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Education (and pathways) MA

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  • Level of study:
    Masters
  • Entry Requirements:
    More information
  • Start date:
    September 2026
  • Duration:
    One year full-time, two – four years part-time
  • Attendance:
    Full-time, Part-time
  • Course delivery:
    On-campus (Clifton Campus)
Student

About this course

Education unlocks potential, fosters innovation, and has the power to transform lives.

At NTU, the MA Education course is designed for those people with a desire to provide high-quality education and care. You’ll explore the importance of education over time.

You’ll challenge your thinking as you reflect on how settings can make a positive impact on education and community development. All the while, you’ll build on your understanding of the field and emerge as a reflective and inclusive practitioner.

This course is aimed at education professionals or graduates with a related degree who wish to advance their career prospects. You’ll already work in a leadership or management role in an education focussed setting or have ambitions to move into leadership.

The MA Education degree is increasingly seen as both academic enhancement and a means to facilitate career progress. Many graduates have gone on to successful careers in the education sector, pursuing senior roles, while others have continued studying to complete a Professional Doctorate, an MPhil or a PhD.

If you are looking for a course that provides a recognised teaching qualification with QTS status, please visit our PGCE Secondary Education or PGCE Primary Education course page.

The course is structured to allow you to study MA Education or a specialist pathway in MA Education in Organisation Leadership and Governance, Inclusive Pedagogy, Early Childhood or, Pedagogic Enquiry.

Why study this course?

  • Study education in its broadest sense

    as you explore a diverse range of subject areas from the sociological, psychological, policy and social justice perspectives.

  • Freedom to build your own Masters degree

    with a range of awards and modules in line with your specific interests and career aims.

  • Become part of our research-active community

    as you actively design and carry out your own research.

  • Learn from experts

    The course is designed and taught by experienced tutors and researchers with expertise in the sector.

Full-time route

The full-time route takes place over three terms.

During terms one and two, you will study two modules per term. Once completed, you will then undertake your dissertation in a topic of your choice for an MA Education. If you follow a specialist pathway, the dissertation is in this topic (e.g. Organisation Leadership and Governance or Inclusive Pedagogy or Early Childhood or Pedagogic Enquiry).

Part-time route

The part-time route takes two to four years to complete. Most students study a module per term with the choice to ‘rest’ for a term and pick up a module in the next term until all five modules are completed. When studying the part-time route, you will have one year to complete your dissertation.

Module information

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll be studying throughout the course:

You will study four core modules and choose one optional 30-credit module.

Core modules

Optional modules

You will study four core modules and choose one optional 30-credit module.

Core modules

Optional modules

You will study four core modules and choose one optional 30-credit module.

Core modules

Optional modules

You will study four core modules and choose one optional 30-credit module.

Core modules

Optional modules

You will study four core modules and choose one optional 30-credit module.

Core modules

Optional modules

We regularly review our course content based on student and employer feedback to ensure they remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or availability in future years. Optional modules will only run where there is sufficient demand. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis to protect the academic and student experience.

Student experience

  • Max Pownall

    Max Pownall - student profile

    “It is the tutors who really make the course, with their knowledge and passion helping me to deliver my best.”

    Read Max's profile
  • Oluwadaunfunmi Emmanuel Adesanya

    Oluwadaunfunmi Emmanuel Adesanya

    “I chose to study MA Education at NTU because of its outstanding teaching and learning. I was captivated by the programme’s modules and its impacts on global educational trends and current practices.”

    Read Oluwadaunfunmi Emmanuel's profile
  • Roshani Dias

    Roshani Dias

    “Studying has allowed me to broaden my intellectual skills and autonomy to understand complex topics and solve problems.”

    Read Roshani's profile
  • Nabila Cuncheer

    Nabila Cuncheer

    “This course has not only given me insight into teaching pedagogy but also credibility for my teaching career.”

    Read Nabila's profile

Video Gallery

 

How you're taught

How will I learn?

You’ll benefit from a variety of teaching and learning approaches designed to help you achieve the course learning outcomes and support you in your career ambitions.

