Education with Montessori MA

Developed in the early 20th century by physician Maria Montessori, the Montessori method emphasises the independence of children, viewing them as capable of leading their own learning. Montessori based her method of education on scientific observations of children, in which she found that when they were allowed to interact with the environment freely, they would follow a naturally ingrained developmental path.

Montessori practice views children as agents of change that only need support from the adults in their environment rather than leading, believing them more than capable of making intelligent choices for themselves that are developmentally driven.

There are differences between the Montessori Method and the traditional learning environment, although Maria Montessori was very much a pioneer of early years and primary education as we know it today.

The Montessori Method is led by the children themselves with the teachers acting as guides to education rather than educators in the sense we have become familiar with. The children are given independence within boundaries to make choices for themselves and develop skills that will become a foundation for all their future learning.

In Montessori schools, classes are also comprised of mixed age groups – children learn at different paces, meaning that sometimes younger children can be more developmentally advanced than older children. School days in traditional education are structured into blocks of time, whereas in Montessori schools, children learn in uninterrupted work cycles of 3 hours.

Alongside supporting the academic development of the child, the Montessori method places equal emphasis on social and emotional growth alongside intellectual development. Montessori schools also promote self-discipline in their students, rather than the approach of traditional schools in which the teacher disciplines the students should they misbehave.

Traditional education follows a set curriculum where every student learns the same thing, while in Montessori education, children learn based on their own individual interests and at a pace that they are comfortable with. Montessori education takes a more natural, humanistic, and cosmic approach to learning.

Becoming a Montessori teacher requires specialist training, different from traditional teacher training due to the thoroughly different educational approaches. The two main routes to becoming a Montessori teacher are through a university course, or through working in the setting itself. 

Both of these routes have their merits, however, by studying a Montessori degree, you’ll have more insight into the history and research that has gone into making the Montessori method such an increasingly sought-after approach to education.

Our Montessori Master’s degree introduces you to the ground-breaking method of education that is becoming increasingly popular all over the world. You will be introduced to a range of different educational methodologies in order to demonstrate just how different the Montessori Method is in the way that it encourages child led education.

If you join us you will learn about the development and design of electronic and technology-based learning, and how these devices and systems can benefit and support the learning of children who are engaged in the Montessori Method.

In the Montessori Method: Child, Adult, and Environment module, you will gain a deep insight into the history and function of the Montessori Method. You will be introduced to Maria Montessori’s historic contributions to child development, and encourage you to consider her work from a contemporary perspective as this will help you when applying her method’s to your teaching.

You will undertake a postgraduate major project which, in consultation with your tutors, you will choose a specialist area that you are interested in and wish to research further. The completion of this project will greatly benefit your future career as a Montessori teacher, giving you the skills you need to take your research further to doctoral level.

Our Education with Montessori MA is the first of its kind in the UK. We have tailored this expert programme, delivered by professionals with experience in the delivery and research of the Montessori Method, in order to give you a thorough understanding of what Montessori education entails.

When you study your Montessori distance learning course with us, you will be able to complete your degree fully online. This means that you can fit your study schedule around your other commitments. Undertaking an online degree also allows you to continue working while you further your education, allowing you to progress your career while gaining real world and on the job experience.

At ARU you’ll be supported by our experienced tutors who will guide you through the completion of your projects. You will use our online learning management system, Canvas, to submit your assignments and collaborate with your tutors and peers. Your future employment is important to us, so we have crafted a detailed careers advice programme to ensure that you’re ready to reach your career goals.