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Education (with specialist pathways) MA / PGCert; PGDip

Start date

  • Level(s) of Study: Postgraduate taught
  • Start Date(s): September, January and April
  • Duration: One year full-time, two - four years part-time
  • Study Mode(s): Full-time / Part-time
  • Campus: Clifton Campus
  • Entry Requirements:
    More information
Information for 2024/25

Introduction:

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

At NTU, the MA Education course is designed for practitioners 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 professionals or graduates with a related degree. You’ll work in or have ambitions to work in a leadership or management role in a variety of educational or associated settings.

The course is structured to allow you to study MA Education or a specialist pathway in MA Educational Leadership and Management, MA Inclusive and Special Education or MA Early Childhood and Education.

Why study this course?

  • Study education in its broadest sense as you explore a diverse range of subject areas, including sociology, psychology, policy and social justice.
  • 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 design and carry out your own research.
  • The course is designed and taught by experienced tutors and researchers with expertise in the sector.
100
%

of MA Education students are satisfied with the quality of the course (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey, 2023)

What you’ll study

You’ll study three core modules, in addition to three optional modules.

Full-time routes

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. If you follow a specialist pathway, the dissertation is in this topic (e.g. Leadership and Management, Inclusion and Special Education or Early Childhood).

Part-time routes

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 four modules are completed. When studying the part-time route, you will have one year to complete your dissertation.

Offsite route

An offsite module is offered when there are five or more teachers in a school/academy wishing to complete the independent study module of the offsite offerings.

Discover more about each route below.

Core module

Social Justice (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 these debates, while introducing you to new concepts, theories and methods.

Research skills (30 credit points)

  • This module will prepare you for undertaking empirical study independently and ethically and help you critique published work you study in subsequent modules.
  • It helps you understand how research has impact and is the start of your progression towards conducting research studies that will have impact.

Dissertation (60 credit points)

  • The dissertation module allows you to focus your research in an area of professional interest, deepening your knowledge and understanding in your chosen career area.

Optional modules

You'll study a selection of optional modules to add up to 120 credits.

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 the UK and beyond.
  • 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.

Coaching & Mentoring in Educational Contexts (30 credit points)

  • The focus of this module will be on the purposes, strategies and theories of coaching and mentoring, as they apply to individuals working to support colleagues in their role, and the institutional issues these raise in schools, colleges and universities.
  • Through a critical examination and application of the theory and an analytical exploration of the practice of coaching and mentoring, this module aims to enhance the professional development of the staff working in educational settings.

Curriculum Innovations (30 credit points)

  • This module provides opportunities for you to explore the fundamental theories of curriculum innovation. Through this exploration, you will start to 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.

The following optional modules are applicable for part-time routes only:

Early Career Teachers (30 credit points)

  • This module is an opportunity for recently qualified (<5 years) teachers to examine key learning experiences and the impact these have had on their professional practice. It will explore the knowledge and understanding that they have gained, and examine the skills they have developed.
  • You’ll learn more about the theory and skills of reflection.

Reflection on National Professional Qualifications (NPQ) (30 credit points)

  • This module provides an opportunity to reflect on the experience of an accredited National Professional Qualification (NPQML/Sl/H/EH) and the impact this has had on your professional practice.
  • You will explore the knowledge and understanding gained, and examine the skills developed. You will also learn more about the theory and skills of reflection.

Independent Study (30 credit points)

  • You will be able to select a small scale project to investigate an area of practice that is of current professional interest.
  • The focus will be negotiated and agreed with the module tutor through an initial proposal.
  • The investigation will include collection of information from both secondary and should you choose, primary sources, demonstrating knowledge and understanding through analysis, evaluation and reflection.

Core module

Leadership and Management Change (30 credit points)

  • In education there is significant externally-imposed change and consequent institutional change.
  • This module will prepare those aspiring to lead in such a context need to be able to lead and manage the process of change effectively.

