Education

Study options

Award

MA

Key facts

Location:
Stoke-on-Trent campus
Location:
Stoke-on-Trent campus
Study option:
Part-time, distance learning, September start
Study option:
Part-time, distance learning, May start
Duration:
10 Months
Duration:
14 Months
Start date:
25 September 2023
School:
Institute of Education

Boost employability

Develop your skills for a range of professional roles

Flexible learning

Choice of two different study modes

Enhance your skills

Course prepares you for a changing education sector

Part time, distance learning, September start (for candidates with 120 valid L7 credits in an Education or related Award) Part time, distance learning, May start (for candidates with 60 valid L7 credits in an Education or related Award)

Successfully completing our MA Education will enhance your employability skills and ability to move within the education sector. The award will strengthen your understanding of educational issues and the knowledge required for a number of professional roles.

The MA in Education (Advanced Standing) is relevant to those who have already achieved between 60-120 post graduate credits within a relevant discipline and are looking to continue with their studies in order to gain a full Masters qualification.

Valid credits are those that have been awarded within 5 years of the commencement of your MA studies. Additionally, applications with credits older than 5 years will be considered if the candidate can evidence ongoing employment within the education sector. This evidence includes: a suitable reference from your employer, a short list of main recent CPD undertaken and a brief outline of your current education role.

The course seeks to develop students to become outstanding, highly skilled and knowledgeable professionals within the field of education. This innovative course provides a focused and critical examination of education practice, policy and research, through a variety of specialist modules relevant to the education and early childhood sectors.

Successfully completing our MA Education will enhance your employability skills and ability to move within the education sector. The award will strengthen your understanding of educational issues and the knowledge required for a number of professional roles.

The MA in Education (Advanced Standing) is relevant to those who have already achieved between 60-120 post graduate credits within a relevant discipline and are looking to continue with their studies in order to gain a full Masters qualification.

Valid credits are those that have been awarded within 5 years of the commencement of your MA studies. Additionally, applications with credits older than 5 years will be considered if the candidate can evidence ongoing employment within the education sector. This evidence includes: a suitable reference from your employer, a short list of main recent CPD undertaken and a brief outline of your current education role.

The course seeks to develop students to become outstanding, highly skilled and knowledgeable professionals within the field of education. This innovative course provides a focused and critical examination of education practice, policy and research, through a variety of specialist modules relevant to the education and early childhood sectors.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MA Education

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MA Education

Work placements

Although not compulsory, you will find it beneficial to have current experience of working in a relevant educational setting.

Gaining first-hand experience in a sector linked to your professional aspirations will enhance your professional development and help provide context to your studies. The MA Education does not lead to Qualified Teacher Status.

Work placements

Although not compulsory, you will find it beneficial to have current experience of working in a relevant educational setting.

Gaining first-hand experience in a sector linked to your professional aspirations will enhance your professional development and help provide context to your studies. The MA Education does not lead to Qualified Teacher Status.

Course content

Each module draws on concepts, theory and published research that will be relevant to the decisions which practitioners in education have to make. These resources are also used to underpin participants’ future practice with a broad and critical understanding of issues within the field of education. The module learning outcomes are designed to consistently facilitate the development of critical thought, reflection and analysis.

Each module draws on concepts, theory and published research that will be relevant to the decisions which practitioners in education have to make. These resources are also used to underpin participants’ future practice with a broad and critical understanding of issues within the field of education. The module learning outcomes are designed to consistently facilitate the development of critical thought, reflection and analysis.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Dissertation (Dl) 60 credits
Research Methods (Dl) 20 credits

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Education For Social Justice (Dl) 40 credits
Learning And Assessment (Dl) 40 credits
Thinking Critically (Dl) 20 credits
Year 2 compulsory modules
Dissertation (Dl) 60 credits
Research Methods (Dl) 20 credits

Entry requirements

You’ll need:

  • An Honours degree, classification 2:2 or above
  • GCSE English grade C or above, or equivalent
  • For all stages of the course, it is necessary for participants to be able to have access to the Internet (to allow Virtual Learning Environment access and e-mail contact for communication with course tutors and administrators)

If your first language is not English, you’ll need at least one of the following:

