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) but it is not necessary to have taken a PGCE to take the MA. 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

The course requires attendance at a one-day seminar at the University of Buckingham and covers the following topics:

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

Full details in the Curriculum Handbook

For entry onto the MA in Education candidates will have undertaken a PGCE study with at least 60 Master’s credits at level 7 either from the University of Buckingham or an alternative university. For candidates with a level 6 PGCE, an additional module of study will be provided.

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
• 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 July 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.

Postgraduate loan scheme

A new system of postgraduate loans for Masters degrees in the UK was introduced in August 2016 with support from the UK Government. The loan will provide up to £10,280  for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas. The loans can be used for tuition fees, living expenses or both.  Find out more >>

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