MA Education

Take an in-depth look at education research, policy and practice on this master’s, which is offered on a highly flexible basis.

Course overview

If you are looking to study education at master’s level, then this course enables you to learn in a way that fits with your own work priorities and commitments. You can choose from four study pathways to focus your learning where you want to develop.

Whether you are working as a teacher, lecturer, trainer, educational leader, manager or administrator – or aspiring to a career in education – this course will give you a significant insight into the latest trends and leading-edge research, and how those impact on policy and practice.

You will learn how to undertake and use educational research, and to reflect on your own practice, using your knowledge of the latest educational trends and developments, to inform and enhance the way you work.

Gain key skills

You will leave this course with:

knowledge of research-informed practice, trends and the latest developments in education
a greater understanding of current educational issues to enhance your own professional practice
improved research, analysis and critical thinking skills
experience of undertaking a small-scale research project in your own professional context
the skills and knowledge to able to make an enhanced contribution to policy and practice in education

The qualification you receive will help to enhance your career opportunities. The international education sector increasingly requires master’s level qualifications for promoted posts.

We also offer the option of studying towards the International Baccalaureate Educator Certificates as part of this course, which may increase your career options further.

Flexible and collaborative learning

You can choose to study your chosen pathway in a variety of different ways.

All units are self-led and online, meaning you can complete this course entirely through distance learning. But you can combine this with short periods of face-to-face learning at our Summer School or one of our Study Centres that take place across the world.

However you choose to study your units, you will interact and collaborate with other students and tutors as you learn. You will receive online support for your coursework assignments and have access to a wealth of online resources via the University library.

Please note: Units studied during a Summer School or Study Centre will still require you to work through and complete the materials online. Summer Schools and Study Centres are designed to complement and enhance your self-led, distance learning.

Study pathways

You can choose one of the following study pathways as part of this course.

MA Education

Allows you the greatest flexibility in choice of units and dissertation topic (with the exception of those opting to take the International Baccalaureate Educator Certificate, who are required to take specific units).

MA Education (International Education)

Designed for those who wish to develop knowledge and an understanding of issues relating to education beyond the national context. Depending on your interests, you can focus on issues relating to educational practices in different national systems, on international schools and/or on other issues cutting across national contexts. If you select the required units, this pathway allows you to complete the International Baccalaureate Educator Certificate.

MA Education (Learning and Teaching)

If you wish to develop a deeper understanding of learning and teaching and enhance your professional practice then this pathway is for you. Core units explore learning theories and the role of new technologies.

MA Education (Educational Leadership and Management)

Designed to meet the needs of professionals who wish to enhance their work as leaders and managers, or who aspire to a leadership role. You will gain an in-depth understanding of current educational management practice, theory, research and policy.

Flexible study options

You can study your chosen units in different ways. All methods include self-led learning, but you can experience face-to-face teaching to enhance your experience at our Summer School or one of our global Study Centres for some units.

Summer School

Start your unit with face-to-face teaching sessions on our Bath campus. You'll meet staff and students, and be able to exchange ideas with other educators from all around the world.

Study Centres

Join a Study Centre in one of many countries across the world. You'll benefit from face-to-face teaching led by a University of Bath lecturer.

Distance Learning (online)

All units on this course are available to study online. Distance learning is self-led and can be completed flexibly around your other commitments.

Students walking up a set of outside stairs past a University of Bath sign.

Graduate prospects

This course is ideal if you wish to progress your career within an educational organisation. Many of our graduates have gone on to be leaders and managers in education. Others have used the course to embark on successful careers in teaching, lecturing or administration.

Bath graduates have gone on to work as (or been promoted to):

teachers, leaders and administrators in schools around the world (national and international schools)
principals/vice principals (national and international schools)
academics and administrators in higher education
education roles in non-government organisations
education roles in local and national government
roles in national and international education organisations including learning companies and awarding organisations

This degree can prepare you for further study at doctoral level PhD or Doctor of Education (EdD).

