Education MA

We know that finding time to invest in your own education can be a challenge when you’re focused on educating others. That’s why our Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) -approved online MA Education is highly flexible, allowing you to study at your own pace and accrue qualifications along the way – not just at the very end.

We know from previous students, that it has lasting benefits – it’s helped people gain more senior roles, enriched their teaching, challenged their preconceptions, and boosted their confidence.

You are in control

Studying online gives you the flexibility to study at the most convenient time and place for you. Course modules still operate within a fixed semester or term time, but you can choose to study during the day, in the evenings or at the weekend rather than having to attend fixed lectures.  Online class discussions are largely focussed on contextualisation of theory to practice, so it's stimulating, engaging and highly relevant to your day-to-day, professional life.

If you do not wish to complete the full Masters degree, you can step off at one of the following stages and still obtain an award:

  • University Certificate of Achievement, after completing one (double) module
  • PG Certificate, after completing stage 1 (two double modules)
  • PG Diploma, after completing stage 2 (four double modules)

 

Be inspired by others

Students frequently tell us that they most enjoy hearing the diverse mix of experiences, ideas and opinions brought by others taking the course, especially when that challenges their own thinking. Online discussion forums make this possible, and with such a wide variety of people on the course – from assistant headteachers to social workers, from the UK and overseas – that’s not surprising. Our tutors have many years’ experience in the education sector themselves, so they understand your profession and are sympathetic to the pressures of balancing study with a busy teaching job.

Course Length: 
2-3 years of part time study
Start Dates: 
September and January
Entry Requirements: 

Many students are teachers with QTS but we also welcome an application from you if you're involved in other areas of education.

You will usually need an undergraduate degree or an equivalent level 6 qualification. If you don't have these qualifications, please ask – we can often accept equivalent professional experience instead.

You need to provide a CV/ Resume detailing your academic and work experience.

You will normally need one of the following English Language qualifications:

  • GCE O level English Language C
  • GCSE English C
  • IELTS 6.5
  • TOEFL (paper-based) 550
  • TOEFL (computer-based) 213

Other English Language qualifications may be accepted and you should provide full details of these with your application.

Fees: 
 Per ModuleModulesTotalStart
UK£7206£4,320*Sept/Jan
Non UK£11206£6,720* Sept/Jan

Please note that the modules you study on this course are all double modules (30 credits)

*Prices correct for 2011/2012. Subject to annual increase. 

Career Information: 

This course can open doors for you in your career. It might make your CV stand out enough to get you an interview for that more senior role you’ve been looking for, or just give you the confidence to apply for positions you normally wouldn’t have considered.

Previous students have also said that they have performed better at work as a result of this course – bringing greater recognition and respect from peers. 

To give you an idea of the range of careers this MA relates to, some of our graduates have gone on to become advanced skills teachers, nursery managers, assistant head teachers, disability coordinators within universities and national trainers for charitable organisations.

You may also wish to go on to further study such as an MPhil, EdD or PhD.

Testimonials: 

"I have found that the course has developed my professional confidence and has strengthened my understanding of my professional goals."
Chris Dale, student.

"The MA Education at Derby provides an excellent opportunity to reflect on professional practice."
Richard Green, current student

"I would recommend studying the MA Education at Derby as it does make you reflect and analyse why we do the job we enjoy and gives insight into ways to enhance this."
Stuart Cameron, student

Course Leader: 

Sarah Glover

S.Glover@derby.ac.uk

T: +44 (0) 1332 592141

Modules Summary: 

If you are entering at Stage 1 of the course (PG Certificate), you may be required to complete the 'Studying at Masters' Level (double module).  Your programme leader will advise you if this is necessary depending on your level of experience and skills.

Modules Summary Stage 2: 

You will need to select two of the optional double modules below to complete stage 2 of the course.

Student Profile:

"I have found that the course has developed my professional confidence and has strengthened my understanding of my professional goals."
Chris Dale, student.