Teaching and learning methods include:

  • face-to-face learning
  • blended learning
  • virtual online learning environment (NOW)
  • study sets
  • guest lecturers.

Special Interest and Research groups

As a student on the MA Education course, you’ll have access to NTU special interest and research groups.

How you're assessed

Your progress on the Masters course is assessed by 100% coursework.

A wide range of creative assessment strategies are used to develop the skills, knowledge and expertise you will need for your professional profile. These include:

  • seminar presentations
  • research posters / podcasts
  • critical reviews of published research
  • research study in an area of your choice
  • essay writing.

Contact hours

You will have 30 hours of contact time per module, per term (10 hours of contact time per week made up of seminars and/or workshops) with our teaching staff. The exception is when undertaking your dissertation, you will have 18 hours seminar/workshop contact time and 12 hours of supervision time. The remaining 70% of your module and dissertation module time will be devoted to independent study.

Who will teach you?

Entry requirements

UK students

  • An undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK undergraduate honours degree at a 2.2 or above.
  • Applications with a third class honours degree will need to provide details of relevant work experience as part of their application.
  • A 300-500 word statement on: Explain why you selected MA Education (or particular pathway) and how do you see this developing your career? This submission is required as well as your personal statement. Submissions over the word count will not be considered.

International students

International students can undertake the MA Education or an MA Education pathway as a full-time degree.

Academic entry requirements: An undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK undergraduate honours degree at a 2.2 or above. Applications with a third class honours degree will need to provide details of relevant work experience as part of their application.

We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international entry requirements by country.

Other requirements: A 300-500 word statement on: Explain why you selected MA Education (or particular pathway) and how do you see this developing your career? This submission is required as well as your personal statement. Submissions over the word count will not be considered.

English language requirements: See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.

Policies

We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.

Fees and funding

UK students

- see the fees for this course, as well as information about funding and support.
  • Full-time - £9,100
  • Part time - £1,517 per 30-credit module, £3,033 per 60-credit module.

Scholarships

You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies. See which courses are eligible for scholarships.

Alumni discount

We’re happy to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni. This discount is currently available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.

Postgraduate loans

There is a government postgraduate loan scheme for Masters degrees. The loan contributes towards costs of study, and students can put it towards tuition fees, maintenance costs or other costs at their discretion. Find out more about postgraduate loans.

International students

- see the fees for this course, as well as payment advice and scholarships.
  • Full-time £18,300
  • Part-time - £3,049 per 30-credit module, £6,100 per 60-credit module.

Scholarships

You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies. See which courses are eligible for scholarships.

Alumni discount

We’re happy to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni. This discount is currently available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.

Living costs

See our advice on managing your money, the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget.

Paying fees

As an international student, you'll need to make an advance payment as part of your offer conditions. You'll then need to pay your tuition fees in full, or have an agreement to pay in two further instalments, in order to enrol on the course.

Find out how and when to pay your fees, including information about your advance payment, instalment dates and how to make payments securely to the University.

Enquiries

If you have any queries relating to advance payments or arrangements to pay, please contact our friendly and experienced international enquiries team.

Additional costs

Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses. There are just a few additional things you may need to budget for:

Textbooks and library books

Your modules will point you to key textbooks and recommended reading. Many are available online, and in our libraries, but some students choose to buy their own copies. You’ll receive resource lists showing where to access eBooks, digital resources and physical copies. Our friendly Library team is always on hand to help you find what you need.

Printing and photocopying costs

The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the printing and photocopying information on the Library website.

Fees and funding advice

For more advice and guidance, phone the Student Money Team on +44 (0)115 848 2494.

Cost of living information and support

Managing your money can help you make the most of life at NTU. Here's how we can support you, and now you can make your funding go further.

Student looking at clothes in a shop
Cost of living in Nottingham
Two students purchasing drinks
Our student benefits and free services
Two students having a discussion
Money advice for international students

Careers and employability

The MA Education degree is increasingly seen as both academic enhancement and a means to facilitate career progress. Many graduates have gone on to successful careers in the education sector, pursuing senior roles, while others have continued studying to complete a Professional Doctorate, an MPhil or a PhD.

