Course overview
Develop the expertise to shape education where it matters most.
MA Education is a flexible, practice-based programme designed for teachers, educators, and future leaders in education. The course allows you to improve your professional practice while developing in-depth insight into education. You can tailor your learning around your specific interests while engaging with Masters-level theory and research in five core research strands: Childhood Studies, Climate Change and Sustainability Education, Creative and Arts-based Education, Digital Education, and Language in Education.
Education is rapidly evolving in response to global, social and technological change. This course encourages you to think critically about complex global challenges, preparing you to become a thought leader in your specific area of interest.
Graduates of MA Education are well prepared to make impact across a range of educational settings. You’ll develop advanced research skills, specialist knowledge and professional confidence that can support career progression into leadership, specialist teaching roles, policy, curriculum development or further study. The opportunity for an educational placement allows you to apply learning directly to practice, so that by the end of the programme, you’re ready to contribute to the future of education in an area that suits you.
The staff, my peers, and my lecturers have been especially nurturing throughout my time on the course. Balancing employment in the education sector alongside studying for a Master’s degree has been very demanding, but their understanding and encouragement have made a significant difference.
Why study at Leeds?
- Research at the forefront: Graduate with groundbreaking, research-informed practices in education that position you at the forefront of the field.
- Customise your Masters course: Prioritise your interests and career aspirations by selecting from a diverse range of optional modules.
- Latest insights into educational practices: Learn from both local and international settings from our leading academics and researchers.
- Understand contemporary issues, innovative ideas and the future of education: Gain critical insights into the overlap between education research, theory, policy, and practice.
- Renowned School of Education’s research centres and groups: Known for their world-class research and impactful projects, both nationally and internationally, take advantage of opportunities to advance your professional development.
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Course details and modules
As part of the course, there are three core modules that will give you a robust understanding of both educational theory and practice.
The course allows you to tailor your studies to your own interests by undertaking optional modules that bring in five core research strands in education. These strands include Childhood Studies, Climate Change and Sustainability Education, Digital Education, Inclusive and Special Education, and Language in Education. For more information on the optional modules, see below:
- Childhood Studies offers a unique sociological focus aimed at understanding the lives of children and young people in various social, cultural, participatory, and geographical contexts. Drawing on the new social studies of childhood and youth, this strand enables you to develop a holistic understanding of children and young people and their everyday lives. A central perspective is viewing children and young people as both ‘beings and becomings’ and as persons in their own right.
- Climate Change and Sustainability Education addresses one of the world’s most pressing problems by equipping you with the knowledge, skills, and pedagogical tools necessary to inspire and enact change through education. This strand places a strong emphasis on the need for education to address growing sustainability challenges through Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in response to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Creative and Arts-based Education explores how creativity, play and the arts can enhance teaching, learning and educational practice. Drawing on creative pedagogies and arts-based approaches, this pathway enables you to critically examine how creativity fosters curiosity, collaboration and innovation while supporting inclusive and meaningful learning. You’ll explore contemporary research and reflect on how creative and arts-based approaches can enrich educational practice across diverse contexts.
- Digital Education examines an in-depth knowledge of skills, perspectives and current research in digital education. You’ll have opportunities to apply and reflect on this new knowledge in relation to both your own learning and to your professional context. You’ll critically explore the wide range of digital tools now available, including Artificial Intelligence, their development to date, and their possible futures, both in society and more specifically in education.
- Language in Education delves into contemporary debates in sociolinguistics and language education in relation to broader societal questions of diversity, justice and inclusion. You’ll reflect on language needs of a diverse range of people with an emphasis on those from multilingual backgrounds, develop understandings of language ideologies that underpin societal attitudes and educational opportunities, and examine communication practices in diverse educational spaces.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Year 1 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Foundations of Educational Research | 30 |
| Dissertation | 60 |
| Advances in Educational Research | 30 |
| Foundations of Educational Practice | 30 |
Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Climate Change and Sustainability Education | 30 |
| Education for Sustainable Development | 30 |
| Creativity and Play for Learning | 30 |
| Artificial Intelligence and Education 2 | 30 |
| Education in a Digital Society | 30 |
| Theorizing Childhood and Youth | 30 |
| Child poverty and well-being | 30 |
| Children's Literature: Language, Discourse and Education | 30 |
| Global Music Education Futures | 30 |
| Education in Development | 30 |
| Education, Language and Society | 30 |
In semester one, you will study the 30-credit module Foundations of Educational Research. In semester two, you will choose between two 30-credit modules: Foundations of Educational Practice, or Advances of Educational Research.
You will also take 60-credits of optional modules – 30-credits in semester one and 30-credits in semester two – selected from a range of options aligned with key research strands of education.
In addition, you will be required to complete a 60-credit module Dissertation over the duration of the programme.
