Education MA

Postgraduate

Start date
September 2026
Study mode
Full-time
Course length
1 years
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Education MA

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Course overview

Discover how education is shaped by social, cultural and political forces, and how these dynamics influence practice, policy and outcomes across diverse learning environments. The MA Education at Victoria University offers a reflective, research-informed route for professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of educational theory and apply it in real-world contexts. Whether you work in schools, colleges, community organisations or policy settings, this course supports your development as an inclusive, critically engaged and ethically grounded practitioner.

What does this course cover?
What does this course cover?

In the on-campus programme you will study two modules in each of the first two semesters, and one double-weighted module in the third semester.

In your semester one OR two you will study:
o Critiquing Education and
o Pedagogy and Practice

In the other semester you will study:
o Inclusive Practices and
o Research Design: Methods and Methodologies

In your third semester you will continue to develop the research design developed earlier and undertake a research study which you will write up asyour final Dissertation.

You will experience expert teaching and learning with academics and engage with a diverse student body and a range of professional and educational experiences.

You will have opportunities to engage in and share research through regular activities such as conferences, journals, and events organised by the School of Education and the Education and Childhood Research Centre.

How will I be assessed?
How will I be assessed?

Assessment on the MA Education is designed to support your development as a reflective, critical and capable practitioner. You will complete a range of coursework-based tasks including poster, presentation, critical and reflective portfolio, written tasks and a final dissertation or research project.

Informal feedback and formative tasks are built into the course to help you practise key skills and grow as a Level 7 student. Your will have opportunity and support to build confidence in your ability to critically analyse, to apply theory, and develop your academic voice. Additional support is available through tutorials and workshops focused on academic writing, critical analysis and the ethical use of AI tools in education.

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Why Study this Course?

Victoria University’s MA Education offers a supportive and inclusive environment where your interests, ambitions and experiences shape your learning journey. Small class sizes and personalised guidance ensure you are an active participant in a community of practice.

You’ll benefit from experienced, research-active tutors who provide tailored feedback and mentoring, empowering you to link theory with practice across diverse educational settings. A strong focus on inclusion, professional practice and social justice equips you with the confidence to navigate real-world challenges and to make a meaningful impact as an educator, policy maker or researcher.

Throughout the course you’ll be encouraged to think independently, tackle complex problems creatively, and critically evaluate ideas at master’s level. This will strengthen your academic curiosity and open clear pathways into leadership roles, specialist practice or doctoral study—giving you the skills and confidence to shape the future of education.

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Course modules

Pedagogy and Practice
30 Credits (Compulsory)

This module offers a critical exploration of diverse educational practices and pedagogies, with a focus on the interrelated areas of learning, teaching and assessment. Students will engage with key theories and debates analysing and reflecting on their relevance to their personal experiences, professional contexts and individual interests in educational practice.

Research Design: Methodology and Methods
30 Credits (Compulsory)

This module will provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate a critical understanding of the principles underpinning an effective research design in education at master’s level. Beginning with a reflective approach to their own ontological and epistemological positioning in relation to both their research design and established research paradigms, students will explore issues of research methodology, ethics and understanding in relation to their chosen field, to enhance and inform professional and/or academic practice. Students will relate their chosen area of study critically to current literature and will critically analyse the validity, reliability and appropriateness of their research design. Students will design a research project, which will include a framework for the collection and analysis/interpretation of primary data.

Dissertation / Research Project
60 Credits (Compulsory)

The Dissertation/Research Project module provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate a systematic understanding of research, and a critical awareness of current problems in education, by designing and undertaking a small-scale research study. Following ethical approval, justification of research methodology and methods, and approval from their supervisor, students will begin their dissertation or research project.

There are a variety of approaches which would be acceptable for this, which might include but are not limited to:

Empirical study

Systematic review

Desk study

Capstone project

Inclusive Practices
30 Credits (Compulsory)

This module offers students the opportunity to explore and critically engage with the concept of inclusion with a focus on special educational needs and disability. They will gain a critical understanding of structural and socio-culturally situated inequalities can affect young people’s access, participation and success in education and society how different needs, such as SEND can affect pupils’ participation and learning. They will explore strategies to promote inclusive and supportive communities where high expectations and evidence-based practices improve outcomes for all children and young people, including those with SEND.

Critiquing Education: Ideas and Issues
30 Credits (Compulsory)

Critical Education, ideas and issues provides a foundation for master’s study in education. Drawing on key theories from philosophy, psychology and sociology of education, the module will explore how these foundational fields inform, interact and shape educational research and practice. You will explore contemporary, historical and global issues of collective and personal interest deepening your skills in critical analysis.

Entry requirements

We welcome students from all backgrounds and accept a wide range of qualifications. If yours aren’t listed, don’t worry – our Admissions Team can help you explore your options. See full entry requirements.

A relevant honours degree, 2:2 or above.

If English is not your first language, you must have an IELTS score of 6.5, with no element below 6.0. (Other English language qualifications are also accepted. Please contact admissions for further information).

Consideration will be given to applicants with lower grade in qualifications (e.g. a 3rd class degree or non-honours degree) who have a relevant range of post study professional experience. Professional experience will be considered by the programme leader in conjunction with the quality office on an individual basis.

Please contact Admissions if you have any questions.

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Course fees

The tuition fee for academic year 2026/27 is: £9,300. Tuition fees for courses starting April to May 2026, fall within the 2025/26 academic cycle.

Fees for the 2025/26 academic year can be found on our Student Finance pages.

Additional costs

The University will review tuition fees and increase fees in line with any inflationary uplift as determined by the UK Government, if permitted by law or government policy, in subsequent years of your course. It is anticipated that such increases would be linked to RPI (the Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments).

Find out more about additional costs

Where this course can take you.

You will graduate with a nationally recognised master’s degree, prepared to contribute across the education sector. Victoria graduates are known for their critical thinking, inclusive values and ability to apply research in practice. Whether you choose to work in curriculum development, educational leadership, pastoral support, policy advocacy or consultancy, you will be equipped to lead with confidence and integrity. The MA also provides a strong foundation for doctoral study and specialist roles in education. For those engaged in higher education practice, the course may provide material suitable for Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), depending on your professional context and experience.

Accreditations and Exemptions

The MA Education supports your professional development across a range of educational settings. While it does not award Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or automatic Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), it provides a strong foundation for those seeking professional recognition in the future. With its emphasis on inclusion, critical reflection and research-informed practice, the programme equips you with the skills and insight to contribute effectively within your institution and across the wider education sector. The degree also supports progression into doctoral study or specialist roles in curriculum design, educational leadership and policy development.

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