Education

For HM Forces

Study options

Award

MA

Key facts

Location:
Stoke-on-Trent campus
Study option:
Part-time, distance learning
Duration:
14 Months
Start date:
8 May 2025
School:
Health, Education, Policing and Sciences

Boost employability and enhance your skills

Develop your skills for a range of professional roles in a changing education sector

Streamlined study options

Complete the MA faster if you already have 60 to 120 postgraduate credits

Choose 100% online learning

Accessible and convenient learning with our online learning education specialists

Our innovative Masters degree is for anyone with a passion for education who wants to make a difference. You will develop your expertise and ability to lead change. This MA in Education is relevant to those who have already achieved 60 postgraduate credits within a relevant discipline and are looking to continue with their studies in order to gain a full Masters qualification.

Whether you’re a teacher, school leader, workplace trainer or an aspiring education professional, you can tailor the MA Education course to your career development ambitions. You will have the opportunity to share practice with educators from a broad range of sectors. 

You will critically examine policy and practice, explore practical ideas for improving your own setting, and become a research expert. As a member of our Institute of Education community, you will also be supported and have networking opportunities with the chance to share experiences.

This part-time course is delivered online.

Our flexible approach means you can study the MA from anywhere in the UK and beyond. The course will also enhance your ability to move within the education sector as it’s relevant to a range of professional roles.

As this course is delivered through online learning, you can fit your studies round work commitments, making it ideal for professional development.

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

Course content

On this course, you’ll deepen your understanding of contemporary education issues through critical thought, reflection and analysis. Themes include global citizenship, inclusion, the impact of policy on education practice, outdoor learning, environmental sustainability, and how to manage change initiatives.

We also cover entrepreneurship in education. For one task, you will pitch a creative solution to a problem, such as a new product or innovation.

Other assessments range from reports to preparing small-scale research proposals. There’s a strong focus on applying your learning to your own professional practice.

On successful completion of the Masters you may progress to an Education Doctorate or PHD:

Education - Staffordshire University (staffs.ac.uk)

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 where available.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Research Project Dl 60 credits
Social Research Dl 20 credits
The Disruptive Educator Dl 20 credits
Show 2 optional modules

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)
  • Evidence of an Enhanced DBS check (We can process this application but you’ll need to pay the standard fee)

If you would like further support with Level 7 academic writing, take a look at our Step-Up to Masters. This Level 7 module will provide you with the knowledge and skills required for successful academic performance at postgraduate level, whatever your professional background and intended level of study.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

This is offered as a 100 % Online Learning mode of delivery.

For the distance learning programme, 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 Thursday afternoon/evening.

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

Learning support

In addition to the excellent support you will receive from your course teaching team, our central Academic Skills team provides group and one-to-one help to support your learning in a number of areas. These include:

  • study skills such as reading, note-taking and presentation skills
  • written English, including punctuation and grammatical accuracy
  • academic writing and how to reference
  • research skills
  • critical thinking and understanding arguments
  • revision, assessment and examination skills
  • time management

Additional support

Our Student Inclusion Services support students with additional needs such as sensory impairment, or learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

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.

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

Staff

Apply

Location Award Study option Start date
Stoke-on-Trent campus MA Part-time, distance learning 8 May 2025 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.

in the UK for Quality Education

Sustainable Development Goal 4, Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

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

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021