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Education

For HM Forces

Award

Study option

Location

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Start dates available

May 2026

Apply now

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 Education community, you will also be supported and have networking opportunities with the chance to share experiences.

This part-time course is delivered online. The course is delivered late afternoon/ early evening on Wednesdays.

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)

Fees

The total course fee is £4,568 (after applying MoD discount).

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

Show 2 optional modules

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 optional modules
Change Initiatives And Teamworking Dl	20 credits
Outdoor Learning Dl	20 credits

Show 3 compulsory 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

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.

Staff

Please note, teaching team staff members may change during your studies.

Alyson Jolley

Senior Lecturer

Learning is something that we all experience throughout our lives and ensuring that it’s fun and engaging is my passion. Education is not just about schooling but is about education in our communities, from our youngest citizens to our wisest.

Alyson's profile

Dr Duncan Hindmarch

Course Director

My enthusiasm for learning led me to qualify, design and deliver to initial and subject specialist teacher training courses. I have an interest in developing virtual learning environments to support learning.

Duncan's profile

Rebecca Sherratt

Lecturer

I am extremely passionate about developing English education in the local area, with a particular interest in creativity in the secondary English classroom.

Rebecca's profile

Apply now to Education

Location	Award	Study option	Start date	Apply Link
Stoke-on-Trent campus	MA	Part-time, distance learning	7 May 2026	Apply now

Rules and regulations

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

Students of University of Staffordshire 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.