MA Education fully online
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.
This is one of the most popular Masters courses of its type in the UK and the largest Masters course in the university. We take students from all round the world. They appreciate the opportunity to follow their own interests while being given clear guidance about the requirements of a serious level 7 academic qualification.
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.
What is the point of doing an MA when I have a PGCE or am an experienced teacher?
- 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.
- Not only will you learn about recent research in education, but you will also learn how to do research yourself.
- Having taken the trouble to gain this qualification will show your employer and future employers that you are a serious, professional employee.
- You will find the course intellectually stimulating.
Course content
- Conducting a literature review
- Academic writing of a literature review and critical evaluation
- Research methods
- Project/dissertation planning and design
- Ethics in educational research
You will submit three essays and a dissertation under the guidance of the university tutor.
Course delivery
Everyone on the Master’s course is allocated a supervisor. You will be able to meet with your supervisor at times that are suitable for you both. This is likely to be via Zoom/Teams or another online meeting platform. You are also supported by study sessions during the course. There is usually a session early in the course to introduce you to how the course will run, then there will be twilight sessions during the year to support you with each module and with the completion of the dissertation overall. The majority of these are optional in terms of attendance as we know that many people struggle to be available at certain times. However, all these sessions are recorded and can be watched after the live event. This means that as you progress through the course you end up having a library of videos to support you to a successful outcome.
Should I do the MA in Education or the MA in Education (Evidence-based Practice)?
The MA in Education (Evidence-based Practice) is longer and has more of a focus on evidence-based practice. It is 180 credits which means you can get a student loan in England. However, if you have credits you wish to bring with you, then opt for the MA in Education or MA in Residential Education – the topic of focus is up to you (with agreement from us).
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 by email education@buckingham.ac.uk or calling +44 (0)1280 820 222. 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 application deadline is 15 July 2021.
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 > >
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Applicants must also pay a non-refundable £275 registration fee.
Fees are invoiced for in September, at the beginning of the course, and can be paid in termly installments or in one lump sum. Termly instalments can be arranged directly with the Finance department upon receipt of the invoice.
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.
If you wish to apply for a fees loan then you should take the MA in Education (evidence-based practice).
If you would like a University of Buckingham lecturer to visit your school for additional training and support and you can assemble ten or more trainees in one place, this is possible for an additional fee. Just ask us for details.
Applicants from China should apply through the Buckingham International School of Education, not this page; click here: https://bise.openapply.cn/
Apply directly
You can apply directly using our online application form – all you need to do is click the ‘apply’ button at the bottom of this page.
You do not need to apply separately for this programme, your offer will include the necessary Pre-Masters term.
Help and support
If you need any help making your application or if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch using the form below, or by phone on +44 (0)1280 820227. We are available between 09:00 and 17:00, Monday to Friday.
If you would like to make any changes to your current application, please contact Admissions using the form below.