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Education

For HM Forces

Award

Study option

Location

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Start dates available

May 2026
May 2027

Apply now

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.

This May start is for candidates with 60 valid L7 credits in an Education or related Award.

If you don't have any eligible L7 credits please see our MA Education course.

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.

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

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.

The course is delivered late afternoon/ early evening on Thursdays.

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
Education For Social Justice	40 credits

Year 2 compulsory modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
Dissertation	60 credits
Research Methods	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 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 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)

If you would like further support with Level 7 academic writing, follow the link to the 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. https://www.staffs.ac.uk/course/step-up-to-masters-2-module

International entry requirements

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

a minimum score of 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 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

Get country-specific details on entry requirements, fees, scholarships and support services. Choose your country to see how University of Staffordshire can support you from application to arrival.

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.

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.

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 now to Education

Location	Award	Study option	Start date	Apply Link
Stoke-on-Trent campus	MA	Part-time, distance learning	2 May 2026	Applications are not currently open for this course.
Stoke-on-Trent campus	MA	Part-time, distance learning	18 May 2027	Applications are not currently open for this course.

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.