"The MA Education at Derby provides an excellent opportunity to reflect on professional practice."
Richard Green, current student

"I would recommend studying the MA Education at Derby as it does make you reflect and analyse why we do the job we enjoy and gives insight into ways to enhance this."
Stuart Cameron, student

Career Information

This course can open doors for you in your career. It might make your CV stand out enough to get you an interview for that more senior role you’ve been looking for, or just give you the confidence to apply for positions you normally wouldn’t have considered.

Previous students have also said that they have performed better at work as a result of this course – bringing greater recognition and respect from peers. 

To give you an idea of the range of careers this MA relates to, some of our graduates have gone on to become advanced skills teachers, nursery managers, assistant head teachers, disability coordinators within universities and national trainers for charitable organisations.

You may also wish to go on to further study such as an MPhil, EdD or PhD.

Modules

If you are entering at Stage 1 of the course (PG Certificate), you may be required to complete the 'Studying at Masters' Level (double module).  Your programme leader will advise you if this is necessary depending on your level of experience and skills.

Stage 1

Core Module

This will normally be the first or second module you'll study. You will develop a critical knowledge of research methodologies which will help you undertake your own ethically reliable and rigorous research.

How will I be assessed?
It's 100% coursework, focussed on investigations of current practice issues (equivalent to 5,000 words of academic writing).

 

Credits: 30
Optional Module

This can only be taken as the first module at either stage one or stage two.

We encourage 'reflective thought' and 'reflective practice' in this module, so that you can develop the key skills and competences you need to study at Masters level.

How will I be assessed?
It’s 100% coursework, focused on investigations of current practice issues (equivalent to 5000 words of academic writing).

 

Credits: 30

Stage 2

You will need to select two of the optional double modules below to complete stage 2 of the course.

Optional Module

Learning to lead and manage in the educational arena now involves confronting issues including diversity, inclusion and equality, and embracing change. You will examine the concepts of leadership and management for the 21st century, taking part in debates on leadership characteristics, styles and approaches at all levels of the institution.

How will I be assessed?

It's 100% coursework, focussed on investigations of current practice issues (equivalent to 5,000 words of academic writing).

Credits: 30
Optional Module

In this module, you need to demonstrate that you can locate your work role within wider professional practice. You will adopt an ethical, enquiry-based approach, looking for how you can develop your own teaching.

How will I be assessed?

It's 100% coursework, focussed on investigations of current teaching issues (equivalent to 5,000 words of academic writing).

 

Credits: 30
Optional Module

In an agreement with your tutor, you can choose an area of educational professional practice, which hasn’t been covered in other modules. It’s an excellent opportunity to study a topic of interest and relevance to you.

How will I be assessed?
It’s 100% coursework, focused on investigations of current practice issues (equivalent to 5000 words of academic writing).

Credits: 30

Stage 3

Core Module

This module is the culmination of your course. You will research an aspect of professional practice relevant to your career, with support and guidance from your tutor.

How will I be assessed?
It’s 100% coursework – a 15,000 word written assignment.

Credits: 60

Many students are teachers with QTS but we also welcome an application from you if you're involved in other areas of education.

You will usually need an undergraduate degree or an equivalent level 6 qualification. If you don't have these qualifications, please ask – we can often accept equivalent professional experience instead.

You need to provide a CV/ Resume detailing your academic and work experience.

You will normally need one of the following English Language qualifications:

  • GCE O level English Language C
  • GCSE English C
  • IELTS 6.5
  • TOEFL (paper-based) 550
  • TOEFL (computer-based) 213

Other English Language qualifications may be accepted and you should provide full details of these with your application.

Apply Now

Applications for Online courses are made through the main University of Derby website.

By clicking on "Apply now" below you will be redirected to the University of Derby website to continue your application process.

Fees

 Per ModuleModulesTotalStart
UK£7206£4,320*Sept/Jan
Non UK£11206£6,720* Sept/Jan

Please note that the modules you study on this course are all double modules (30 credits)

*Prices correct for 2011/2012. Subject to annual increase.