MA in Education

Study level: Postgraduate
A group of mixed gender and ethnicity high school children running and laughing together.

The MA in Education is designed to help teachers acquire specialist knowledge in their chosen educational field, which they can apply in their current or future role in school.

Start date

January
May
September

Location

In schools

Course code

See how to apply

Study mode

Work-based learning with online study

Duration

1-2 years part-time

Cost

£4,250 - £6,500

Age phases

Primary
Secondary

How to apply

Course overview

This course has been designed with highly practical intentions for current teachers who wish to further their study and develop their expertise in a chosen specialist area within education. Learning aims to inform both professional practice and school improvement strategies.

There are currently three pathways available:

  • Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
  • Development of Expert Teaching
  • Mentoring in Education

Course details

The MA in Education aims to develop your knowledge and experience within your chosen area of expertise and is designed to complement your current role in school.

This course is offered on a part-time basis, for one or two years, to enable study alongside employment. Prior learning from a PGCE is fully recognised, reducing the number of credits and time required to gain the full Master’s degree.

In the first year, you will develop in-depth knowledge within your chosen field and critically reflect upon relevant issues. You will consider wider contexts and the impact on both your own role and that of whole-school development. You will engage with a wide range of research, theory, and pedagogical approaches.

Modules

  • During this module, you will focus on the origins and evolution of the five primary learning theories of behaviourism, cognitive learning, constructivism, humanism, and connectivism. Emphasis will be placed on your ability to identify and describe your own philosophy of education. Collaborative analysis of philosophical perspectives will deepen critical reflection on teaching and learning methodologies. This will shape the development of a personal philosophy for education that is relevant to your own practice.

    Compulsory

  • This module develops academic skills and supports you in exercising critical and independent judgement, as well as critical evaluation and synthesis. You will reflect on personal learning and professional experience, as well as evaluate your teaching practice and career to date.

    Compulsory

  • Select ONE of the following modules that link directly to your chosen course specialism.

    Once completed, the subject of your chosen pathway module will feed into the remaining course content and assessment.

    • Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
      This module is designed to benefit teachers at all levels of experience, from early career teachers to more experienced senior practitioners. It will cover key areas that are essential for an inclusive approach for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The module will build your confidence and understanding of SEND and develop an inclusive approach, leading to better outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
    • Development of Expert Teaching
      This module is aimed at teachers who are in the early stages of their careers. As a novice teacher, it will prepare you for your subsequent years of teaching. This is achieved through discussing key issues, such as leading a subject, having a comprehensive understanding of assessment and reflecting in a meaningful and transformative way. The module will build expertise in all the key aspects of a classroom practitioner.
    • Mentoring in Education
      This module is designed for established practitioners in the teaching profession. It explores what effective mentoring looks like and how pivotal it is in supporting and developing trainee teachers. This is achieved through engagement with academic study and following independent lines of enquiry.

    Compulsory

In the second year, you will focus on both the planning and implementation of your action research project. You will complete a detailed proposal, demonstrating how theory is transferred effectively into practice. You will finish the year by submitting your action research project.

Modules

  • This module develops a reflective and self-critical approach to Mentoring in Education/ Special Educational Needs and Disabilities/ Development of Expert Teaching. This module is practice-based and requires you to complete a combination of tasks, critical reflections and showcase evidence. You will be required to work collaboratively with your designated mentor and respond to feedback accordingly.

    Compulsory

  • In this module, you will plan a substantive piece of individual research applying theory within practice. You will critically evaluate ethical practices and draw upon the knowledge, and intellectual, technical and analytical skills developed during the course.

    Compulsory

  • In this module, you will carry out a substantive piece of individual research within your own educational setting, culminating in an action-research project. This piece of work will involve the critical analysis of a process within your context.

    Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

Entry requirements

In order to gain entry to the course you must:

  • Hold an undergraduate degree or equivalent, as assessed by UK ENIC.
  • Have completed some form of Initial Teacher Training.
  • Be employed in a relevant school/education setting (where learning can be embedded) for the duration of study, subject to selection criteria.

Evidence of prior learning

Evidence of prior learning may count towards credits for our MA Education. The potential entry points are outlined below:

No recognition of prior learning requires completion of all MA in Education modules (180 credits)

  • Philosophy for Education
  • Critical Reflection
  • Pathway: SEND, Development of Expert Teaching or Mentoring in Education
  • Portfolio for Professional Practice
  • Action Research Proposal
  • Action Research Project

Holders of PGCE Level 6 must complete the following modules (150 credits)

  • Critical Reflection
  • Pathway: SEND, Development of Expert Teaching or Mentoring in Education
  • Portfolio for Professional Practice
  • Action Research Proposal
  • Action Research Project

Holders of PGCE Level 7 must complete the following modules (120 credits)

  • Pathway: SEND, Development of Expert Teaching or Mentoring in Education
  • Portfolio for Professional Practice
  • Action Research Proposal
  • Action Research Project

For more information about this course, entry requirements or your educational setting suitability, speak to our team.

Contact us

In order to gain entry to the course you must:

  • Hold an undergraduate degree or equivalent, as assessed by UK ENIC.
  • Have completed some form of Initial Teacher Training.
  • Be employed in a relevant school/education setting (where learning can be embedded) for the duration of study, subject to selection criteria.

