Education MA/PGDip/PGCert

Postgraduate

A group of mixed gender and ethnicity high school children running and laughing together.

Develop your knowledge with our MA in Education course. Study online alongside work and choose from three specialist pathways. Available as an MA, PGDip or PGCert.

Location

In schools

Study mode

Work-based learning with online study

Duration

MA: part-time over 1-2 years
PGDip: part-time over 4 terms
PGCert: part-time over 2 terms

Course code

See how to apply

Start date

January
May
September

Age phases

Primary
Secondary
Further Education
Higher Education

How to apply

Course overview

This course is designed specifically for qualified teachers working across a range of educational settings, including nurseries, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provisions, and primary and secondary schools worldwide.

This course draws on both academic research and professional practice, supporting you to develop knowledge and understanding while studying for a high-level qualification alongside your current role within a school community.

Specialist pathways

You can choose from three specialist pathways, depending on your interests and professional focus:

Development of Expert Teaching: ideal for those new to the profession looking to master the foundations of successful practice.
Mentoring in Education: designed for established practitioners interested in supporting and developing the next generation of teachers.
SEND: tailored for educators focused on developing inclusive practices within diverse classroom contexts.

Flexible qualification levels

We understand that every professional journey is different. You can choose to study this course at a qualification level that suits your current needs:

Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert): a focused six-month programme specifically related to your pathway and career trajectory.
Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip): a 15-month pathway that offers deeper reflection and philosophical study without the commitment of a final research project.
Master of Arts (MA): the full 24-month qualification, culminating in an original action research project within your own school.

If you hold a PGCE at Level 6 or 7, or a National Professional Qualification (NPQ), you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning, which could reduce the time required to complete your chosen qualification. See entry requirements for more information.

Course details

The modules you study and the order you study them will depend on the qualification level you choose, as each stage builds on the last to deepen your expertise.

If you enrol for the PGCert, you will focus on your chosen specialist pathway module and a practice-based portfolio.
To achieve the PGDip, you will expand your studies to include modules in Critical Reflection and the Philosophy of Education.
For the full MA, you will complete all modules and continue with an Action Research Proposal and a final project conducted within your own school.

Programme delivery is entirely online, blending weekly live tutorials with asynchronous modules you can complete around your other commitments. Live sessions may be repeated to accommodate students based outside England and in other time zones.

Courses

Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) - all routes

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

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) - 30 credits
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 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.

Optional

Development of Expert Teaching - 30 credits
This module is aimed at teachers who are in the early stages of their careers. As a recently qualified 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 is designed to build expertise in all the key aspects of a classroom practitioner.

Optional

Mentoring in Education - 30 credits
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 and staff. This is achieved through engagement with academic study and following independent lines of enquiry.

Optional

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

Portfolio for Professional Practice – 30 credits

This module develops a reflective and self-critical approach to your chosen pathway module. 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

Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) - all routes

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

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) - 30 credits
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 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.

Optional

Development of Expert Teaching - 30 credits
This module is aimed at teachers who are in the early stages of their careers. As a recently qualified 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 is designed to build expertise in all the key aspects of a classroom practitioner.

Optional

Mentoring in Education - 30 credits
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 and staff. This is achieved through engagement with academic study and following independent lines of enquiry.

Optional

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

Portfolio for Professional Practice – 30 credits

Compulsory

Critical Reflection – 30 credits

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

Philosophy for Education - 30 credits

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 help shape the development of a personal philosophy for education that is relevant to your own practice.

Compulsory

MA - all routes

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

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) - 30 credits
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 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.

Optional

Development of Expert Teaching - 30 credits
This module is aimed at teachers who are in the early stages of their careers. As a recently qualified 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 is designed to build expertise in all the key aspects of a classroom practitioner.

Optional

Mentoring in Education - 30 credits
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 and staff. This is achieved through engagement with academic study and following independent lines of enquiry.

Optional

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

Portfolio for Professional Practice – 30 credits

Compulsory

Critical Reflection – 30 credits

Compulsory

Philosophy for Education - 30 credits

Compulsory

Action Research Proposal – 30 credits

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

Action Research Project - 30 credits

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:

An honours degree 2:2 or above (or international equivalent as assessed by UK ENIC) in any discipline.
You must also provide evidence of Initial Teacher Training, such as a BEd, BA/BSc with QTS, PgCE/ProfGCE, PGCE or PGDE.

Recognition of prior learning

Holders of a Level 6 Initial Teacher Training qualification will be exempt from the Philosophy for Education module.

Holders of a Level 7 Initial Teacher Training qualification will be exempt from the Philosophy for Education and Critical Reflection modules.

If you hold a National Professional Qualification (NPQ), you could be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning, dependent on the NPQ level and specialist pathway chosen. Please contact us for more information before applying.

