Education MA

Course in brief

This MA course has emerged as a direct result of our work with local practitioners and senior leaders in educational establishments. The course builds on existing structures to further integrate academic study with work-based learning and research.

The revised structure ensures a coherent and supportive student experience throughout the programme which comprises of core modules that can be applied in a variety of different areas.

Our programme reflects the expectation that practitioners work in wider networks with colleagues and alongside expert facilitators, including the university teaching team. A key premise of this programme is its flexibility. You can tailor the syllabus to allow you to pursue individual interests and professional development needs across the entire course.

Studying with us, you will graduate with an in-depth and critical understanding of theory and research. The focus is on learning and teaching in a breadth of educational contexts which are responsive to individual students’ circumstances, settings and situations and modules are designed to complement and extend professional commitments. Teaching and assignment submissions are scheduled to fit around your existing work.

The course takes one year of full-time study or up to three years of part-time study to complete depending on any
level-7 credits gained from prior learning. To graduate with an Education MA you need to achieve a total of 180 credits. More information about this can be found in the entry requirements section.

Scholarships

Scholarships, postgraduate loans and alumni discounts are available for this course. Find out if you are eligible in the fees and funding section.

Key facts

Location Falmer

Full-time 1 year
Part-time 2–3 years

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Please make sure that you meet the entry requirements before applying. If you have any questions the course team will be happy to help.

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Entry requirements

The entry requirements listed here are our typical offer for this course if you wish to begin studying with us in 2017. They should be used as a general guide.

We operate a flexible admissions policy – this means that you could receive a lower conditional offer than the typical offer, informed by our assessment of your complementary non-academic achievements and experiences. For courses that require interview or portfolio review, this may also be considered in the level of any conditional offer that follows if your application is successful.

Degree and experience

Good honours degree or equivalent and you must be working in a relevant professional role.
Evidence of an employment-based research project may be acceptable in place of an honours degree – each case will be considered on its merit.

Recognition of prior learning
Masters (level-7) credits which have been achieved through previous study may be used for entry to the course. Many PGCE and some BA programmes carry up to 60 level-7 credits, and these may contribute towards the 180 credits required for the masters award.

Postgraduate certificates studied at the University of Brighton (such as Autism, Dyslexia, Evidence-informed Practice and Primary Mathematics Specialist Teacher Programme) all carry 60 level-7 credits which can be used for entry to the course.

Students with level-7 credits usually join the MA programme from the third core module.

Claims for recognition of prior learning will be considered in line with university guidance and each applicant will be considered on their individual merits.

Prospective candidates will be asked to contact the Admissions Tutor to discuss these options.

For non-native speakers of English
IELTS 7.0 overall and 6.5 in writing, with no less than 5.5 in the other elements.

Course in detail

Course structure

The flexibility of our programme means that studying for the Education MA allows you to pursue your individual interests and professional development needs across the entire course.

The number of modules taken enables a manageable workload as well as further opportunities for formative assessment.

You will learn through a mixture of lectures, taught sessions, tutorials, online learning, group work, independent study and through work-related activities.

Areas of study

You will begin the programme with a focus on current issues reflecting on roles, responsibilities and interests. You will be supported to explore these issues from prospective within the broader context of policy and current research.

Subsequently, you will undertake critical thinking about practice, teaching and learning that will lead to an enquiry into an issue of professional relevance. This enquiry is a helpful and formative small-scale project which acts as a useful preparation before starting work on you MA thesis. The outcomes of the enquiry are intended to have a direct impact on pupils, colleagues and the wider education field, in addition to your own professional understanding.

Aims

Students on this course will:

develop systematic understanding of knowledge and a critical awareness of debates and developments in education as a field of study
undertake systematic and critical reflection and debate in the light of current and emerging policy contexts
engender an understanding of and commitment to professional learning and development and its place for the practitioner and subsequent practice
develop a thorough understanding of the principles of research in the context of learning and development to facilitate research literacy
develop conceptual understanding that enables critical evaluation of current research and advanced scholarship in the discipline and evaluation of methodologies
develop skills, knowledge and understandings and apply this learning to current / future roles, responsibilities and career aspirations

Part-time route

You will study up to five modules, split over two to three years depending on any recognition of prior learning. These modules build on and extend previous study and learning and provide a coherent and supportive learning journey towards achieving the MA Education.

