Course description

• Explore education in its fullest sense – from its pivotal role in society to the theories, policies and practices that influence and enhance it
• Take a flexible approach to learning: gain a broad-based masters degree or focus on your particular area of interest via our specialist pathways
• Benefit from professional development opportunities in sectors ranging from early years to schools, further, higher and community education
• Keep up to date with the latest educational developments, inspired by a friendly teaching team who will share their extensive specialist knowledge with you

Whether you aspire to a new career in education or want to take your existing career to the next level, our MA Education course will give you the insight, skills and knowledge to become a high-calibre and dynamic education professional. It could be a vital stepping stone to management and leadership roles.

Choose a route to suit your needs

We offer an exciting range of options to match your MA studies with your personal interests and ambitions. You can complete a broad-based masters degree in education or pursue one of our specialist pathways.

Early Childhood

The Early Childhood pathway is right for you if you are interested in exploring childhood from a wide range of critical perspectives. You will reflect on the nature of childhood; how has our understanding of childhood emerged? What are the completing discourses within early childhood? This pathway will make you think about childhood and how the adults in their lives have 'constructed' the worlds in which children find themselves. You will also be given the opportunity to look at how things have changed with regards to the expectation of having a highly qualified and critically reflective professional workforce.

Inclusion and Special Educational Needs and Disability

This pathway will allow you to develop a contemporary understanding of the current dilemmas and challenges associated with: special education, disability, impairment and inclusion. It also addresses the lived experiences of those with additional needs. You will have the opportunity to reflect on inclusive and special educational practices, discussing and debating these with others. You will critically analyse material relevant to disability, inclusion and special education and discuss texts in a seminar context, thereby deepening your awareness of key topics.

Leadership and Management

This pathway is for you if you're interested in how leadership and management work. It is suitable for practitioners working in a variety of settings: primary, secondary, FE and HE, Adult or Community Learning and who wish to review or update their practice, and develop their careers. The pathway is also suitable for those who wish to gain knowledge in this specialist area at any point in their careers.

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

In this pathway of the MA Education, you will explore how languages are learnt, understand how to meet the needs of learners from diverse linguistic backgrounds and explore the current pedagogy in the field of English language teaching. The MA Education TESOL pathway is for you if you're interested in developing your knowledge and understanding of how languages are learnt and meeting the needs of learners from diverse linguistic backgrounds.

You can also study the MA on a part-time basis. Find out more about our MA Education (part-time).

Skills to take you further

Our MA Education course gives you an expert understanding of the aims of education and its role in society. You will cover the key theories, policies, practices and debates which are shaping education today and how these apply directly to your current and future career.

In addition, you will undertake an in-depth research enquiry and independent study to focus on a professional practice theme of your choice. Throughout, you will hone vital skills such as critical, creative and strategic thinking, communication, presentation and teamwork.

Learn from influential experts

This course is delivered by a highly experienced team who have expertise across a range of educational sectors and regularly publish their work. They will keep you abreast of latest thinking, challenge your perceptions and support your progress.

Our MA Education draws on the cutting edge educational research for which the University is renowned. Conducting influential studies on everything from early years to adult learning, we provide consultancy for Government, schools and the wider education sector. It means your learning will be underpinned by innovative ideas which are changing the face of the education professions.

A vibrant learning community

We pride ourselves on providing a friendly, welcoming learning environment where you will receive plenty of encouragement and guidance. Our tutors are approachable, dedicated and passionate about their subjects.

You will study alongside learners from different professional and academic backgrounds. Because we welcome students from across the UK and abroad, you will also develop your cross-cultural understanding, improve your intercultural communication skills and gain global perspectives on education.