Learning and teaching
The MA Education offers a highly immersive and experiential learning experience. You’ll engage in a range of learning and teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, practical sessions, workshops, presentations, tutorials, placements, and fieldwork. You’ll experience 21st-century teaching and learning, incorporating advanced technology such as virtual and mixed reality.
The teaching and learning methods you’ll experience depend on the modules you choose, but most are immersive, experiential and designed to provide authentic, practice-based learning. Independent study, both individually and in groups, is also vital, as it allows you to pursue your interests and develop high-level skills, supported by our excellent library resources.
Our course is informed by cutting-edge research and contemporary developments in educational theory and practice within both global and local contexts. Your tutors will integrate insights from their own research and professional experience into learning activities, enriching your educational journey.
Our MA Education course attracts students from a wide range of backgrounds and nationalities. Our teaching practices promote equality, diversity and inclusion and you’ll be part of an international community of education professionals and be encouraged to share insights from your context with your peers from other parts of the world.
Throughout the course, you’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor whom you can meet regularly to discuss any personal or career issues that might enhance your student experience and assist in shaping your future plans, ensuring that you receive personalised advice and support tailored to your individual needs and aspirations.
On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
You'll be assessed through a diverse range of methods, including multimodal essays, presentations, placement experiences, reflective practice and group projects. In some modules, you may be able to choose a topic for assessment that is relevant to your future professional needs.
Our range of assessment methods is designed to bridge theory and practice, reflecting skills that are vital for a career in the education sector, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, interpersonal communication, project planning and research.
You’ll be expected to show critical understanding of current trends and debates in the field of education and apply these to a specific context of relevance. In some assessments, you’ll be required to read widely and use evidence from theoretical and empirical research literature – alongside your own experience and contextual knowledge – to develop arguments.
Clear guidelines and structured support will be provided for all assessments, including coursework. Your tutors will also offer formative feedback to help you with your assignments. To enhance your academic writing skills, you’ll participate in a year-long bespoke academic literacy course.
Applying
Entry requirements
A bachelor degree (hons) in teaching, education, or a related subject with a 2:1.
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Education (6 weeks) and Language for Social Science and Arts: Education (10 weeks).
We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional.
You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.
How to apply
Application deadlines
International Application Deadline – 30th July 27
UK Application Deadline – 10th September 27
If you intend to apply for funding, you should submit an application for a place on your chosen course at least one month before any specific scholarship deadline.
The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page will take you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.
If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Please see our How to Apply page for information about application deadlines.
Documents and information we will need include:
- Original or certified copies of your transcripts
- Original or certified copies of your degree certificate
- Original or certified copy of your IELTS/TOEFL results (if English is not your first language)
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2027
This course is taught by
Contact us
Postgraduate Admissions
Email: pgeduc@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:
Fees
UK: £12,100 (Total)
International: £27,300 (Total)
Read more about paying fees and charges.
For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.
Additional cost information
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Learn more about Masters funding.
Scholarships are also available to help fund your Masters. Find out more and check your eligibility below:
The School of Education usually offers a number of scholarships each year. Find out more on the School's scholarships page.
Career opportunities
Where this degree could take you
This course helps you stand out in a competitive job market. It opens up new career opportunities either in your home country or in new international settings.
Some of our recent graduates have gone on to work in a wide range of roles in their home countries and in the UK, including:
- teachers
- specialist subject leads
- education project managers
- course designers
- education advisers
- policy makers
- careers within international and local NGO and charities.
To increase your knowledge and skills in education and to be in the best place to make great stride, and leave indelible marks on people's lives, come to the University of Leeds.
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Careers support
At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one.
Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go wel beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.
- Dedicated Employability Team: Meet with our qualified careers consultants and specialist employability and placements officers, on hand to help you choose the right path and develop the skills to get there. They can support with CV and cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile building, mock interviews and navigating AI: get confident with tailored advice and techniques.
- Employability and networking events: Get involved in a full range of events, including careers fairs and specialist industry talks with employers who are actively recruiting. You’ll also benefit from mentoring and a supportive careers community, helping you make connections, build your network, and shape your journey as a future professional.
- Skills training: We embed transferable skills training in all our programmes to support your transition to the workplace. Gain expertise employers value, such as communication, problem-solving and research and data analysis.
- MyCareer system: Access a dedicated portal where you can book careers appointments, view helpful resources and browse vacancies and events. Access digital tools, including LinkedIn support, video interview preparation, plus global job market and visa guidance. We also offer pre‑arrival support to help you prepare for career planning in the UK and make the most of your time with us.
- Exclusive opportunities: Bring your enterprise to market with our award-winning business advice service, Spark. Apply for vacancies only available to our students. And hone your skills further with Leeds University Union, home to volunteering opportunities and over 300 clubs and societies.