MA Education

Ranked 1st in the UK for Teaching Quality (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025)

Why study this course

Learn from a team of education specialists with expertise in a wide range of disciplines.

Study your way with our three flexible study modes that fit your lifestyle.

Develop a deeper understanding of education to enhance own practice and career prospects.

Course summary

Our MA Education offers a flexible programme suitable for both early career educators and experienced practitioners. Available in three study modes—full-time (1 year), part-time blended (2 years), and part-time online (2 years)—this master's degree allows you to examine educational issues that matter to you professionally. You'll build advanced knowledge to develop your expertise and enhance your practice through academic study combined with practical application. By completing this programme, you'll gain a critical understanding of educational theory and practice, strengthen your skills in your chosen areas, and boost your career prospects. The programme is designed to meet the needs of educators from various sectors including primary, secondary, further and higher education, private providers, and non-profit organisations.

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Key facts

Award	MA
Duration	1 or 2 years
Mode of study	Full time, Part time
Start date	September 2025
Award	Bishop Grosseteste University
Institution code	B38

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When you're ready to apply, the route you take will depend on your personal circumstances and preferred method of study. Click the relevant button below to start your application journey.

About this course

This master's programme supports your professional growth by letting you explore educational topics relevant to your career. The curriculum blends academic theory with practical application, enabling you to apply what you learn directly to your context of interest.

Full-time students will complete five modules over one year: two modules in your first trimester focusing on educational vision, practice, policy, and reflective practice; two modules in your second trimester covering educational leadership and research skills; and a final research project in your third trimester.

Part-time blended students study over two years, combining three on-campus MA Weekends each year (held in October, February, and June, typically on a Friday evening and Saturday) with online learning.

In your first year you will take one module per trimester starting with a core module on vision, practice and policy, followed by two optional modules tailored to your interests. In Year 2, you will begin with a core module on research skills, then carry out your own research project across Trimesters 2 and 3.

Part-time online students study over two years, with 100% online delivery designed to offer maximum flexibility. The learning is largely asynchronous, allowing you to study at times that suit your schedule. This study mode is ideal for practitioners in full-time employment, including those who are working outside of the UK.

What you will study

Students on this course currently study some or all of the following modules:

Course modules

This module explores key elements of effective practice, guiding learners to engage with contemporary and potential future challenges related to professional contexts.

You will reflect upon competing ideologies which shape and influence policy visions. By linking theory and practice, learners will develop strategies to address real-world challenges within a range of settings. The reflective nature of the module makes it highly relevant for professionals across various disciplines.

This module introduces you to educational research, aiming to support you in developing research-informed practice.

It guides you to systematically reflect on your professional practice, draw critical insight, and engage with research to inform your ongoing development. You will explore your pedagogical approach through a critical lens and consider how your impact can be maximised through effective teaching, reflective practice, and active engagement in research and professional development activities.

This module explores contemporary challenges relevant to educational leadership and their potential impact. Drawing from relevant literature and research, you will identify challenges arising from existing and emerging trends within your context of interest, critique the evidence underpinning contemporary practice, and consider the implications for key stakeholders.

This module explores a range of methodologies and methods frequently used in social science research, examining their potential strengths, limitations and the associated ethical considerations.

During the module, you will develop your understanding of research concepts such as reliability, validity, trustworthiness, credibility and generalisability You will also consider how to plan research using a suitable methodological approach, whilst taking into account the ethical issues you may encounter.

The module will facilitate learning and teaching in research skills. The module will lead to competence and confidence in what determines personal and professional standards for postgraduate research requirements.

The module develops you as an ethical researcher who will be able to undertake a suitable research project, develop realistic plans for disseminating your research findings to the wider academic and/or professional community. In addition, you will be supported to extend and deepen their understanding of the chosen area of investigation and will be able to design and carry out projects that are useful to your professional development and/or interests, and employability.

This module explores key elements of effective practice, guiding learners to engage with contemporary and potential future challenges related to professional contexts.

This module introduces you to educational research, aiming to support you in developing research-informed practice.

This module explores the implementation of digital innovations in education. You will consider the potential benefits and challenges associated with these innovations, as well as how to maximise and sustain their impact. By examining relevant theories, practice, and research, you will apply your understanding to inform future developments in your own setting.

This module explores what it means to adopt a learner-centred approach to support in education. You will consider how this approach can be applied at various levels to potentially benefit learners, as well as its limitations. By drawing from relevant theories and research, you will examine practice within your own setting and identify implications for enhancing support.

This module explores the management and leadership of change in education. You will consider a range of key concepts and approaches relating to change and leadership, before applying your understanding to examine a relevant change within your own context. By drawing from relevant theories and your own practice, you will identify implications for leadership in your setting.

This module explores a range of methodologies and methods frequently used in social science research, examining their potential strengths, limitations and the associated ethical considerations.

This module explores key elements of effective practice, guiding learners to engage with contemporary and potential future challenges related to professional contexts.

This module introduces you to educational research, aiming to support you in developing research-informed practice.