Visit our International Hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 or higher, with no component less than 5.5 (or equivalent), or TOEFL 600, or to have completed some of their education, for example, a degree, in English.

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

For more information about this course, entry requirements or your educational setting suitability, speak to our team.

Contact us

Fees and funding

Student Full-time Part-time
UK Not available 120 Level 7 credits (RPL of 60 Level 7 credits) - £4,250
150 Level 7 credits (RPL of 30 Level 6 credits) - £5,500
180 Level 7 credits (no RPL) - £6,500
EU Not available Not available
International Not available 120 Level 7 credits (RPL of 60 Level 7 credits) - £4,250
150 Level 7 credits (RPL of 30 Level 6 credits) - £5,500
180 Level 7 credits (no RPL) - £6,500

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

We recognise prior learning, so our tuition fees and course duration vary depending on if you have any credits from an existing PGCE at Level 6-7. The course lasts one to two years, depending on entry point.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page and see the University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

Tuition fees3 cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

How to apply

  • Applications for this course should be made through our CU Apply portal. Below are the course codes, please note down the code that is related to the course you wish to apply for.

    Apply now

    Course codes

    MA in Education (Development of Expert Teaching): CRBT014
    MA in Education (Mentoring in Education): CRBT015
    MA in Education (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities): CRBT016

  • Applications for this course should be made through our CU Apply portal. Below are the course codes, please note down the code that is related to the course you wish to apply for.

    Apply now

    Course codes

    MA in Education (Development of Expert Teaching): CRBT014
    MA in Education (Mentoring in Education): CRBT015
    MA in Education (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities): CRBT016

Frequently asked questions

  • Prior learning from a PGCE is fully recognised
    Reducing the number of credits and time you require to gain the full qualification.

    Practical application
    The MA has a practical focus, designed around a topic of your choice and relevant to teaching today.

    Specialist pathways
    Rooted in the topic and area of interest you select; allowing you to strengthen your professional development whilst continuing with your current practice.

    Online
    All of the course content and materials are available online, enabling you to study and revisit them as required and in your own time. Our platforms are interactive and engaging and enable both independent and peer learning. Our online tutorial system promotes regular, further engagement in groups with university tutors and subject specialists.

    Available worldwide
    Wherever you are based, you can study this programme with us.

    Multiple start dates
    You can choose to start the course in September, January, or May, according to your preferences and availability.

    Fall-back awards
    The following fall-back awards are available for partial course completion:

    • Postgraduate Certificate, following the successful completion of 60 credits.
    • Postgraduate Diploma in Education, following the successful completion of 120 credits.

  • The course is delivered online through webinars, podcasts, videos, research, and tutorials. Our platforms are interactive and engaging and enable both independent and peer learning. Course content and materials are available 24/7, enabling you to study and revisit them as required and in your own time.

    Our online tutorial programme provides you with teaching and support, both one-to-one with your own personal University Tutor and in a tutor group. Tutorials aim to deepen your understanding of the topics we cover, and prompt you to reflect, question existing policy and practice and conduct further research and study. Early modules cover study skills vital to success in conducting action research, rooted in the topic and area of interest selected.

    Current online platforms include:

    • Aula
    • PebblePad

    A 30-credit module consists of 300 hours of learning, which usually comprises:

    • 20 hours of online tutorials
    • 80 hours of guided independent study
    • 200 hours of independent study

    Contact hours will include a combination of online teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.

  • This course will be assessed using a variety of methods, depending upon the module.

    Assessment methods may include:

    • Assignments/Essays
    • Presentations
    • Projects

    The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progress towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

  • On successful completion of the course, you will have in-depth knowledge of your area of expertise (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities/Development of Expert Teaching/Mentoring in Education). You will understand the latest developments in research, theory and pedagogy and the impact these have on provision and practice. Transferrable skills you should have gained include the ability to critically reflect, analyse and evaluate areas of expertise within education, as well as applying advanced theory to positively impact change.

    As being in a school or relevant educational setting is a requirement of this course, you will be able to link theoretical concepts to your practice. You will be able to use this to inform your practice and have an impact on an area pertinent to school improvement and/or your own professional development.

    Areas of career progression and opportunities may include:

    • Whole school/subject leadership
    • Middle leadership
    • Senior leadership
    • Headship
    • Initial Teacher Training positions within schools, training providers and Higher Education Institutions
    • Further study, such as a PhD or Doctorate

  • NITE’s course portfolio includes Level 8 study, PhD in the Philosophy of Education and Youth Sport for teachers of physical education. This is a structured PhD from the Centre for Global Learning Education and Attainment.

  • Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, National Institute of Teaching and Education (NITE) and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the “University”) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

    1Accreditations

    The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

    2UK and international opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

    3Tuition fees

    The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

    For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

    4Facilities

    Facilities are subject to availability. Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

    5Placements

    Satisfactory health clearance and enhanced criminal record disclosure may be required. As part of the health clearance checks you will be required to provide information about your immunity and vaccination status. You will also be required to provide information about your COVID-19 vaccination status. We therefore recommend that you are fully vaccinated including the COVID-19 vaccine. The information you provide will be used to determine your eligibility to go on placement(s). Placements are provided at the placement provider’s discretion. The University is therefore unable to guarantee the provision of placements or the location and type of placement offered.

    Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2023/24 contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

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