  • a minimum score of 7 (with a minimum of 6.5 in the writing and listening modules) in IELTS (International English Language Testing System) as administered by the British Council in most countries
  • a minimum score of 550 in TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or 213 in the computer-based test. TOEFL results must include a minimum score of 4.5 for the TWE (Test of Written English)

You’ll need:

  • An Honours degree, classification 2:2 or above
  • GCSE English grade C or above, or equivalent
  • For all stages of the course, it is necessary for participants to be able to have access to the Internet (to allow Virtual Learning Environment access and e-mail contact for communication with course tutors and administrators)

If your first language is not English, you’ll need at least one of the following:

  • a minimum score of 7 (with a minimum of 6.5 in the writing and listening modules) in IELTS (International English Language Testing System) as administered by the British Council in most countries
  • a minimum score of 550 in TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or 213 in the computer-based test. TOEFL results must include a minimum score of 4.5 for the TWE (Test of Written English)

For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

Choose your country

Check our entry and English language requirements for your country.

GO
Careers

This award is focused on professional development and is therefore suitable if you’re planning to work in traditional or non-traditional educational settings including and not limited to galleries, museums, visitor centres and offender settings.

Once you’ve achieved your Master’s degree, you’ll have the opportunity to progress to our PhD and EdD awards – Doctoral-level programmes aimed at helping you develop your capabilities even further.

All students have access to Career Connect, our dedicated careers team.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

The content and structure of the modules is designed to be delivered through distance learning mode. A variety of distance learning and teaching methods will be used to help students develop their critical thinking and evaluative skills. Via the University’s online platforms, students will engage in synchronous and asynchronous collaborative learning activities. Students will be required to attend up to four synchronous learning sessions for each module. These are scheduled to take place on Saturdays.

All applicants will need to have internet access and a suitable device that enables them to work collaboratively with others when completing synchronous and asynchronous tasks.

The content and structure of the modules is designed to be delivered through distance learning mode. A variety of distance learning and teaching methods will be used to help students develop their critical thinking and evaluative skills. Via the University’s online platforms, students will engage in synchronous and asynchronous collaborative learning activities. Students will be required to attend up to four synchronous learning sessions for each module. These are scheduled to take place on Saturdays.

All applicants will need to have internet access and a suitable device that enables them to work collaboratively with others when completing synchronous and asynchronous tasks.

Assessment

Each module is assessed separately and contributes to the final grade for that course. All modules are assessed through a variety of approaches. Assessment tasks are designed to allow you to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding using a variety of different approaches. In addition to traditional formal written assignments, you will also be assessed through tasks which allow you to utilise their digital, presentation, investigative and problem-solving skills. Assessment tasks include:

  • Literature review
  • Essay
  • Presentations and discussion (synchronous and asynchronous)
  • Project proposals
  • Report

Opportunities for formative assessment are built into every module through a variety of formats. The approaches used for formative assessment are intended to facilitate students’ self-assessment in learning and to encourage teacher and peer dialogue about learning. Formative assessment opportunities typically employed include:

  • Reflective group discussion
  • Peer Feedback
  • Tutor feedback
  • Individual and collaborative tasks

Each module is assessed separately and contributes to the final grade for that course. All modules are assessed through a variety of approaches. Assessment tasks are designed to allow you to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding using a variety of different approaches. In addition to traditional formal written assignments, you will also be assessed through tasks which allow you to utilise their digital, presentation, investigative and problem-solving skills. Assessment tasks include:

  • Literature review
  • Essay
  • Presentations and discussion (synchronous and asynchronous)
  • Project proposals
  • Report

Opportunities for formative assessment are built into every module through a variety of formats. The approaches used for formative assessment are intended to facilitate students’ self-assessment in learning and to encourage teacher and peer dialogue about learning. Formative assessment opportunities typically employed include:

  • Reflective group discussion
  • Peer Feedback
  • Tutor feedback
  • Individual and collaborative tasks

Learning support

Your course tutors will provide lots of support. But you can also take advantage of our Academic Skills team, who can help you with:

  • Study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
  • Written English (including punctuation, grammar)
  • Academic writing (including how to reference)
  • Research skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Revision, assessment and exam skills (including time management)

Additional support

If you have additional needs like dyslexia or a sensory impairment, then our Student Inclusion Services are here to help make sure nothing stands in your way.