This module explores a range of methodologies and methods frequently used in social science research, examining their potential strengths, limitations and the associated ethical considerations.

Entry requirements

Entry to the MA Education programmes typically requires a second-class degree (2:2 or above) in a relevant subject.

We assess each application individually, recognising that academic potential can be demonstrated through various professional and educational backgrounds. We value diverse professional backgrounds and recognise that valuable skills can be developed through various pathways.

For international applicants, English language requirements are IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 6 in each component.

Full-time students are not required to undertake work-related learning.

Part-time blended and part-time online students are expected to hold a professional role (paid or voluntary) within an educational setting for the duration of the course, typically 5 hours a week.

If you have any questions about the entry requirements for this course, please contact our Enquiries team for advice on +44 (0) 1522 583658 or email courseenquiries@bishopg.ac.uk.

BGU is committed to widening access and participation and we adhere to a strict policy of non-discrimination.

Further information

Click here for important information about this course including additional costs, resources and key policies.

In accordance with University conditions, students are entitled to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning, RP(C)L, based on relevant credit at another HE institution or credit Awarded for Experiential Learning, (RP(E)L).

How you will be taught

Teaching methods vary across the three study modes and are designed to accommodate different learning needs. To support this, teaching methods vary across the three study modes, designed to accommodate different learning needs:

Full-time students will be fully engaged in a dynamic learning environment with our campus-based sessions. You will be encouraged to connect theory to real-world situations by reflecting on your own experiences, perspectives, and learning context. This reflective approach will deepen your understanding and ensure your learning remains meaningful and relevant to your professional development.

Learning takes place through a variety of activities, including lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials. You will take part in discussions with peers and tutors, complete independent tasks relevant to a range of topics, and receive individual supervision for your research project. Each module includes assignment workshops and tutorials where you can ask questions and receive guidance on your work.

Part-time blended students

During MA Weekends, you will take part in taught sessions, peer networking, and academic support activities. Between weekends, you will engage with online learning through the virtual learning environment, accessing pre-recorded materials, visual presentations, recommended readings, and interactive tasks. You will also have online or in-person tutorials to discuss assignments and receive feedback.

Throughout the programme, you will be encouraged to apply theory to practice by reflecting on your own professional experience and context. This reflective approach helps deepen your understanding and ensures your learning remains relevant and impactful.

Part-time online students

The interactive design of the course supports meaningful engagement with learning materials and encourages collaboration with peers from a wide range of educational settings and contexts. Learning materials include pre-recorded materials, visual presentations, recommended readings, and interactive tasks. You will also benefit from regular opportunities for personalised support, through Q&A opportunities, assignment webinars, and online tutorials. While most activities are asynchronous, occasional synchronous sessions help build connections and maintain a positive learning community.

Assessment

All delivery modes use similar assessment approaches, offering varied ways to demonstrate your skills, knowledge and understanding. Each assignment typically contains at least two related tasks, allowing you to meet learning outcomes while developing various academic skills. The different types of assessment include:

Portfolios
Presentations with Q&A sessions
Research method evaluations
Dissertations based on independent research projects

You will receive formative feedback during each module via tutorials, which will guide your development and allow you to refine your work before final submission.

Assessment deadlines are timed to coincide with academic holiday periods (January/May/August), making the workload more manageable for those with personal and professional commitments.

Careers & Further study

Completing the MA Education will strengthen your ability to advance within educational settings. The programme builds knowledge and confidence in key areas of educational interest while opening doors to new opportunities. Employers value staff who have undertaken master's-level study, particularly in areas reflecting current priorities in education such as reflective practice, digital innovation, learner support, and leadership.

Throughout the course, you'll develop transferable skills including critical analysis, research competence, and advanced communication—all valuable across various professional settings. The programme's emphasis on applying research to practice ensures that your learning directly benefits your workplace.

This MA also provides an excellent foundation for those wishing to pursue further academic qualifications, such as the EdD (Doctor of Education) or PhD programmes.

What Our Students Say

Discover what life is like at Bishop Grosseteste University from our students.

Support

Studying at BGU is a student-centred experience. Whether you are on campus or studying online, you will be part of a friendly and supportive community where meaningful connections matter. You will get to know staff personally and feel confident reaching out for help and advice. No matter how you study, you will benefit from regular interaction with staff who recognise and value you as an individual with unique talents and interests.

We will be there to support you, personally and academically, from induction to graduation.

At BGU we have so much support available for our students, the type of support that has won us awards recently in the What Uni Student Choice Awards 2023, such as the Chaplaincy team, the Student Advice team, The Hub and representatives at the Students’ Union.

Fees & Funding

A lot of student finance information is available from numerous sources, but it is sometimes confusing and contradictory. That’s why at BGU we try to give you all the information and support we can to help you throughout the process. Our Student Advice team are experts in helping you sort out the funding arrangements for your studies, offering a range of services to guide you through all aspects of student finance step by step.

Click here to find information about fees, loans and support which will help to make the whole process a little easier to understand.