Two women smiling and talking in a classroom.

Course structure

This course lasts for up to 4 years. You can choose when to start your studies through Summer School, Study Centres or distance learning.

Study pathway structures

You will need to apply for the specific pathway you want to study.

Learning and assessment

The below learning and assessment methods apply to all pathways.

Learning

Lectures
Online resources
Practical sessions
Seminars
Tutorials
Workshops

Assessment

Coursework
Dissertation
Essay
Online web-forum contributions
Policy evidence and data review
Presentations
Seminar

Entry requirements

View entry requirements.

To apply for this course you may have an undergraduate degree in any subject.

British qualifications

You should have:

a bachelor’s honours degree or international equivalent, typically a 2:1 or above or
a degree that is not a 2:1 or above (or international equivalent) plus at least 2 years of relevant experience in a relevant field or sector, or
a teaching qualification (gained after at least the equivalent of 2 satisfactory years of higher education) plus at least 2 years of relevant experience in a relevant field or sector
successfully completed the 30 credit Postgraduate Certificate in International Education (PGCiE) at the University of Bath, enabling you to seek a direct transfer to the MA Education

Minimum non-graduate qualifications

an advanced diploma in education and at least 2 years of relevant experience, or
a teaching qualification (gained after at least the equivalent of 2 satisfactory years of higher education) and at least 2 years of relevant experience.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree (for example, professional experience in education).

If your first language is not English, but within the last 2 years you completed your degree in the UK, you may be exempt from our English language requirements.

Requirements for your country

View entry requirements for your country.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

Changes to teaching

Study Centres

We are expecting our 2023 Study Centres to be in-person, but this may change in line with government guidance.

Summer School

We plan to host our 2023 Summer School in Bath. This may change in line with government guidance.

If you are unable to attend the Summer School, you can choose instead to study the units via distance learning or, should the unit be made available this year, by attending a virtual Study Centre. You will be able to discuss your options with your Director of Studies nearer the time.

Our on-campus provision has been developed to be flexible in the face of possible changes in public health advice. If the UK government restricts how we can deliver the campus-based elements of your course through social distancing measures or a lockdown, we will make alternative arrangements.

We will announce alternative arrangements. Please check back here regularly.

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)

If you have studied postgraduate master's level units in education at another institution, you may be eligible to transfer credit for this prior learning provided that this study was completed less than about four or five years ago.

You can email education-apl@bath.ac.uk if you think you may be eligible for APL credit.

If you have specific questions about course entry requirements, please email pgtadmissions@bath.ac.uk.

Fees and funding

View fees and funding information for MA Education.

Fees

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home, EU, Island or Overseas student.

Learn how we decide fee status

Tuition fees

See the most recent fees for postgraduate courses:

Extra costs

You must pay a deposit of £200 per unit if studying at the University of Bath. This is non-refundable but will be deducted from the total unit cost.

There is an administration charge of £50 per unit, if studying at the University of Bath. Local administration charges will apply for Study Centres.

You must pay the cost of attending the Summer School or Study Centres if you choose those routes. This includes travel, breakfast and evening meals and accommodation. You must cover the costs of IT equipment to enable participation on the course from a distance.

If you're applying for Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL), there is a non-refundable administrative fee of £50 payable. A further fee of £70 may be charged if further work is required to verify or otherwise establish the claim. Payment of the extra fee does not guarantee the success of an application.

IT requirements

To take full advantage of the online resources available to you, you will need regular access to a computer with a microphone and camera, along with a reliable internet connection. The University will make available to you the key software you need for your course, including access to Microsoft Teams through your University account.

How to pay

You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card, or bank transfer.

Budgeting

You will need to budget at least £100 for the cost of photocopying and printing. You will also need to budget for the cost of text books.

If you undertake a Summer School or Study Centre then you will be required to pay some or all of the costs of travel, accommodation and food and drink, alongside any unit and registration fees.