Feedback

You’ll receive constructive feedback on all work submitted for assessment. Feedback is intended to help you learn and develop and you’re encouraged to discuss it with your module tutor.

Feedback is normally provided within 20 working days following submission of work.

You’ll receive constructive feedback on all work submitted for assessment. Feedback is intended to help you learn and develop and you’re encouraged to discuss it with your module tutor.

Feedback is normally provided within 20 working days following submission of work.

Your overall workload will consist of independent learning and assessment activity, with each credit taken equating to a total study time of approximately 10 hours. Your actual contact hours may depend on the option modules that you select.

Your overall workload will consist of independent learning and assessment activity, with each credit taken equating to a total study time of approximately 10 hours. Your actual contact hours may depend on the option modules that you select.

Independent learning

When not in lectures, seminars or other timetabled sessions, you’ll be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, undertaking research in the library, preparing for assignments and classwork, and planning for your dissertation.

Your independent learning will be supported by a range of excellent facilities, including the library and the learning zone. Self-instructional learning materials are delivered through our Virtual Learning Environment, Blackboard.

When not in lectures, seminars or other timetabled sessions, you’ll be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, undertaking research in the library, preparing for assignments and classwork, and planning for your dissertation.

Your independent learning will be supported by a range of excellent facilities, including the library and the learning zone. Self-instructional learning materials are delivered through our Virtual Learning Environment, Blackboard.

Staff

You'll be taught by staff who have a range of academic and industry experience. 

Dr Sharon Inglis

Senior Lecturer

My main teaching areas and interests learning and assessment, collaborative working in education, culture and society, and research and study skills.

Sharon's profile

Dr Amanda Turner

Senior Lecturer

I am currently the Programme Leader for the Postgraduate Certificate in Higher and Professional Education at Staffordshire University. I lead the Academic Professional Apprenticeship and supervise doctorate students within the Institute .

Amanda's profile

Tara Ball

Senior Lecturer

My interest for PSED stems from working in Early Years. My focus is now on supporting students to develop and apply social, emotional and reflective skills when supporting young children, in preparation for a smooth transition into the workforce.

Tara's profile

Dr Jo Basford

Associate Professor Of Education

Education is transformative. It enables us to see the world differently, to challenge our thinking and to try new things. My ambition is that student’s learning with the Institute of Education will be a transformative experience.

Jo's profile

Fees

For the course starting on 25 September 2023 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Part-time £2,820 per course £2,820 per course

For the course starting on 8 May 2023 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands
Part-time £5,490 per course

The expected study pattern on this programme enables you to complete modules totalling 40 credits in your first year of study, and the other 80 credits in your second year of study. 

If you would like to know more about the fees listed and what this means to you then please get in touch with our Enquiries Team.

Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation

Sources of financial support

Providing you are studying towards a full Masters qualification you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan of up to £11,570 to help with tuition fees, maintenance and other associated costs. Student loans are available for many of our postgraduate degrees and are provided by the Student Loans Company (SLC). The loan can cover a wide range of postgraduate study options; part-time, full-time and distance learning. 

For more information and how to apply visit masters loan.

Scholarships and additional funding

You could be eligible for a Staffordshire University bursary when you choose to study one of our postgraduate Education courses. Visit our Fees and Bursaries page to find out more.

Scholarships and additional funding

You could be eligible for a Staffordshire University bursary when you choose to study one of our postgraduate Education courses. Visit our Fees and Bursaries page to find out more.

Our students

I loved being in the classroom as a learner and not the teacher.

I loved being in the classroom as a learner and not the teacher, reflecting on my practice as a professional and rising to the challenge of academic writing. Personally, I found the journey of discovering my own self-belief most rewarding; and something I could not have achieved without the support of the tutors.

Allie Campbell

MA Education

Apply

Location Award Study option Start date
Stoke-on-Trent campus MA Part-time, distance learning, September start 25 September 2023 Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at Staffordshire University, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of Staffordshire University enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations. 

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of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021