Year 1

Engaging with Professional Development (20 credits)
Critical Perspectives on Education (40 credits)

Should you wish to withdraw from the course after having successfully completing 60 masters-level credits, you exit with a Postgraduate Certificate Professional Education Studies (PGCert PES).

Year 2

If you have any recognition of prior learning (normally level-7 credits from a PGCE or PGCert) you will join the programme at this stage.

Professional Learning through Enquiry (40 credits)
Designing your Research Proposal (20 credits)

Should you wish to withdraw from the course after having successfully completing 120 masters level credits, you exit with a postgraduate diploma Education (PGDip).

Year 3

You will complete your studies by undertaking an appropriate small-scale research project to produce your dissertation.

Research project (60 credits)

Full-time route

You will study four modules which are designed to build on and extend previous study and learning and which provide a coherent and supportive learning journey towards achieving the MA Education.

This route allows you to complete your studies over a calendar year (normally September-September). The overall aims of the MA are addressed through a reduced number of modules in order to achieve a manageable workload with opportunities for formative assessment.

Teaching semester 1 (October–February)

If you have any prior learning (normally level-7 credits from a PGCE or PGCert) you will begin the programme from the third module.

Critical Perspectives on Education (40 credits)
Developing a Practice-based Research Proposal (40 credits)

Should you wish to withdraw from the course having successfully completing 80 masters-level credits, you exit with a Postgraduate Certificate Professional Education Studies (PGCert PES) Award.

Teaching semester 2 (February–June)

Professional Learning through Enquiry (40 credits)

Should you wish to withdraw from the course having successfully completing 120 masters-level credits, you exit with a Postgraduate Diploma Education Award (PGDip).

Dissertation (60 credits)

Careers and employability

This course will further your professional development, allow you to progress your expertise within the field of education and enhance your employability for leadership roles.

Enhanced knowledge of educational issues and specialist areas of interest are attractive to a wide range of employers and typical career moves after graduation include promotion to senior leadership teams, advisory roles or promotion into a different education sector including those with capacity to influence policy.

Our graduates have commented on the ways that the MA in Education has positioned them for senior and leadership roles, for making a career move and improving their skills and professional potential.

The course also provides a springboard for further study at a doctoral level, either through PhD or EdD routes.

MA conference
Every June we host an education research conference as part of our MA. It provides an opportunity for both full-time and part-time MA students to learn about local practitioner research findings and to network with colleagues and local partners as well as EdD and PhD students too.

Fees and funding

Your fees

UK/EU (full-time) 5,875 GBP

International (full-time) 12,830 GBP

Students have the opportunity of paying for fees in instalments.

The fees are fully inclusive. The course itself is modular in design, and structured in stages so if students need to suspend studies or leave and re-enter the programme, it may be possible to accommodate this. There are some administrative costs associated with this option of course progression. Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study and may be subject to small increases, in line with inflation.

Postgraduate loans

The government has introduced a new loan scheme for postgraduate students who are UK or EU nationals resident in England and starting a master’s course at a UK university in the 2017–18 academic year.

Alumni discount
If you are a former student of the university, you are automatically a member of our Alumni Association and may be eligible for a 10% discount on tuition fees.

Early settlement discount
If you are able to pay your fees in full in advance, you may be eligible to apply for an Early Settlement Rebate (5%). This can be used in combination with the UoB Alumnus Discount.

Scholarships, bursaries and loans

We offer a range of scholarships for postgraduate students. Bursaries and loans may also be available to you.

Find out more about postgraduate fees and funding.

Location and living here

Location

About Brighton

Forward-thinking and welcoming, the city of Brighton & Hove is a community of creative and diverse people who share values like sustainability and inclusivity – just like its university.

Miles of pebble beaches, hundreds of bars, restaurants and clubs, a packed calendar of culture, music and sport and great independent and high street shopping attract visitors from all over the world. By the end of your course you’ll still be finding new things to enjoy about the city.

The Brighton Festival, England’s largest arts festival, takes place every May – as does the Great Escape Europe’s leading industry showcase for new music, 300 bands perform over three days at venues across the city. Major events celebrate Pride, digital culture, cinema, photography, food and the winter solstice. Our own Brighton Graduate show is a highlight, turning the university into the largest exhibition space in the south east as we celebrate the outstanding creativity of our students.

