Course outline

Our MA in Education is a one year, part-time course for teachers and school leaders to develop expertise in the field of education through critical evaluation of research and scholarship. The course builds on learning from a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). The course consists of a literature review, which informs a research project to explore an educational issue with a view to improving the candidate’s own professional practice or that of others. The study culminates in a dissertation involving a candidate’s own project in their school or research in a wider field of education.  To take this MA you only need to spend one day away from your school.  This course starts in September.

What is the point of doing an MA when I have a PGCE or am an experienced teacher?

1. Professionals do not stop learning at any stage in their working lives.  Doctors and lawyers, for example, have to have regular refresher courses.  In the same way teachers need a framework like an MA within which to learn about recent research in education and be prompted to consider whether they could be even better at what they do.
2. Not only will you learn about recent research in education, but you will also learn how to research in education.
3. Having taken the trouble to gain this qualification will show your employer and future employers that you are a serious, professional employee.
4. You will find the course intellectually stimulating.

Course content

You are normally expected to come for only one day to the University of Buckingham.  This will be in August or September.  One this day you will study:

• Conducting a literature review
• Academic writing of a literature review and critical evaluation
• Research methods
• Project/dissertation planning and design
• Ethics in educational research

If you cannot come to the UK then we require a minimum of ten trainees who can come together in one city in August or September and the tutor will come to you. There will be an additional charge for this.

You will submit three essays and a dissertation under the guidance of the university tutor.

Full details in the Curriculum Handbook

For entry onto the MA some candidates will have a UK PGCE with 60 Master’s credits at level 7 from Buckingham or another university.

Candidates with a degree but no level 7 PGCE will be asked to produce a portfolio of evidence of their work of up to 7000 words (further advice will be given).

How to Apply

Please use the ‘Apply Now’ button or contact The School of Education on +44 (0)1280 820222 or email education@buckingham.ac.uk. To apply you will need to supply:

• copy of PGCE certificate and transcript to show credit level (if you have one)
• copy of passport photo page (and visa/work permit where necessary)
• head and shoulder style photo for your University identity card

The closing date for applications is 5 August 2019.

Terms and conditions for prospective students

When you are offered a place at the University you will be notified of the terms and conditions between the University and students on our courses of study. When you accept an offer of a place on the course at the University a legal contract is formed between you and the University on the basis of the terms and conditions outlined in your offer letter. Your offer letter and the terms and conditions contain important information which you should read carefully before accepting any offer. Read the admissions terms and conditions > >

Tuition fees cover the cost of all tutoring as well as food when at Buckingham.

Applicants must also pay a non-refundable £275 registration fee.

All staff at COBIS member schools get a 5% discount on course fees. To ensure discount is applied please select COBIS from the partnership box on your application form.

As there is no requirement to attend the University of Buckingham for more than one day while on this course accommodation is not provided.