Master of Science in - Ruskin Mill Trust

IntroductionSince 1983, the Practical Skills Therapeutic Education method has been developed and researched by Aonghus Gordon(Founder) and colleagues within different Ruskin Mill Trust initiatives. Ruskin Mill Trust offers eight placement sitesinvolving more than 1200 students and staff. This provision includes three Independent Specialist Colleges, a SpecialistSchool, biodynamic farms and gardens, a medical centre, a number of commercial enterprises and a new adult educationand research centre.This programme is designed for professionals in anthroposophic health and social care, curative and therapeuticeducation, arts, crafts and commerce. It offers specialism in the method of Practical Skills Therapeutic Education.The programme offers 70% experiential, work-based learning in 8 different locations across England and Wales. Individualmodular and work-based pathways and subject specialisation is available for professionals who wish to develop theirpractice in their workplace.The programme will be based in the Field Centre www.thefieldcentre.org.uk a new bespoke campus for practical andacademic education and research, located in Gloucestershire, England.Above: The Field Centre (photo September 2011), due for completion in August 2012, is set in the Trust’s biodynamic farm in Nailsworth, Gloucestershire.This MSc is delivered by the Crossfields Institute Hiram Education and Research Department www.crossfieldsinstitute.comand has been developed and accredited by the University of the West of England www.uwe.ac.uk. Eight supervisedplacement centres are situated within Ruskin Mill Trust www.rmt.org and external placement sites may be approved onapplication.Crossfields Institute is an educational charity providing bespoke accreditation, quality assurance, programme developmentand adult education for more than 60 affiliated education centres internationally. Crossfields Institute has 1,500 registeredlearners internationally and is responsible for the professional development and education to the staff within Ruskin MillTrust. Crossfields Institute is licensed and accredited by Edexcel and validated by University of the West of England.Aims and rationaleThe MSc in Practical Skills Therapeutic Education (Integrated Professional Development) aims to equip the learnerswith the knowledge, understanding and skills to set up, manage and/or teach in organisations wishing to implement orintegrate this method.The overall learning outcomes focus on the development of:1. A Practical Skills Therapeutic Education curriculum for people with special educational needs (SEN)2. A therapeutic and educational residential care component3. Tools for leadership and management in organisationsThe rationale for the combination of these themes is to develop expertise in integrative and holistic education, care andmanagement for SEN provisions.

Programme Dates and StructureThis MSc is a professional work-based learning (WBL) programme, http://rbi.uwe.ac.uk/wbl/whatiswbl.asp. WBL can bedefined as educational opportunities that are undertaken in the workplace or a placement situation and arise throughworking practices. The programme offers 180 academic credit points at M level.The full-time programme will commence on 28th August 2012 and is split into four separate stages - Modules 1, 2 & 3,and the dissertation. Each module will be approximately 12 weeks in duration and represent 30 out of the 180 (UK) creditpoints that make up the MSc. Each module includes the submission of an assignment (8000 words), some of which may becompleted in stages.A part-time option is also available shoul that be required.Core ModulesModule One: The integration of seven fields of practice within Practical Skills Therapeutic Education.The overall aims of this module are to:1.2.3.Provide the learner with a clear understanding of the three core principles that inform Practical Skills TherapeuticEducation with particular emphasis on principle 3: The integration of the seven fields of practiceProvide the learner with an understanding and experience of the concept of Spirit of Place – Genii LociProvide the learner with knowledge and an experience of practical skills and biodynamic ecology as therapeutic,educational toolsModule Two:Contemporary Apprenticeship Learning as a model for delivering Practical Skills Therapeutic Education.The overall aim of this module is to:1.2.3.Introduce learners to the second core principle for Practical Skills Therapeutic Education, ContemporaryApprenticeship LearningProvide learners with an understanding and experience Contemporary Apprenticeship Learning in the context of‘Therapeutic Education’Provide learners with an understanding of the Holistic Support and Care model and the continuum between theresidential context and the day-time curriculum.UNIVERSE‘The IntegratedPractical Skills Therapeutic EducationSyllabus’ by Aonghus Gordon 2012EARTHCommerceHuman Phasic DevelopmentHolistic MedicineBased on the principles of Rudolf SteinerNutritionServiceBiodynamic EcologyLand StewardshipAnimal HusbandryAgricultureHorticultureForestryFestivalsMovementSelfGeneratedConsciousActionDescent into MatterThe KingdomsAnimalPlantMineralTechnologyGenii LociHolistic Support7 Care QualitiesRudolf Steiner EducationCraftsKey SkillsEnvironmental SciencesPerforming ArtsArt/Art HistoryCommunityPEOPLE

Module Three: Self-generated Conscious Action and how this is developed in the context of Practical Skills TherapeuticEducation. The overall aims of this module are to:1.2.Provide the learner with a clear understanding of the principle of developing self-generated conscious action in thecontext of Practical Skills Therapeutic EducationProvide the learner with an understanding and experience of Holistic Medicine and its applications3.Provide the learner with knowledge and an experience of the role of Transformative Leadership and Management andthe development of social enterpriseSpecialisation and DissertationIntegral to the programme is the development of contemplative practice, the evaluation of contemporary research within theseven fields of practice as well as study and dissertation writing skills.Learners are offered placement supervision, learning support, an online learning platform and online library resources. A studentwelfare officer is available to assist full time residential learners on the programme.A Programme Designed around the LearnerThe MSc is a professional work-based learning programme designed around the learner. It is available as a full-time programme(18 months) or as a part-time programme (up to 36 months). There are a number of flexible study routes whereby the programmecan be tailored to fit around an individuls needs and commitments.The minimum attendance for completion of the programme would be one day per week, combined with some weekend andSummer school studies.Methods of Teaching, Learning and AssessmentAll students will be able to negotiate a study programme that suits their specific requirements and the majority of teaching andlearning takes place at any time, in the ‘real’ environment of work.Students will, therefore be able to negotiate how and when they learn and how they will be assessed.The main approach of teaching and learning will be self-directed or team focused learning, determined via a personaldevelopment plan and/or learning sets; utilising inquiry and problem solving activities, and supported by a negotiated learningcontract. Other supporting approaches may include fieldwork activities, seminars, open and distance learning material, studydays, tutorials.Entry requirements in outline1) A full BA, BSc or equivalent education2) Practice or placement based experience with Special Needs education – recognition of prior learning (RPL) availablethrough the University of the West of England3) Full check by the Criminal Records Bureau Details for international students: www1.uwe.ac.uk/comingtouwe/internationalstudents.aspxA distance-learning option may be available for ‘student visitor visa’ holders subject to an additional interview and placementapproval.Programme FeesThe full tuition fee for learners from within the European Economic Area (EEA)is £6,000. The full tuition fee for international residential learners from outsideof the EEA is £12,000.Information on payment plans and bursaries are available upon request.AccommodationLocal accommodation can rent rooms and facilities at Upper Grange, a largetown house and Biodynamic Research Garden in the centre of Stroud.Useful LinksRuskin Mill Trust: www.rmt.orgUniversity of the West of England: www.uwe.ac.ukThe Field Centre: www.thefieldcentre.org.ukCrossfields Institute: www.crossfieldsinstitute.comFor all MSc enquiries contact - nick@crossfieldsinstitute.com0044 (0) 1453 808118The information provided here may be subject to changeAbove: Upper Grange, Stroud, Gloucestershire, UK