About this course
Education unlocks potential, fosters innovation, and has the power to transform lives.
At NTU, the MA Education course is designed for those people with a desire to provide high-quality education and care. You’ll explore the importance of education over time.
You’ll challenge your thinking as you reflect on how settings can make a positive impact on education and community development. All the while, you’ll build on your understanding of the field and emerge as a reflective and inclusive practitioner.
This course is aimed at education professionals or graduates with a related degree who wish to advance their career prospects. You’ll already work in a leadership or management role in an education focussed setting or have ambitions to move into leadership.
The MA Education degree is increasingly seen as both academic enhancement and a means to facilitate career progress. Many graduates have gone on to successful careers in the education sector, pursuing senior roles, while others have continued studying to complete a Professional Doctorate, an MPhil or a PhD.
If you are looking for a course that provides a recognised teaching qualification with QTS status, please visit our PGCE Secondary Education or PGCE Primary Education course page.
The course is structured to allow you to study MA Education or a specialist pathway in MA Education in Organisation Leadership and Governance, Inclusive Pedagogy, Early Childhood or, Pedagogic Enquiry.
Why study this course?
-
Study education in its broadest sense as you explore a diverse range of subject areas from the sociological, psychological, policy and social justice perspectives. -
Freedom to build your own Masters degree with a range of awards and modules in line with your specific interests and career aims. -
Become part of our research-active community as you design and carry out your own research. -
The course is designed and taught by experienced tutors and researchers with expertise in the sector.
of MA Education students are satisfied with the quality of the course (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2024)
What you’ll study
Full-time route
The full-time route takes place over three terms.
During terms one and two, you will study two modules per term. Once completed, you will then undertake your dissertation in a topic of your choice for an MA Education. If you follow a specialist pathway, the dissertation is in this topic (e.g. Organisation Leadership and Governance or Inclusive Pedagogy or Early Childhood or Pedagogic Enquiry).
Part-time route
The part-time route takes two to four years to complete. Most students study a module per term with the choice to ‘rest’ for a term and pick up a module in the next term until all four modules are completed. When studying the part-time route, you will have one year to complete your dissertation.
Select the pathways on the left to discover more about the associated modules for each route.
- MA Education
- MA Education in Organisation Leadership and Governance
- MA Education in Inclusive Pedagogy
- MA Education in Early Childhood
- MA Education in Pedagogic Enquiry
Core module
Contemporary Debates in Education (30 credit points)
- This module critically evaluates and reflects on the contemporary debates that emerge in academic, cultural, societal and political contexts and how these influence practice.
- You will bring your own views and experience to these debates, while engaging in critical reflection.
Developing Research Fluency (30 credit points)
- This module will develop your ‘research fluency’ by extending your knowledge of research strategies and philosophical and methodological aspects of educational research.
- You will develop a critical appreciation of ethical and professional issues in relation to educational research.
Exploring Educational Futures (30 credit points)
- In this module you will explore how education might need to develop to play a positive role in shaping society, whilst interacting sustainably with the environment.
- You will develop a critical approach to evidence, reading and writing to make sense of multiple viewpoints and complex networks of information.
Dissertation (60 credit points)
- The dissertation module allows you to focus your research in an area of professional interest, deepening your knowledge and understanding in your chosen career area.
Optional modules
You'll study one optional module from the below list:
Organisation Leadership and Governance (30 credit points)
- This module will develop your understanding of the nature of educational organisations, their governance and how these interact with leadership to develop successful and sustainable contexts for student development and growth.
- You will explore the roles of leadership and governance in developing sustainable and resilient organisations and develop a critical approach to evidence and experience.
Perspectives in Inclusive Practice (30 credit points)
- This module provides you with an opportunity to explore a wide range of perspectives on Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) and inclusion.
- You will explore key social and contemporary developments and reflect on practice as experiences by disabled learners, parents, teaching assistants and teachers.
Partnership Working with Children and Families (30 credit points)
- This module will develop your understanding of the ways that professionals and families can work together to support children’s holistic development.
- You will explore the context of early childhood and develop a critical and original approach to challenging practice in your local context and evolving new ways of working together with families and other professionals within a community of practice.
Evidence-based Education Practices (30 credit points)
- In this module you will develop a research informed pedagogic innovation for practice, which is inclusive and culturally aware.
