TE7044 - Curriculum Development

What will I learn on this module?

In this module you will have the opportunity to analyse, in–depth, what is meant by the concept of curriculum development. This includes reflection on the curriculum leader’s role in creating a vision and climate in the school or other educational establishment, on which there is a strong focus on learning, where new ideas about teaching, the curriculum and continuing staff development are taken seriously, together with a commitment to monitoring, evaluation and review of practice.

The module will also provide you with a framework for examining the influence and impact on institutional culture and climate on curriculum development. You will have the opportunity for detailed consideration and examination of how an effective curriculum engages the learning community in a rigorous process of monitoring, evaluation and review, linked to internal and external procedures. You will also explore and examine ways in which the role of parents and other stakeholders contribute to effective curriculum development.

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn through lectures, seminars and independent learning. The lectures will cover theories and concepts that will enable you to participate in a series of guided tasks and exercises. You will work on these during seminars and practical sessions in computer labs which are fully equipped with the last industry-standard software.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Support will include feedback from tutors during seminars and tutorials. In addition, tutors will respond to questions via the modules’ discussion board on the University’s eLearning Portal so that the whole group can benefit.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
• (1) Develop a critical understanding of the breadth and complexity involved in curriculum development

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• (1) Critically evaluate the ways in which the curriculum impacts on the climate for learning
• (2) Critically reflect upon the concepts of ' culture' and ' climate' with regard to the development of the curriculum.
• (3) Identify and critically analyse appropriate approaches to monitoring, evaluation and review which lead to improvements in the quality of the curriculum offered for teachers and learners.
• (4) Critically explore and eveluate relevant and sensitive policies and strategies for performance management, staff development and stakeholder involvement which would have positive outcomes for curriculum development

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• (1) Enhance communication skills though your summative written work and formative presentation
• (2) Enhanced problem-solving skills in relation to developing and planning a curriculum which will be discussed in your summative assessment

How will I be assessed?

Formative Assessment:
Small group presentations on an aspect of curriculum development

Feedback:
Verbal and written feedback will be provided by the tutor and peers

Summative Assessment:
A written assignment which assesses and evaluates the provision for curriculum development in their setting. (4500 words)
MLOs: (KU 1) (IPSA 1-4) (PVA 1 & 5)

Feedback:
Written and graded feedback using specific criteria and the generic marking scale will be provided.

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

In this module you will have the opportunity to analyse, in–depth, what is meant by the concept of curriculum development. This includes reflection on the curriculum leader’s role in creating a vision and climate in the school or other educational establishment, on which there is a strong focus on learning, where new ideas about teaching, the curriculum and continuing staff development are taken seriously, together with a commitment to monitoring, evaluation and review of practice.

The module will also provide you with a framework for examining the influence and impact on institutional culture and climate on curriculum development. You will have the opportunity for detailed consideration and examination of how an effective curriculum engages the learning community in a rigorous process of monitoring, evaluation and review, linked to internal and external procedures. You will also explore and examine ways in which the role of parents and other stakeholders contribute to effective curriculum development.

Course info

Credits 30

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 1 year Full Time
2 other options available

Department Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing

Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

Education MA

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

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All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

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