In order to gain entry to the course you must:

An honours degree 2:2 or above (or international equivalent as assessed by UK ENIC) in any discipline.
You must also provide evidence of Initial Teacher Training, such as a BEd, BA/BSc with QTS, PgCE/ProfGCE, PGCE or PGDE.

You can view our full list of country-specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

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.

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

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK	Not available	MA: £6,500 PGDip: £4,250 PGCert: £2,125
EU	Not available	Not available
International	Not available	MA: £6,500 PGDip: £4,250 PGCert: £2,125

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

UK students

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 Pathway): CRBT014
MA in Education (Mentoring in Education Pathway): CRBT015
MA in Education (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities): CRBT016

Postgraduate Diploma (Development of Expert Teaching Pathway): CRBT019
Postgraduate Diploma (Mentoring in Education Pathway): CRBT021
Postgraduate Diploma (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Pathway): CRBT023

Postgraduate Certificate (Development of Expert Teaching Pathway): CRBT018
Postgraduate Certificate (Mentoring in Education Pathway): CRBT020
Postgraduate Certificate (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Pathway): CRBT022

International students

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 Pathway): CRBT014
MA in Education (Mentoring in Education Pathway): CRBT015
MA in Education (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities): CRBT016

Post Graduate Diploma (Development of Expert Teaching Pathway): CRBT019
Post Graduate Diploma (Mentoring in Education Pathway): CRBT021
Post Graduate Diploma (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Pathway): CRBT023

Post Graduate Certificate (Development of Expert Teaching Pathway): CRBT018
Post Graduate Certificate (Mentoring in Education Pathway): CRBT020
Post Graduate Certificate (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Pathway): CRBT022

Frequently asked questions

Why should I study this course? - England

Prior learning from a PGCE or NPQ is fully recognised
Reducing the number of credits and time you require to gain the full master's degree.

Practical application
These qualifications have 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 nationwide
Wherever you are based, you can study this programme with us.

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

Employability
On successful completion, you will gain either an MA, PGDip or PGCert in your chosen specialism, which could enhance your employability.

Why should I study this course - International

Prior learning from a PGCE or NPQ is fully recognised
Reducing the number of credits and time you require to gain the full master's degree.

Practical application
The courses are designed to build on the professional practice you undertake in your specialist area, allowing your experience to inform and enhance your study and assessments.

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. You’ll benefit from an online tutorial programme that offers structured teaching and support, both through one-to-one guidance from your dedicated university tutor and within a collaborative tutor group.

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

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

Employability
On successful completion, you will gain either an MA, PGDip or PGCert in your chosen specialism, which could enhance your employability.

How will I learn?

The course is delivered in English 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. The majority of learning may be asynchronous, however when elements are at set times, we will offer alternative times to account different time zones.

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.

There are no elements of the course that require you to travel to Coventry or other venues.

How will I be assessed?

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.

What career opportunities could I have after completing the course?

On successful completion of these qualifications, you will have increased your in-depth knowledge in your chosen area of study and gained further understanding of the latest developments in research, theory and pedagogy. You will be able to assess the impact of these developments on professional provision and practice. You should also develop advanced transferable skills, including the ability to critically reflect upon, analyse and evaluate educational issues while applying theory to drive positive change.

As being in a school or relevant educational setting is a requirement of these qualifications, 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 the following:

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

The graduate destinations listed above illustrate potential career paths. You may need to gain additional qualifications or practical experience, pass professional examinations, complete training, cover associated costs and meet specific visa or immigration requirements to secure employment in these fields.

Are there opportunities for further study?

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, 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 unpaid and/or 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, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any 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.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2028/29. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above 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. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. The current 2025/2026 contract applies to students starting between September 2025 and July 2026. Students starting between September 2026 and July 2027 will be covered by the 2026/2027 Student Contract. 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.

Education MA/PGDip/PGCert

Location

Study mode

Duration

Course code

Start date

Age phases

Course overview

Specialist pathways

Flexible qualification levels

Course details

Courses

Entry requirements

Recognition of prior learning

English language requirements

Fees and funding

How to apply

Course codes

Course codes

Frequently asked questions

¹Accreditations

²UK and international opportunities

³Tuition fees

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

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Education MA/PGDip/PGCert

Course features

Location

Study mode

Duration

Course code

Start date

Age phases

Course overview

Specialist pathways

Flexible qualification levels

Course details

Courses

Entry requirements

Recognition of prior learning

English language requirements

Fees and funding

How to apply

Frequently asked questions

You may also like

MA in Educational Leadership

Operations Manager Apprenticeship (Schools and Colleges)

Level 5 Coaching Professional Apprenticeship