The MA Education programme is not a teacher training course and will not give you Qualified Teacher Status.

If you’d like to know more about NTU’s groundbreaking Employability Promise, and the support you’ll receive both during and after your course, visit our Careers and Employability page.

  • Employability Promise

    Personalised support, one-on-one coaching and industry-specific advice – it’s all part of our Employability Promise. And it doesn’t end when you leave NTU – you’ll have access to all our careers services for three years after you graduate (conditions apply).

  • Graduate employers

    Graduates from this course have successful careers in organisations such as:

    • Nottingham Trent University
    • Diverse Academies Trust
    • Derbyshire County Council
    • Nottingham City Council
    • Nottingham College

  • Our graduates are…

    Graduates from this course now work in a wide range of roles such as:

    • Teachers
    • Lecturers
    • Special educational needs coordinators
    • Learning support coordinators
    • Assistant principals
    • Academic mentors

  • Assessed work-like experience

    We’ve embedded at least eight weeks of assessed work-like experience into all of our courses. This gives you the opportunity to apply your learning in real-world scenarios, build your confidence, and develop the experience employers are looking for.

  • NTU Enterprise

    If you’re a budding entrepreneur, NTU Student Enterprise can help you to develop your ideas and innovations and turn them into a reality. We also offer training, mentoring, workshops, financial advice and more to develop your business skills.

Where your degree could take you

Discover how our students and alumni used their degree to further their careers. Take a look at our other profiles and explore the possibilities awaiting you.

  • A photo of a male NTU alumni delivering a speech

    James leads postgraduate training that shapes school leaders

    James shares how postgraduate study equipped him to manage Inspiring Leaders, which trains teachers and supports leadership across multi-academy trusts.

    View James Brown's profile
  • James Hardy

    James’s SEND placement experience in Indonesia

    James’s time supporting children with SEND in Indonesia shaped his ambitions, and built a confidence, purpose and passion that drives his PhD journey.

    View James Hardy's profile

Campus and facilities

You’ll mainly be studying in the Ada Byron King building, home to Nottingham Institute of Education.

Our self-contained, community-focused Clifton Campus has been designed to keep our students busy between lectures. Catch-up with your coursemates in the Pavilion’s barista café and Refectory; brainstorm group presentations in chic and stylish study spaces; enjoy some proper R&R in The Point, home of our Students’ Union. The campus also hosts the multimillion-pound Clifton Sports Hub, offering great options for everyone — whatever your interests, and however competitive you’d like to get!

You’re also right next to the bright lights of Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities, and one of Europe’s top 25. All through termtime, a dedicated on-campus bus service will get you to the heart of the action (and back) in under 25 minutes. You’ll find a city stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure: enjoy lush green spaces, galleries, hidden cinemas and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink and social scene by night.

Applying

UK students

Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.

Please upload your 300-500 word statement with your application on: Explain why you selected MA Education (or particular pathway) and how do you see this developing your career?

This submission is required as well as your personal statement. Submissions over the word count will not be considered.

If you also wish to apply for RPL, please upload your RPL evidence (PG Certificate) with your application.
Apply now

International students

Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.

Please upload your 300-500 word statement with your application on: Explain why you selected MA Education (or particular pathway) and how do you see this developing your career?

This submission is required as well as your personal statement. Submissions over the word count will not be considered.

If you also wish to apply for RPL, please upload your RPL evidence (PG Certificate) with your application.

Please read our application guidance before you start your application.

We advise you to prepare and apply as early as you can as Student visa processing time can vary.

We'll send you important emails throughout the application process. Please check your emails regularly, including your junk/spam mail folder.

Apply now

Personal statement guidance

When you apply to NTU, we’ll ask you to submit a personal statement – here are our tips on what to include and how to structure your personal statement.

Application support

If you have any questions about applying, get in touch through our online form or call us on 44 (0)115 848 4200.

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Keeping in touch

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