Key Topics for All New Students

These key topics will provide you with information,videos and links.


☓Studying at Moray House School of Education at Edinburgh University

☓From Application to Arrival

☓Language Requirements

☓The Induction Period - "Freshers' Week"

☓University Life

☓Living in Edinburgh

☓Suggested Reading Prior to Arrival

  • What do I need to read before starting my course?

    Almost all taught post graduate students in the Moray House School of Education take generic research courses. These courses are taught in a blended learning format which means they are partially on line and partially in person. Note that some programmes (because of logistics) choose for their students to take these courses entirely on line (eg outdoor education). In preparation for coming to study in Edinburgh we recommend that you try and read at least one of the following books. All of these books are used in the three generic research courses and are widely available via on line book shops.

    • Shon, P. C. H. (2012). How to read journal articles in the social sciences. London: Sage.
    • Rowntree, D. (2000). Statistics without tears. London: Penguin.
    • Robson, C. (2011). Real world research. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons.
    • Thomas, G. (2009). How to do your research project. London: Sage.

    Students who are using English as a second language (ESL) are advised to read:

    • Brandt, C. (2009). Read, research and write: Academic skills for ESL students in higher education. London: Sage study skills.

☓Health and Well-being

  • Doctors, Dentists, Opticians and Pharmacists

    You will need to register with a doctor (General Practitioner) in Edinburgh if you are studying here for more than 3 months. For full-time home, EU and international students, medical treatment and medication are free.

    We strongly advise you to register as soon as you arrive. Then, if you become ill you will receive medical advice and treatment quickly.

    The NHS website will let you search for a doctors’ practice near where you are living. This site also allows you to search for the nearest dentist, optician and pharmacist.

    Many students living centrally choose to register with the University Health service at Bristo Square for convenience.

    EUSA has more information on healthcare provision

    For urgent treatment out of hours, you can go to the Accident and Emergency Department (Casualty) at a city hospital.

    Most supermarkets (Tesco, Asda, Scotmid, Sainsburys) and the high street chain Boots the Chemists sell over the counter healthcare products and remedies.

  • Mental Health

    The Masters programmes are demanding and many students are living abroad for the first time. If you have any history of mental illness, you are at some risk of becoming ill again while you are here. We urge you to register with a GP promptly, and to tell him or her about your history.

    We appreciate that it is difficult to tell strangers about such private matters. Many people, regardless of culture, feel there is a stigma, or shame, but it is the most sensible, responsible and protective thing you can do. Then, if you experience symptoms of anxiety or depression later, it will be easier to make an appointment, as you will have explained your situation already.

    Here is a famous TV personality sharing his views on this matter:

    and here is the organisation he speaks about:

    We also advise you to register with the Student Disability Office. This is because the university considers mental illness to be a form of disability, which can impair the ability to function in academic life, just as physical conditions may do. The Disability Office can provide support to help with your study.

☓Post-Graduate Study in Scotland

  • WHAT IS EXPECTED OF MASTERS STUDENTS?

    The Scottish Education system is based on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). The Framework has 12 levels. The highest four are the levels set for university degrees.

    Level 9 - Bachelors degree

    Level 10 - Honours degree

    Level 11 - Masters degree

    Level 12 - PhD

    The SCQF Handbook gives detailed descriptors for each level:

    It is important that you read the full descriptors to prepare you for post-graduate study at Edinburgh University. On completion of a course, you will be expected to meet the specified Level 11 criteria. These are a few examples:

    show knowledge of the main areas of the subject and a critical understanding of the principal theories, principles and concepts.

    use a range of standard research instruments and techniques of enquiry; and show originality or creativity in the application of knowledge and understanding.

    apply critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis to issues at the forefront of a subject; critically review and extend knowledge.

    communicate with peers and specialists; and use a wide range of software.

    exercise autonomy and initiative; take responsibility for your own work and for a range of resources; deal with complex ethical issues.

  • HOW ARE PROGRAMMES CONSTRUCTED?

    Students complete 120 credits during the taught Diploma component of their programme. In Education, this comprises 10 and 20-credit courses, with a set amount of study time associated and one or more assessments per course.

    Programmes vary, but typically, students take two 20-credit courses in Semester 1 plus a 10-credit Research Methods course. In Semester 2, they take three 20-credit courses, and another 10-credit Research Methods course. Most programmes comprise a mix of core courses that all students must take, and option courses that they choose from a list. The Graduate School webpage gives details.

    The typical assignment for a 20-credit course is a 4000-word essay, though some courses have exams. Students succeeding on the taught component, progress to Dissertation, typically a 15,000-word report of a piece of original research.

  • HOW ARE COURSES TAUGHT?

    This varies by programme. Courses are usually made up of a mixture of 50-minute lectures, workshops, group discussions and student presentations. Classes provide a framework, and students develop knowledge and understanding through reading.

  • HOW MUCH WORK IS REQUIRED?

    Essentially, students should expect to work the approximate equivalent of a full time job. Much of the time must be spent on independent reading.

    The guidance for the amount of work is that a 20-credit course has around 25 hours of contact time (lectures, tutorials and workshops) and a further 175-hour time allocation for reading and writing, including assignment writing. Teaching of 20-credit courses is typically spread over a 10-week period.

  • READING FOR YOUR DEGREE

    The most important piece of information in preparing for arrival at Edinburgh University, and what students say most often on graduating, is that this year of study is about reading.