Research skills (30 credit points)

  • This module will prepare you for undertaking empirical study independently and ethically and help you critique published work you study in subsequent modules.
  • It helps you understand how research has impact and is the start of your progression towards conducting research studies that will have impact.

Dissertation (60 credit points)

  • The dissertation module allows you to focus your research in an area of professional interest, deepening your knowledge and understanding in your chosen career area.

Optional modules

You'll study a selection of optional modules to add up to 120 credits.

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 the UK and beyond.
  • 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.

Coaching & Mentoring in Educational Contexts (30 credit points)

  • The focus of this module will be on the purposes, strategies and theories of coaching and mentoring, as they apply to individuals working to support colleagues in their role, and the institutional issues these raise in schools, colleges and universities.
  • Through a critical examination and application of the theory and an analytical exploration of the practice of coaching and mentoring, this module aims to enhance the professional development of the staff working in educational settings.

Curriculum Innovations (30 credit points)

  • This module provides opportunities for you to explore the fundamental theories of curriculum innovation. Through this exploration, you will start to 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.

The following optional modules are applicable for part-time routes only:

Early Career Teachers (30 credit points)

  • This module is an opportunity for recently qualified (<5 years) teachers to examine key learning experiences and the impact these have had on their professional practice. It will explore the knowledge and understanding that they have gained, and examine the skills they have developed.
  • You’ll learn more about the theory and skills of reflection.

Reflection on National Professional Qualifications (NPQ) (30 credit points)

  • This module provides an opportunity to reflect on the experience of an accredited National Professional Qualification (NPQML/Sl/H/EH) and the impact this has had on your professional practice.
  • You will explore the knowledge and understanding gained, and examine the skills developed. You will also learn more about the theory and skills of reflection.

Independent Study (30 credit points)

  • You will be able to select a small scale project to investigate an area of practice that is of current professional interest.
  • The focus will be negotiated and agreed with the module tutor through an initial proposal.
  • The investigation will include collection of information from both secondary and should you choose, primary sources, demonstrating knowledge and understanding through analysis, evaluation and reflection.

Core module

Perspectives in Inclusive Practice (30 credit points)

  • The Perspectives on Inclusive Education module provides an opportunity to explore a wide range of perspectives on Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) and inclusion.

Research skills (30 credit points)

  • This module will prepare you for undertaking empirical study independently and ethically and help you critique published work you study in subsequent modules.
  • It helps you understand how research has impact and is the start of your progression towards conducting research studies that will have impact.

Dissertation (60 credit points)

  • The dissertation module allows you to focus your research in an area of professional interest, deepening your knowledge and understanding in your chosen career area.

Optional modules

You'll study a selection of optional modules to add up to 120 credits.

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 the UK and beyond.
  • 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.

Coaching & Mentoring in Educational Contexts (30 credit points)

  • The focus of this module will be on the purposes, strategies and theories of coaching and mentoring, as they apply to individuals working to support colleagues in their role, and the institutional issues these raise in schools, colleges and universities.
  • Through a critical examination and application of the theory and an analytical exploration of the practice of coaching and mentoring, this module aims to enhance the professional development of the staff working in educational settings.

Curriculum Innovations (30 credit points)

  • This module provides opportunities for you to explore the fundamental theories of curriculum innovation. Through this exploration, you will start to 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.

The following optional modules are applicable for part-time routes only:

Early Career Teachers (30 credit points)

  • This module is an opportunity for recently qualified (<5 years) teachers to examine key learning experiences and the impact these have had on their professional practice. It will explore the knowledge and understanding that they have gained, and examine the skills they have developed.
  • You’ll learn more about the theory and skills of reflection.

Reflection on National Professional Qualifications (NPQ) (30 credit points)

  • This module provides an opportunity to reflect on the experience of an accredited National Professional Qualification (NPQML/Sl/H/EH) and the impact this has had on your professional practice.
  • You will explore the knowledge and understanding gained, and examine the skills developed. You will also learn more about the theory and skills of reflection.

