a student of the University of Bath, you would also be eligible for the Postgraduate Certificate in Educational Studies (PGCES).
There is also the option to study a fifth unit, Research Methods in Education. This would enable you to conclude your studies with the Postrgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE), or continue your studies to the next level by enrolling on the dissertation. After successfully passing all five units and the dissertation, this would enable you to gain the IBTA Level 1 and the MA in Education.
The Level 2 Award programme of study
If you wish to study for the IBTA Level 2, you MUST have successfully completed the four Level 1 units together with Research Methods in Education first.
For the Level 2 Award, students are required to successfully complete a 15000 word Dissertation in which they critically engage with the relevant research literature and their own practice, and with issues related to the IB programmes.
Once you have completed these five units and the dissertation, as well as gaining the IB Teacher Awards Levels 1 and 2, you will also have completed the MA in Education.
What are the entry requirements?
Entry requirements are the same as for the MA in Education, but there are some additional requirements.
For the IBTA Level 1 Award offered through the University of Bath programme, you must have current or recent IB teaching experience and be a qualified teacher. This is because in the assessed written assignments you will need to reflect on your own current or recent IB teaching experience.
Those wishing to gain the IBTA Level 2 must have 5 years experience of IB teaching, 3 years of which must be in one IB programme in the same IB school.
Please note that it is not possible for those who have no IB teaching experience to study towards the IBTA through the University of Bath. If you are interested in gaining an IBTA and you are not eligible to do so at Bath, please contact teacher.award@ibo.org for guidance.
How do I apply?
The IB Teacher Award units undertaken at the University of Bath are applied for in the same way you would apply for the part-time MA in Education.
http://www.bath.ac.uk/education/postgraduate/ma/apply.html
The programme of study for the IBTAs at Bath is administered by the MA Office, but all other administration (including registration with the IB and the awarding of the IBTA Certificates) is taken care of by the IBO. Please note that you will need to speak to your unit tutor when you begin the unit and state that you are working towards the IB Teacher Award. Don't forget to register with the IB too! Please email teacher.award@ibo.org.uk once you have registered on your first unit, as they will need to give you access to their own support materials.
NEWSFLASH...
IB World School faculty and staff who plan to engage in research about the IB are invited to apply for the Jeff Thompson Research Award by the next application deadline.
Winning projects may receive up to 5000 US dollars to partially cover the direct costs of research. This research grant was instituted by the IBO in 2009 in recognition of Professor Jeff Thompson’s work in establishing the research profile of the organization. Past winners have come from IB schools in Venezuela, China, Singapore, Australia and Norway and have explored IB curricular, pedagogical and assessment processes and impacts through quantitative and qualitative analysis.
Please contact research.award@ibo.org for more information about the award or the application process. You must be currently working at an IB school to be eligible for this funding.
Rules, applications and the names and final reports of winning projects can be found at http://www.ibo.org/research/resources/jeffthompson
“International Baccalaureate” is a registered trademark of the International Baccalaureate Organization.