Skip to main content

Education (distance learning) MA

3 to 4 years part-time, starting in April 2026

Apply to Bath Create your prospectus Find out about our Postgraduate scholarships

Take an in-depth look at education research, policy and practice on this master’s course. You can choose from four pathways.

If you are looking to study education at a master’s level, then this flexible, part-time course is designed to fit with your own work priorities and commitments.

This course focuses on education as a conscientious enterprise at all levels from the local to the global. A key feature of this course is its strong emphasis on global citizenship and its connection to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) in Education.

Whether you are a teacher, lecturer, trainer, educational leader, manager or administrator – or aspiring to a career in education – you will develop the contemporary skills and abilities needed to succeed. This course will empower you to proactively initiate change, challenge existing processes, and contribute to the ongoing improvement of educational practices.

Across each of our four pathways, you can explore a core of current education topics and research methods. You will learn how to embed the knowledge you will gain within your own professional practice to enhance the way you work.

Specialist pathways

Our four pathways build on the core topics, allowing you to focus your learning on the areas that most interest you.

MA Education (International Education)

Improve your understanding of issues relating to education beyond the national context. 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.

MA Education (Leadership and Management)

Enhance your ability to work in a number of leadership roles within education. You will gain an in-depth understanding of current educational leadership and management practice, theory, research and policy.

MA Education (Learning and Teaching)

Develop your understanding of learning and teaching to enhance your professional practice. You will explore learning theories and the role of new technologies.

MA Education

Benefit from the flexibility to pursue the topics that most interest you. You will study a wide range of units and do your dissertation on a topic that’s relevant to your own current or aspirational career path.

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 knowledge and skills to make an enhanced contribution to policy and practice in education
  • greater knowledge of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), allowing you to better understand global challenges and how to address them through education

Learn from experts in their field

You will learn from experts in international education policy and practice, as well as staff in the wider Department of Education. Their passion, knowledge and research shape their teaching to enhance your learning experience.

Flexible and collaborative learning

All units are self-led and online, meaning you can complete this course entirely through distance learning. This gives you the flexibility to study alongside other commitments.

However, you will interact and collaborate with other students and tutors as you learn.

You will also receive support for your coursework assignments and have access to a wealth of online resources via the University library.

Graduate prospects

You will develop a range of skills that are important in many educational roles. These will help you advance your current career, move into a new area of education, or start working in the education sector.

You will be suited to education roles in local and national government, as well as non-government organisations, such as:

  • teacher, leader or administrator in schools around the world (national and international schools)
  • principal/vice principal (national and international schools)
  • academic or administrator in higher education

You will also be prepared for roles in national and international education organisations, including learning companies and awarding organisations.

2027/28 Academic Year

Before you apply for a course, please check the website for the most recently published course detail. If you apply to the University of Bath, you will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

We understand that you will want to know more about the shape of the academic year. We work hard and plan for different scenarios, to be able to welcome you to the University of Bath at the start of each semester.

Course structure

This course lasts 3 to 4 years. It starts in April 2026 and ends in 2030.

Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Compulsory course units

These compulsory units are currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new units.

Compulsory unit group 1

  • Dissertation

Compulsory unit group 2

You must complete at least 2 and no more than 3 units

Compulsory unit group 3

You must complete at least 1 and no more than 2 units

Learning and assessment

Learning

  • Research project
  • Fieldwork
  • Lectures
  • Online resources
  • Seminars
  • Workshops

Assessment

  • Coursework
  • Dissertation
  • Essay
  • Portfolio
  • Reflective assessment
  • Set exercises
  • Visual or recorded presentation

These lists are to give you an idea of some, but not all, of the learning and assessment methods used on this course. They are not exhaustive lists and methods are subject to change.

Recognition of professional qualifications

As well as being recognised as a higher academic qualification, a number of our degrees are also accredited by professional bodies in the United Kingdom. An accredited degree may entitle you to work in a specific profession within the UK, and abroad (where there are reciprocating arrangements with professional bodies in other countries).

The requirements to practise a profession vary from country to country. If you wish to practise your profession outside the United Kingdom, you are advised to confirm that the UK professional qualification you seek is valid in the country in which you are intending to work.

Entry requirements

Test

Origin of qualifications

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 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.

The minimum non-graduate qualifications acceptable for admissions are:

  • 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.

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

You will need to get your English language qualification within 24 months prior to starting your course.

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

French qualifications

A Licence with a final overall score of at least 12 out of 20 (assez bien).

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

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

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

You will need to get your English language qualification within 24 months prior to starting your course.

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Greek qualifications

A University Bachelor degree (Ptychio) or Diploma with a final overall score of at least 7 out of 10.

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

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

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

You will need to get your English language qualification within 24 months prior to starting your course.

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Italian qualifications

A Laurea with a final overall score of at least 103 out of 110.

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

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

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

You will need to get your English language qualification within 24 months prior to starting your course.

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Spanish qualifications

A Titulo de Licenciado or Titulo de Ingeniero with a final overall score of at least 7.5.

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

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

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

You will need to get your English language qualification within 24 months prior to starting your course.

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Indian qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree with a final overall result of at least a First Class.

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

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

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

You will need to get your English language qualification within 24 months prior to starting your course.

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Saudi Arabian qualifications

A four year Bachelor’s degree with a final overall result of at least 75% (GPA of at least 3.5 out of 5.0 or 3.0 out of 4.0).

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

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

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

You will need to get your English language qualification within 24 months prior to starting your course.

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Chinese qualifications

You should have a four-year Bachelor degree with a final overall score of at least 75-80% depending on the institution attended.

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

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

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

You will need to get your English language qualification within 24 months prior to starting your course.

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Other qualifications

We welcome applications from graduates from all countries so if you can’t see your country in the list, please contact our admissions team for advice about your specific entry requirements.

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

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

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

You will need to get your English language qualification within 24 months prior to starting your course.

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Canadian qualifications

A Bachelor’s (Honours) degree with a final overall GPA of at least 3.0 (B or 70%).

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

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

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

You will need to get your English language qualification within 24 months prior to starting your course.

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Fees and funding

Fees and funding information for Education (distance learning) MA part-time

Fees

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

Learn how we decide fee status

Tuition fees

See the most recent fees for postgraduate courses.

How to pay

Tuition fee loans

If you are studying a postgraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.

Read more about tuition fee loans

Scholarships and bursaries

You could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. You do not have to pay it back.

Read more about bursaries and scholarships

Other payment options

You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help you pay your fees.

Read more about your payment options

Budgeting

You will need to budget at least £100 for the cost of photocopying, printing and binding. You will also need to budget for the cost of textbooks.

Some courses involve visits away from campus and you may be required to pay some or all of the costs of travel, accommodation and food and drink.

If you’re on a placement, you’re responsible for your own travel, accommodation and living costs. You should also consider the financial implications if you go on an unpaid or overseas placement.

Application information

  • Course title
    Education (distance learning)
  • Final award
    MA
  • Mode of study
    Part-time, distance learning
  • Course code
    THED-ADM60
  • Department
    Department of Education
  • Location
    University of Bath
    Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY
  • Home application deadline
    4 January 2019

    We recommend you apply early as we may close applications before the deadline if a course is full.

  • Overseas application deadline
    4 January 2019

    We recommend you apply early as we may close applications before the deadline if a course is full. We may consider late applications but if you need a Student Visa to study in the UK, you will need time to apply for and receive your visa to be in the UK by the start of the course.

  • Application eligibility
    Home and Overseas students are eligible to apply
  • Regulator
    The Office for Students (OfS)

Course enquiries

On this page