- You will critically engage with and review a range of relevant research literature and learn to communicate your pedagogic innovation to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Core modules
Organisation Leadership and Governance (30 credit points)
- This module will develop your understanding of the nature of educational organisations, their governance and how these interact with leadership to develop successful and sustainable contexts for student development and growth.
- You will explore the roles of leadership and governance in developing sustainable and resilient organisations and develop a critical approach to evidence and experience.
Developing Research Fluency (30 credit points)
- This module will develop your ‘research fluency’ by extending your knowledge of research strategies and philosophical and methodological aspects of educational research.
- You will develop a critical appreciation of ethical and professional issues in relation to educational research.
Exploring Educational Futures (30 credit points)
- In this module you will explore how education might need to develop to play a positive role in shaping society, whilst interacting sustainably with the environment.
- You will develop a critical approach to evidence, reading and writing to make sense of multiple viewpoints and complex networks of information.
Dissertation (60 credit points)
- The dissertation module allows you to focus your research in an area of professional interest, deepening your knowledge and understanding in your chosen pathway.
Optional modules
You'll study one optional module from the below list:
Contemporary Debates in Education (30 credit points)
- This module critically evaluates and reflects on the contemporary debates that emerge in academic, cultural, societal and political contexts and how these influence practice.
- You will bring your own views and experience to these debates, while engaging in critical reflection.
Perspectives in Inclusive Practice (30 credit points)
- This module provides you with an opportunity to explore a wide range of perspectives on Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) and inclusion.
- You will explore key social and contemporary developments and reflect on practice as experiences by disabled learners, parents, teaching assistants and teachers.
Partnership Working with Children and Families (30 credit points)
- This module will develop your understanding of the ways that professionals and families can work together to support children’s holistic development.
- You will explore the context of early childhood and develop a critical and original approach to challenging practice in your local context and evolving new ways of working together with families and other professionals within a community of practice.
Evidence-based Education Practices (30 credit points)
- In this module you will develop a research informed pedagogic innovation for practice, which is inclusive and culturally aware.
- You will critically engage with and review a range of relevant research literature and learn to communicate your pedagogic innovation to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Core modules
Perspectives in Inclusive Practice (30 credit points)
- This module provides you with an opportunity to explore a wide range of perspectives on Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) and inclusion.
- You will explore key social and contemporary developments and reflect on practice as experiences by disabled learners, parents, teaching assistants and teachers.
Developing Research Fluency (30 credit points)
- This module will develop your ‘research fluency’ by extending your knowledge of research strategies and philosophical and methodological aspects of educational research.
- You will develop a critical appreciation of ethical and professional issues in relation to educational research.
Exploring Educational Futures (30 credit points)
- In this module you will explore how education might need to develop to play a positive role in shaping society, whilst interacting sustainably with the environment.
- You will develop a critical approach to evidence, reading and writing to make sense of multiple viewpoints and complex networks of information.
Dissertation (60 credit points)
- The dissertation module allows you to focus your research in an area of professional interest, deepening your knowledge and understanding in your chosen pathway.
Optional modules
You'll study one optional module from the below list:
Contemporary Debates in Education (30 credit points)
- This module critically evaluates and reflects on the contemporary debates that emerge in academic, cultural, societal and political contexts and how these influence practice.
- You will bring your own views and experience to these debates, while engaging in critical reflection.
Organisation Leadership and Governance (30 credit points)
- This module will develop your understanding of the nature of educational organisations, their governance and how these interact with leadership to develop successful and sustainable contexts for student development and growth.
- You will explore the roles of leadership and governance in developing sustainable and resilient organisations and develop a critical approach to evidence and experience.
Partnership Working with Children and Families (30 credit points)
- This module will develop your understanding of the ways that professionals and families can work together to support children’s holistic development.
- You will explore the context of early childhood and develop a critical and original approach to challenging practice in your local context and evolving new ways of working together with families and other professionals within a community of practice.
Evidence-based Education Practices (30 credit points)
- In this module you will develop a research informed pedagogic innovation for practice, which is inclusive and culturally aware.
- You will critically engage with and review a range of relevant research literature and learn to communicate your pedagogic innovation to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Core modules
Partnership Working with Children and Families (30 credit points)
- This module will develop your understanding of the ways that professionals and families can work together to support children’s holistic development.
- You will explore the context of early childhood and develop a critical and original approach to challenging practice in your local context and evolving new ways of working together with families and other professionals within a community of practice.
Developing Research Fluency (30 credit points)
- This module will develop your ‘research fluency’ by extending your knowledge of research strategies and philosophical and methodological aspects of educational research.
