(Full time / Part time) 2019 start
Education MA
Overview
This flexible programme is aimed at educators and education professionals that want to gain additional knowledge and skills to help improve their practice through a general, rather than specialised, programme of master's level study.
MA Education is unique in the School of Education insofar as there are no modules dedicated to, or associated with, the programme; instead, you select modules that interest you from the other specialised MA programmes offered. These may be modules that explore different aspects of educational leadership, the use of technology to support learning, child development, or teaching English to speakers of other languages among others. At the same time, you’ll build your knowledge of educational research methods and apply them to your own dissertation on a related topic.
With our excellent library resources and your own experience of working in an education context, you’ll be in a great position to pursue your interests and focus on the topics that suit your career ambitions. You’ll also improve your skills in written and oral communication, analysis, research, leadership qualities and data collection: all vital for a career in any sector of education.
This programme will allow you to draw upon the expertise across the School of Education. That means you'll have access to the knowledge and experience of leading researchers across a diverse range of topics.
Course content
You’ll take a core module that explores the principles and methods of educational research, and introduces you to issues such as research ethics and the use of research to improve educational practice for individuals and organisations. You’ll also study two of three additional modules on research methods to expand and sharpen your skills.
You’ll apply your new understanding of the concepts and benefits of educational research to your own dissertation, in preparation for which you'll consult regularly with your appointed supervisor as you independently research an educational topic that may or may not be related to your own practice.
You will study 115 credits of optional modules, with 15 of these credits from either Educational Research in Context; Philosophical underpinning of educational research; Introduction to quantitative data analysis or Qualitative data: processes of collection, interpretation and analysis.
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.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Dissertation 60 credits
- Getting Started: Research Questions and Approaches in Education 15 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Global Learning in UK Primary Schools 30 credits
- Contemporary Global Challenges in Education Policy and Leadership Practice 30 credits
- Critical Perspectives on Leadership Theory and Practice 30 credits
- Directed Study in Education 1 30 credits
- Technology Enhanced Language Learning 30 credits
- Technology, Education and Society 30 credits
- The Practice of Supporting Language Teacher Learning 15 credits
- Special Educational Needs: Inclusive Approaches 30 credits
- Special Educational Needs: Inclusive Curriculum 30 credits
- Developmental Disorders I: Dyslexia and Developmental Coordination Disorder 30 credits
- Developmental Disorders II: Attention Deficit Disorder and Autistic Spectrum Disorder 30 credits
- Theorizing Childhood and Youth 30 credits
- Research with Children and Young People 30 credits
- Children and young people: citizenship, participation and social justice 30 credits
- Learning and Teaching Vocabulary 15 credits
- Grammar, Learning and Teaching 15 credits
- Teacher Education for TESOL 15 credits
- Assessing Language Learning 15 credits
- Materials Development for TESOL 15 credits
- You will also choose 15 credits from the below:
- Qualitative data: processes of collection, interpretation and analysis 15 credits
- Introduction to quantitative data analysis 15 credits
- Philosophical underpinning of educational research 15 credits
- Educational Research in Context 15 credits
Learning and teaching
We use a variety of teaching and learning methods including weekly seminars, group learning, tutorials, fieldwork, online learning and lectures. The methods of teaching and learning that you will encounter depend on which specific modules you choose. Independent study is also vital, as it allows you to pursue your interests and develop high-level skills.
Assessment
Most assessment is by written essay. Occasionally, we use other assessment approaches, such as poster presentations or reflective logs.
Applying, fees and funding
Entry requirements
Candidates will need a bachelor (hons) degree plus two years’ experience as a practitioner in education in any sector: for example, in a school, college, or within higher education. We consider applicants with alternative experience on a case-by-case basis.
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information, contact the School of Education admissions team.
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).
If you need to study for longer than 10 weeks, read more about our postgraduate pre-sessional English course.
How to apply
Application deadlines
- International students: 30 June
- UK/EU students: 31 July
This link takes 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)
- Details of two referees.
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
School of Education Postgraduate Admissions Policy 2019
Fees
- UK/EU: £8,500 (total)
- International: £18,500 (total)
Read more about paying fees and charges.
For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.
Part-time fees are normally calculated based on the number of credits you study in a year compared to the equivalent full-time course. For example, if you study half the course credits in a year, you will pay half the full-time course fees for that year.
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 about additional costs
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.
Career opportunities
As a student on this programme, you will already be established in the field of teaching. Many of our students receive sponsorship and support from their employers or governments as part of their continued professional development.
You’ll develop your skills in research and analysis, and the insights gained from your studies will help to inform your professional practice. Some students who achieve a distinction in the final assessment of their MA programme may also decide to pursue further research at PhD or EdD level.