Course Content
Course Content
Module 1: Introduction to Mentoring Theory (30 credits)
The first module introduces students to a range of theories relating to mentoring in education. One aim is to respond to the findings of the Carter Review (2015) into mentoring in ITT. This suggests that more attention should be given to the quality of training for mentors working in schools. Ofsted recommends that this training needs to be rigorous, in that it should go beyond the ‘structure and nature of the course’ and should look to develop the skills of mentoring. Another aim is to combine the practical needs of mentoring in education with a wide range of scholarship on this topic.
Module 2: A Research-Based Approach to Mentoring (30 credits)
This module builds upon the first module and focuses on existing research to understand how theory is implemented into practice. Building upon the theory and models explored in the previous module these topics aim to synthesise theory with their own experience. This module focused on developing further the skills required for effective mentoring.
Module 3: Critical reflections on Mentoring (30 credits)
This module enables students to critically reflect on their own practice and critically engage with research in light of their own experience and context. This brings together the review of mentoring standards with the intellectual rigour of Master’s level writing. This module focuses on an extended assignment with guidance to develop appropriate evaluative skills.
Module 4: The Wider Context of Mentoring (30 credits)
The final module brings together the preceding modules, develops the implications of topics already raised, for example, dealing with difficult situations by examining complexity. There is also an opportunity to evaluate different research models of effective mentoring and places this in a wider context. The arguments surrounding mentoring and coaching are considered. The role of mentoring in an educational context is evaluated and the implications for leadership. Comparisons are also made between mentoring in education with different examples of mentoring. What can education learn from different contexts, e.g. business, psychology?
Course Delivery
Course Delivery
This is a 1-year part-time, online course running from January to December each year.
The first module runs from January to April, and module two runs from after Easter until July, with time to write up assignments for submission at the start of September. Module three starts in August with guided reading, and is followed by the final module on the Wider Impact of Mentoring, which runs until December.
As all aspects of the course are delivered online, students can access the course from wherever they are in the world.
You will be guided through each stage of the course:
- An induction session will introduce you to how the course will run.
- Every student is allocated a supervisor to support your learning.
- You will have access to regular online study sessions throughout the course.
- Our online learning platform, MOODLE, will provide easy access to all resources needed for successful completion of the course.
- You will be given a week by week guide which will indicate what work is expected that week. This will either be:
- a recorded film to watch
- a reading
- a podcast with accompanying literature
- independent study towards a module
- a Twilight session which will be live, but recorded and shared on Moodle.
It is important to understand that you will be expected to work independently and you are expected to fully engage with the guidance provided to complete the required modules.
Each module is assessed by a 3,000-word essay.
Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements
All applicants are required to have a bachelor’s degree and to be currently working as a mentor at a school or another education organisation.
You will also need to have IELTS 6.5 (with 6.0 or above in each component) or equivalent English level qualification. To see what is accepted by the University, visit our FAQ page on Language Requirements.
Fees
Fees
Registration Fee: £300 (non-refundable)
Tuition Fee: £3,000
Fees are invoiced for in January, at the beginning of the course, and can be paid in termly installments or in one lump sum. Termly instalments can be arranged directly with the Finance department upon receipt of the invoice.
All fees are charged directly by the University of Buckingham, BISE will not add any additional charges for our services.
How To Apply
How To Apply
Apply online through Buckingham International School of Education.
Our admissions team members are based in Mainland China and Hong Kong and will endeavour to reply to your enquiry within 24 hours.
Our hours of business are 10am to 7pm (GMT+7), Mon-Fri.
Admissions for January 2026 intake will close on 30 November 2025.