Education MA

Course overview

MA Education is a practice-based course aimed at teachers, educators and future leaders in education, designed to improve your practice and deepen your theoretical understanding of education through a highly personalised and flexible Masters-level programme.

The course will prepare you to be a thought leader in education within your specific area of interest, equipping you with skills and knowledge grounded in novel evidence-based practices. You'll gain the expertise needed to significantly impact specific educational contexts and effectively address global challenges.

There are five core research strands in education that you can personalise your study within the generalist course: Childhood Studies, Climate Change and Sustainability Education, Digital Education, Inclusive and Special Education, and Language in Education.

The course delivery is highly immersive, offering the chance to put theory into practice and encouraging you to think deeply and critically about education. The compulsory and optional modules are designed to enhance your practice with cutting-edge knowledge, incorporating technological advancements suited to 21st-century education.

We're proud to be ranked in the top 100 globally for Education and Training (QS World Rankings by Subject 2025) and 1st in the UK for Childhood and Youth Studies (Complete University Guide 2026).

Why study at Leeds:

• Graduate with groundbreaking, research-informed practices in education that position you at the forefront of the field, enabling you to tackle global challenges in your professional context through state-of-the-art research methodologies.

• Customise your Masters course to align with your interests and career aspirations in education and personal interests by selecting from a diverse range of optional modules.

• Learn the latest insights into educational practices in both local and international contexts from our internationally leading academics and researchers across various subjects of education, from early childhood education to higher education.

• Develop a critical understanding of contemporary issues, innovative ideas, and educational futures in the global education landscape, gaining critical insights into the nexus between education research, theory, policy, and practice, and explore how these elements intersect and influence your local educational context.

• Become involved with the 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.

This course is taught in the School of Education.

Course details and modules

There are three core modules in the MA Education course which collectively ensure that you’ll gain a robust understanding of both educational theory and practice, preparing you to be a thought leader in education.

The course allows you to tailor your studies to your own interests by undertaking optional modules that draw upon 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. These strands reflect critical and contemporary areas of educational research and practice, essential for you to effectively engage with 21st-century education and educational futures.

• 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).

• 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.

• Inclusive and Special Education (ISE) focuses critically on current issues in the field and relates these to your professional practice. The strand’s central concern is the promotion of effective educational practice for children in the context of ISE. This is achieved by increasing your knowledge of current legislation, reports, and relevant research, and by promoting an understanding of the nature of ISE and strategies that may best support the learning and achievement of children.

• 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.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Education MA in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

You will be required to study 60 credits: 30 credits from the Semester 1 modules list, 30 credits from the Semester 2 modules list.

Learning and teaching

The MA Education course delivery is highly immersive. You’ll learn through a variety of learning and teaching methods, including weekly interactive seminars, group projects and tasks, tutorials, and fieldwork. You’ll experience 21st-century teaching and learning, incorporating advanced technology such as virtual and mixed reality.

The methods of teaching and learning that you’ll encounter depend on which specific modules you choose. 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 variety of methods, including written essays, presentations, poster presentations, reflective practices 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.

OR

A bachelor degree (hons) in any subject with a 2:1 or non-UK equivalent, plus some relevant work experience in any educational sector (for example, in a school, college, or within higher education) will also be considered on an individual basis.

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications.

DBS check

To enrol on this course, you will need to have a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) or equivalent at the start the course, paid for by the School. We’ll send you a form and related guidance prior to the start of your course, which you should complete and return with the appropriate documents. It is essential to your successful registration that the DBS requirements are managed promptly.

Find guidance on DBS checks and equivalent checks for international applicants on the DBS website.

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

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.

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 2025

This course is taught by

School of Education

Contact us

Postgraduate Admissions

Email: pgeduc@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: £11,750 (Total)

International: £26,000 (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.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

The School of Education usually offers a number of scholarships each year. Find out more on the School's scholarships page.

Career opportunities

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 and education project managers, course designers, education advisers and policy makers, in both state and private institutions. Others have been involved in careers within international and local NGO and charities. 

The Careers Service and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website. 

Careers support

Our friendly Employability team based within the School of Education can provide a range of help and advice about employment or volunteering opportunities in the education sector.

You'll be able to enhance your career prospects and take advantage of the many paid and volunteering positions in schools and other education settings in and around Leeds. We strongly encourage volunteering as this enriches your experiences and transferable skills.

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.