Independent Study (30 credit points)

  • You will be able to select a small scale project to investigate an area of practice that is of current professional interest.
  • The focus will be negotiated and agreed with the module tutor through an initial proposal.
  • The investigation will include collection of information from both secondary and should you choose, primary sources, demonstrating knowledge and understanding through analysis, evaluation and reflection.

Core module

Partnership Working with Children and Families (30 credit points)

  • This module explores the importance of high-quality early childhood education.
  • You’ll learn how to investigate partnership - reflecting on how the setting can make a positive contribution to pedagogy and local community development within your local context.

Research skills (30 credit points)

  • This module will prepare you for undertaking empirical study independently and ethically and help you critique published work you study in subsequent modules.
  • It helps you understand how research has impact and is the start of your progression towards conducting research studies that will have impact.

Dissertation (60 credit points)

  • The dissertation module allows you to focus your research in an area of professional interest, deepening your knowledge and understanding in your chosen career area.

Optional modules

You'll study a selection of optional modules to add up to 120 credits.

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 the UK and beyond.
  • 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.

Coaching & Mentoring in Educational Contexts (30 credit points)

  • The focus of this module will be on the purposes, strategies and theories of coaching and mentoring, as they apply to individuals working to support colleagues in their role, and the institutional issues these raise in schools, colleges and universities.
  • Through a critical examination and application of the theory and an analytical exploration of the practice of coaching and mentoring, this module aims to enhance the professional development of the staff working in educational settings.

Curriculum Innovations (30 credit points)

  • This module provides opportunities for you to explore the fundamental theories of curriculum innovation. Through this exploration, you will start to 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.

The following optional modules are applicable for part-time routes only:

Early Career Teachers (30 credit points)

  • This module is an opportunity for recently qualified (<5 years) teachers to examine key learning experiences and the impact these have had on their professional practice. It will explore the knowledge and understanding that they have gained, and examine the skills they have developed.
  • You’ll learn more about the theory and skills of reflection.

Reflection on National Professional Qualifications (NPQ) (30 credit points)

  • This module provides an opportunity to reflect on the experience of an accredited National Professional Qualification (NPQML/Sl/H/EH) and the impact this has had on your professional practice.
  • You will explore the knowledge and understanding gained, and examine the skills developed. You will also learn more about the theory and skills of reflection.

Independent Study (30 credit points)

  • You will be able to select a small scale project to investigate an area of practice that is of current professional interest.
  • The focus will be negotiated and agreed with the module tutor through an initial proposal.
  • The investigation will include collection of information from both secondary and should you choose, primary sources, demonstrating knowledge and understanding through analysis, evaluation and reflection.

The following optional modules are applicable for part-time routes only:

Early Career Teachers (30 credit points)

  • This module is an opportunity for recently qualified (<5 years) teachers to examine key learning experiences and the impact these have had on their professional practice. It will explore the knowledge and understanding that they have gained, and examine the skills they have developed.
  • You’ll learn more about the theory and skills of reflection.

Reflection on National Professional Qualifications (NPQ) (30 credit points)

  • This module provides an opportunity to reflect on the experience of an accredited National Professional Qualification (NPQML/Sl/H/EH) and the impact this has had on your professional practice.
  • You will explore the knowledge and understanding gained, and examine the skills developed. You will also learn more about the theory and skills of reflection.

Independent Study (30 credit points)

  • You will be able to select a small scale project to investigate an area of practice that is of current professional interest.
  • The focus will be negotiated and agreed with the module tutor through an initial proposal.
  • The investigation will include collection of information from both secondary and should you choose, primary sources, demonstrating knowledge and understanding through analysis, evaluation and reflection.

Further information on what you'll study

Please be aware that modules are subject to availability, and NTU reserves the right to amend, change or withdraw modules at its discretion.

Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves

Student Profiles

Max Pownall - student profile

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

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.

Roshani Dias

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

Nabila Cuncheer

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

James Hardy

Enjoy the journey, rather than the destination. It is not about the qualification, it is about what you do along the way.