As a student here you’ll have a unique opportunity to experience what the city has to offer. Volunteering and placement opportunities enable you to play your part in the events, organisations and communities that make Brighton such a compelling place to be.

Campus where this course is taught

Falmer campus

Surrounded by the South Downs National Park and just five miles from the centre of Brighton, our Falmer campus has benefited from over £60million of investment over the past 10 years. 7,000 students are based here, studying subjects including English, education, social science, nursing and medicine.

Recent developments include the Falmer Sports Centre – with its fitness suites and sports hall – and the innovative Checkland Building, which has natural ventilation systems and an insulating green roof.

Falmer has also recently installed more than 600 solar panels, which reduce the campus’s carbon emissions by more than 80 tonnes. The renovation has made us one of the top universities in the UK for on-site renewable energy production.

Accommodation

Brighton

Our Brighton halls of residence are located across the city in Grand Parade, Moulsecoomb, Varley Park and Falmer.

Grand Parade is in central Brighton and has one hall of residence, Phoenix Brewery, within walking distance.
Moulsecoomb is two miles from the city centre and also has one hall of residence, Moulsecoomb Place, on campus.
Varley Park offers the biggest choice of student accommodation with ten halls of residence.
Falmer campus has two halls of residence: Great Wilkins and Paddock Field.
Varley Park and Falmer are around four miles from Brighton centre; there are good public transport services nearby.

Aside from halls, you have the option of Unihomes, which we let out to our students on behalf of private landlords.

You can also choose to join the many students who live away from campus in private rented accommodation. We have a list of high-quality, university-endorsed private sector accommodation and can help you find housemates to move in with.

Find out more on our Brighton accommodation webpages and if you have any questions, our accommodation team will be happy to help. You can contact them by email at accommodation@brighton.ac.uk or by telephone on 01273 644100.

Paddock Field

Moulsecoomb Place

Maps

Accommodation

University building

Falmer campus and Brighton and Sussex Medical School map

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If you have a question about this course, our School of Education team will be happy to help.

01273 643386

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Student views

Nadia Pashkevich

“I trained to be a teacher at the University of Brighton on the Primary Education (5–11) BA(Hons) with QTS. During the degree I was fascinated by the research side and so decided to continue my studies with the Education MA before starting in the classroom.

“I chose to study the Education MA at Brighton as the course looked exciting and has recently been updated and improved. I was also able to take advantage of the scholarships that Brighton offers its graduates alongside continuing to follow my passion.

“For my masters’ thesis I am carrying out research into the initial experiences of the UK education system with children from countries of conflict. The research will not only inform my own teaching but I hope it will also aid schools in preparing for the arrival of such children and helping them to settle in more easily.”

Laura Fair

I had a very positive experience at the University of Brighton studying Primary Education (5–11 years) BA (Hons) with QTS and always knew I wanted to continue my studies to support furthering my career.

I chose to study the Education MA as it offered face to face sessions which allowed me to be able to discuss ideas with other students and share experiences. I found this to be invaluable and felt supported by other students and lecturers.

The masters course wasn’t easy but it was well structured and the lecturers really do know what they are talking about, challenging you at every step. The university really promotes research and having this flexibility and openness to new ideas and findings really allowed me to research what I was really interested in.

I am now working as a deputy head in a primary school that values my masters degree and have been keen to draw on my research in developing the school further.

More views

“The chance to learn from knowledgeable and approachable tutors, who have delivered inspiring courses which are relevant to practice and education policy."

“An opportunity to meet like-minded teachers and to form professional friendships outside of your own school."

“A thought provoking programme which engages students and gives ownership and direction of their own CPD by choosing assignments related to their school."

“I've become a much more reflective leader. It has given me the opportunity to take time out and reflect on how I approach issues."

“I really enjoyed presenting to peers and presenting at the summer Education MA conference. Hearing how others are formulating their ideas and their dissertations is very interesting and very useful."

“Listening to other MA students presenting papers at the Education MA conference brought about confidence and self-esteem."

“The MA has been a step for further academic work. In addition, it was an advantage for job hunting and has been rewarded with increased
salary."