- You will develop a critical appreciation of ethical and professional issues in relation to educational research.
Exploring Educational Futures (30 credit points)
- In this module you will explore how education might need to develop to play a positive role in shaping society, whilst interacting sustainably with the environment.
- You will develop a critical approach to evidence, reading and writing to make sense of multiple viewpoints and complex networks of information.
Dissertation (60 credit points)
- The dissertation module allows you to focus your research in an area of professional interest, deepening your knowledge and understanding in your chosen pathway.
Optional modules
You'll study one optional module from the below list:
Contemporary Debates in Education (30 credit points)
- This module critically evaluates and reflects on the contemporary debates that emerge in academic, cultural, societal and political contexts and how these influence practice.
- You will bring your own views and experience to these debates, while engaging in critical reflection.
Organisation Leadership and Governance (30 credit points)
- This module will develop your understanding of the nature of educational organisations, their governance and how these interact with leadership to develop successful and sustainable contexts for student development and growth.
- You will explore the roles of leadership and governance in developing sustainable and resilient organisations and develop a critical approach to evidence and experience.
Perspectives in Inclusive Practice (30 credit points)
- This module provides you with an opportunity to explore a wide range of perspectives on Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) and inclusion.
- You will explore key social and contemporary developments and reflect on practice as experiences by disabled learners, parents, teaching assistants and teachers.
Evidence-based Education Practices (30 credit points)
- In this module you will develop a research informed pedagogic innovation for practice, which is inclusive and culturally aware.
- You will critically engage with and review a range of relevant research literature and learn to communicate your pedagogic innovation to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Core modules
Evidence-based Education Practices (30 credit points)
- In this module you will develop a research informed pedagogic innovation for practice, which is inclusive and culturally aware.
- You will critically engage with and review a range of relevant research literature and learn to communicate your pedagogic innovation to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Developing Research Fluency (30 credit points)
- This module will develop your ‘research fluency’ by extending your knowledge of research strategies and philosophical and methodological aspects of educational research.
- You will develop a critical appreciation of ethical and professional issues in relation to educational research.
Exploring Educational Futures (30 credit points)
- In this module you will explore how education might need to develop to play a positive role in shaping society, whilst interacting sustainably with the environment.
- You will develop a critical approach to evidence, reading and writing to make sense of multiple viewpoints and complex networks of information.
Dissertation (60 credit points)
- The dissertation module allows you to focus your research in an area of professional interest, deepening your knowledge and understanding in your chosen pathway.
Optional modules
You'll study one optional module from the below list:
Contemporary Debates in Education (30 credit points)
- This module critically evaluates and reflects on the contemporary debates that emerge in academic, cultural, societal and political contexts and how these influence practice.
- You will bring your own views and experience to these debates, while engaging in critical reflection.
Organisation Leadership and Governance (30 credit points)
- This module will develop your understanding of the nature of educational organisations, their governance and how these interact with leadership to develop successful and sustainable contexts for student development and growth.
- You will explore the roles of leadership and governance in developing sustainable and resilient organisations and develop a critical approach to evidence and experience.
Perspectives in Inclusive Practice (30 credit points)
- This module provides you with an opportunity to explore a wide range of perspectives on Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) and inclusion.
- You will explore key social and contemporary developments and reflect on practice as experiences by disabled learners, parents, teaching assistants and teachers.
Partnership Working with Children and Families (30 credit points)
- This module will develop your understanding of the ways that professionals and families can work together to support children’s holistic development.
- You will explore the context of early childhood and develop a critical and original approach to challenging practice in your local context and evolving new ways of working together with families and other professionals within a community of practice.
Further information on what you'll study
Please be aware that modules are subject to availability, and NTU reserves the right to amend, change or withdraw modules at its discretion.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
"This is the first module of my Masters in Education and the two staff leading it are excellent. They are extremely knowledgeable, make the sessions interesting and informative, and are also very approachable and supportive. I am very happy that I selected this module as I can see how it will inform and develop my future practice. The Clifton Campus is really nice and modern, there are some lovely walks around the grounds and great food available at the Pavilion."
(MA Education student review, Student Crowd)
Video Gallery
How you’re taught
How will I learn?
You’ll benefit from a variety of teaching and learning approaches designed to help you achieve the course learning outcomes and support you in your career ambitions.