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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)
  • teaching at your own institution (by prior arrangement)
  • study sets
  • guest lecturers.

Special Interest and Research groups

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

Staff Profiles

Gaye Tyler-Merrick - Senior Lecturer

School of Social Sciences

Dr Tyler-Merrick is the Course Leader for the MA Education. She supervises PhD/ EdD and Masters student projects.

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
  • critical reviews of published research
  • 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 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.

Campus and facilities

Entry requirements

What are we looking for?

You will need:

  • Applicants will be expected to have achieved a third class honours degree, or equivalent, at undergraduate level. Equivalent international qualifications are acceptable for entry to the programme.

Other requirements:

  • A 300-500 word statement on: What aspects of the NTU MA Education programme stimulated your interest and subsequent application and how do you see this MA Education developing your career?
  • Work experience is preferred, but applications will be considered without it. We can find placements during the course for students without experience.

APL credits

Applicants can APL on to the part time route to complete between 90 and 170 credits. Therefore, the maximum APL is 90 credits and 10 credits is the minimum; the exception to this are applicants who graduated from the NTU PGDE ITE courses prior to 2018 with 120 credits at level 7 (the last year of entry for this cohort will be October 2023).

There are two common level 7 entry routes for applicants with APL into the course:

  1. PG Certificate in Education (with QTS) (maximum of 60 credits)
  1. Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) award (maximum of 60 credits)

For applicants with a PGCE in Education from an NTU ITE course (i.e. 60 credits at level 7), their level 7 credits will be automatically accepted. For applicants who completed a PGCE ITE course at another university or gained level 7 credits from  any non-ITE education course, consideration for APL on to the course will be considered on an individual basis.

Due to the rapidly changing nature of education, APL must occur within three years of having attained the award. (Note: the exception to this is applicants who graduated from the NTU PGDE ITE courses prior to 2018 with 120 credits at level 7 and APL for these applicants must occur within five years of having attained the award).

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 more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form

What are we looking for?

You will need:

  • Applicants will be expected to have achieved a third class honours degree, or equivalent, at undergraduate level. Equivalent international qualifications are acceptable for entry to the programme.

Other requirements:

  • A 300-500 word statement on: What aspects of the NTU MA Education programme stimulated your interest and subsequent application and how do you see this MA Education developing your career?
  • Work experience is preferred, but applications will be considered without it. We can find placements during the course for students without experience.

APL credits

Applicants can APL on to the part time route to complete between 90 and 170 credits. Therefore, the maximum APL is 90 credits and 10 credits is the minimum; the exception to this are applicants who graduated from the NTU PGDE ITE courses prior to 2018 with 120 credits at level 7 (the last year of entry for this cohort will be October 2023).

There are two common level 7 entry routes for applicants with APL into the course:

  1. PG Certificate in Education (with QTS) (maximum of 60 credits)
  1. Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) award (maximum of 60 credits)

For applicants with a PGCE in Education from an NTU ITE course (i.e. 60 credits at level 7), their level 7 credits will be automatically accepted. For applicants who completed a PGCE ITE course at another university or gained level 7 credits from  any non-ITE education course, consideration for APL on to the course will be considered on an individual basis.

Due to the rapidly changing nature of education, APL must occur within three years of having attained the award. (Note: the exception to this is applicants who graduated from the NTU PGDE ITE courses prior to 2018 with 120 credits at level 7).

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.

Fees and funding

Fees for September 2024

Study route

Home (UK students)

Full-time

£8,600

Part-time

£1,434 per 30-credit module, £2,867 per 60-credit module.

*Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.

Please contact gaye.tyler-merrick@ntu.ac.uk for offsite fees information.

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

Fees for September 2024

Study route

International/ EU students

Full-time

£17,500

Part-time

£2,800 per 30-credit module, £5,600 per 60-credit module.

*Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.

Please contact gaye.tyler-merrick@ntu.ac.uk for offsite fees information.

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.

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.

Please upload your 300-500 word statement with your application.

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.

Please upload your 300-500 word statement with your application.

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.

The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.