Education, Full-time MA / PGCert; PGDip
- Level(s) of Study: Postgraduate taught
- Start Date(s): September 2024
- Duration: One year full-time
- Study Mode(s): Full-time
- Campus: Clifton Campus
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Entry Requirements:
More information
Introduction:
The general aim of the course is to produce graduates who are autonomous, able to carry out ethical research studies in different educational contexts, and who can recognised the importance of the application of education theories and research to understand education debates and policies across a range of educational settings and contexts.
This course is designed for a wide range of people interested in education, such as those who currently, or are wanting to, work in an education setting or education policy or research contexts. These education settings range from early years to higher education and all sectors in between and beyond formal education. Therefore the course is designed to provide different modes and routes that are suited to the breadth of potential students who have a range of expertise and experience. As such it has a generic approach to the modules which can then be applied locally and in different contexts.
of MA Education are satisfied with the quality of the course (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey, 2023)
What you’ll study
This is a demanding and exciting research-based programme. It requires you to immerse yourself in reading, thinking, discussion, reflection and writing, enabling you to take the next, critical step in your professional learning.
The degree allows you to investigate a range of issues impacting on education in general and your own field in particular. We want you to challenge your thinking.
The MA Education programme is a professional development programme and does not lead to Qualified Teacher Status.
Education Policy and Practice (30 credit points)
- This module will develop your specialised knowledge of educational policy, taking into account current debates around education in this country and beyond.
- You'll consider the ideologies that drive reform in a range of contexts and the implications of their implementation.
- The focus will be on policy analysis and on processes of policy formulation, implementation and evaluation and the various influences on these processes at global, national, regional and local levels.
- You'll explore contemporary education reforms within the UK and internationally in terms of their origins, orientations and consequences for educational institutions.
- You'll critically examine the wider implications of policy enactment, including some of the other influences on educational establishments. The governance of educational institutions and the power of the state is a central element of this module and the issues which arise from international influences. Political, social, economic, technological and ethical issues around educational policy-making are examined and critically analysed. Global trends and their effects on educational policy will be considered.
Research Skills (30 credit points)
This module prepares you for the dissertation module (60 credit) and for continuing to conduct research within your chosen career. This module will:
- prepare you to conduct rigorous and ethical research
- extend your knowledge and critical understanding of research and of research strategies, methods and techniques
- develop your understanding of the methodological and epistemological aspects of educational research
- develop your philosophical approach to research
- develop a critical appreciation of the ethical and professional issues in educational research.
Social Justice and Education (30 credit points)
- This module critically analyses and evaluates sociological perspectives on justice, aspects of social identity, equality, inequality, inclusion and exclusion in education.
- You'll be introduced to a range of contentious issues and challenges for justice in education, and different sociological perspectives and lenses through which these issues and challenges can be critically analysed.
- You'll bring your own views and experience to bear in these debates, while introducing you to new concepts, theories and methods.
Curriculum Innovations (30 credit points)
- You will explore the fundamental theories of curriculum innovation.
- You'll consider how research evidence informs educational change.
- Through a combination of desktop research, skills and project planning you will develop an innovative practice related to curriculum development, process or product, for future enactment in your chosen educational setting.
- You will complete two modules in term 1 and term 2, with the dissertation started in term 3 and submitted at the end of August. The full time route has been designed over three terms to enable you to achieve 180 credits in an academic year.
Dissertation (60 credit points)
- This module is the final part of the Masters programme and available to those who have achieved 120 level 7 credits including those for either Research Skills (30 credits) or research in a professional context (20 credits).
- The Masters dissertation is a substantial piece of academic writing around a research focus that will be agreed once a research proposal has been submitted.
- You must satisfy criteria relating to skills, knowledge and understanding of an educational or training issue, and research engagement in pursuit of academic excellence.
- You'll have an opportunity to develop comprehensive knowledge and critical understanding of relevant theory, research, policy and/or practice through a substantial and sustained guided independent research project. This will develop confidence and competence in writing to academic standards and conventions.
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How you’re taught
While completing your master's you will study in a number of ways including:
- blended learning
- our virtual online learning environment (NOW)
- teaching at your own institution (by prior arrangement)
- study sets.
The programme content reflects the changing education environment and is subject to regular review and development.
Workplace experience
You are expected to have been employed or volunteered in an educational setting prior to beginning the course.
Study modes
Taught sessions and tutorials are at our Clifton campus.
A part-time study mode is also available.
Assessment
A wide range of creative assessment strategies are used in the course, which will develop the skills, knowledge and expertise you will need to develop an effective professional profile relevant to, or progression within, their desired career area. These include:
- Seminar presentations
- Research posters
- Critical reviews of published research
- Extended critical reflections on your own practice and professional development experiences
- Research study in an area of your choice.
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 within the education sector, pursuing senior roles, while others have continued studying to complete a Professional Doctorate, an MPhil or PhD.
Please note, this programme does not lead to Qualified Teacher Status.
Campus and facilities
Entry requirements
What are we looking for?
You will need:
Applicants will be expected to have achieved a 2:2 honours degree, or equivalent, at undergraduate level in a relevant area of study. Applicants with a third class honours degree will be considered alongside evidence of successful achievement of at least 30 credits at Masters Level in the last 3 years. Equivalent international qualifications are acceptable for entry to the programme.
Other requirements:
- A short piece of written work based on specific questions related to the course.
- Work experience is preferred, but applications will be considered without it.
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please contact us at Ask NTU or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
What are we looking for?
You will need:
Applicants will be expected to have achieved a 2:2 honours degree, or equivalent, at undergraduate level in a relevant area of study. Applicants with a third class honours degree will be considered alongside evidence of successful achievement of at least 30 credits at Masters Level in the last 3 years. Equivalent international qualifications are acceptable for entry to the programme.
Other requirements:
- A short piece of written work based on specific questions related to the course.
- Work experience is preferred, but applications will be considered without it.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Postgraduate preparation courses (Pre-Masters)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Pre-Masters courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
For guidance, course fees for September 2023 entry are:
| Study route | Home (UK students) |
|---|---|
| Full-time | £8,200 |
Funding your studies
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and living costs page or our funding page will answer all your questions.
You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.
Please take a look at our postgraduates’ guide funding page for information about sourcing grants, bursaries and scholarships, and much more.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494
For guidance, course fees for September 2023 entry are:
| Study route | International/ EU students |
|---|---|
| Full-time | £16,800 |
Tuition fees are payable for each year that you are at the University. The level of tuition fees for the second and subsequent years of your postgraduate course may increase in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
How to apply
Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.
Writing your application
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.
Keeping up to date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please contact us at Ask NTU or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
Please read our notes on the University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.
Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.