Teaching and learning methods include:
- face-to-face learning
- blended learning
- virtual online learning environment (NOW)
- study sets
- guest lecturers.
Special Interest and Research groups
As a student on the MA Education course, you’ll have access to NTU special interest and research groups.
How you’re assessed
Your progress on the Masters course is assessed by 100% coursework.
A wide range of creative assessment strategies are used to develop the skills, knowledge and expertise you will need for your professional profile. These include:
- seminar presentations
- research posters / podcasts
- critical reviews of published research
- research study in an area of your choice
- essay writing.
Careers and employability
The MA Education degree is increasingly seen as both academic enhancement and a means to facilitate career progress. Many graduates have gone on to successful careers in the education sector, pursuing senior roles, while others have continued studying to complete a Professional Doctorate, an MPhil or a PhD.
The MA Education programme is not a teacher training course and will not give you Qualified Teacher Status.
Campus and facilities
Entry requirements
What are we looking for?
You will need:
- Applicants will be expected to have achieved a third class honours degree, or equivalent, at undergraduate level. Equivalent international qualifications are acceptable for entry to the programme.
Other requirements:
- A 300-500 word statement on: Explain why you selected MA Education (or particular pathway) and how do you see this developing your career? This submission is required as well as your personal statement. Submissions over the word count will not be considered.
- Work experience is preferred, but applications will be considered without it.
APL credits
Applicants can APL to complete 60 credits.
There are two common level 7 entry routes for applicants with APL into the course:
- PG Certificate in Education (with QTS) (maximum of 60 credits)
- Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (NASENCO) award (maximum of 60 credits)
For applicants with a PGCE in Education from an NTU ITE course (i.e. 60 credits at level 7), their level 7 credits will be automatically accepted. For applicants who completed a PGCE ITE course at another university or gained level 7 credits from any non-ITE education course, consideration for APL on to the course will be considered on an individual basis.
Due to the rapidly changing nature of education, APL must occur within five years of having attained the award.
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
What are we looking for?
International students can only undertake the MA Education or an MA Education pathway as a full-time degree.
You will need:
- Applicants will be expected to have achieved a third class honours degree, or equivalent, at undergraduate level. Equivalent international qualifications are acceptable for entry to the programme.
Other requirements:
- A 300-500 word statement on: Explain why you selected MA Education (or particular pathway) and how do you see this developing your career? This submission is required as well as your personal statement. Submissions over the word count will not be considered.
- Work experience is preferred, but applications will be considered without it. We can find placements during the course for students without experience.
APL credits
Applicants can APL to complete 60 credits.
There are two common level 7 entry routes for applicants with APL into the course:
- PG Certificate in Education (with QTS) (maximum of 60 credits)
- Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (NASENCO) award (maximum of 60 credits)
For applicants with a PGCE in Education from an NTU ITE course (i.e. 60 credits at level 7), their level 7 credits will be automatically accepted. For applicants who completed a PGCE ITE course at another university or gained level 7 credits from any non-ITE education course, consideration for APL on to the course will be considered on an individual basis.
Due to the rapidly changing nature of education, APL must occur within five years of having attained the award.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Postgraduate preparation courses (Pre-Masters)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Pre-Masters courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
Fees for September 2025:
Study route | Home (UK students) |
Full-time | £8,750 |
Part-time | £1,459 per 30-credit module, £2,917 per 60-credit module. |
*Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.
Please contact gaye.tyler-merrick@ntu.ac.uk for offsite fees information.
Funding your studies
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and living costs page or our funding page will answer all your questions.
You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.
Please take a look at our postgraduates’ guide funding page for information about sourcing grants, bursaries and scholarships, and much more.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494
Fees for September 2025:
Study route | International/ EU students |
Full-time | £17,850 |
Part-time | £2,975 per 30-credit module, £5,950 per 60-credit module. |
*Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.
Please contact gaye.tyler-merrick@ntu.ac.uk for offsite fees information.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
How to apply
Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.
Please upload your 300-500 word statement with your application on: Explain why you selected MA Education (or particular pathway) and how do you see this developing your career?
This submission is required as well as your personal statement. Submissions over the word count will not be considered.
Writing your application
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.
Keeping up to date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please contact us at Ask NTU or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
Please read our notes on the University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.
Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.
Please upload your 300-500 word statement with your application on: Explain why you selected MA Education (or particular pathway) and how do you see this developing your career?
This submission is required as well as your personal statement. Submissions over the word count will not be considered.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.
