Program Overview
Professional Practice
MA
Postgraduate degree
Research and reflect on your professional practice while you pursue a Master's degree that fits your career goals.
- Choose from a range of specialist modules from across our postgraduate courses in Education.
- Depending on which modules you choose, you can study online or in-person at Newton Park. Some sessions are held in the evenings.
- Lay the foundations for career progression – perhaps into a PhD, management, or roles in Higher Education.
Gain an in-depth understanding of your current area of professional practice with our flexible MA. Designed for busy schedules, this course is suitable for working professionals.
Choose from a variety of modules covering topics such as inclusive education and educational leadership. Some modules offer structured teaching while others are more research-based and focused on independent learning.
Whichever modules you choose, you’ll develop your research skills in preparation for your dissertation. This extended research project culminates in a substantial thesis.
What is a Master's in Professional Practice?
A Master's in Professional Practice enables you to draw on your existing professional experience while you study for a postgraduate degree. You’ll bring your unique professional knowledge to your MA and later apply what you learn to your profession.
With our support, you’ll develop your academic abilities and skills in education research. During the last phase of the course, you’ll produce a dissertation on a related topic of your choice.
See also: Our_MA Professional Practice in Higher Education _is for those teaching in a Higher Education context.
What you'll learn
Overview
Learn to recognise and defend good professional practice. Analyse and evaluate your practice and develop a critical awareness of the issues that affect and inform your field.
You’ll develop academic skills in education research and critical thinking. You'll also enhance your ability to communicate your findings.
In your research modules, you’ll work independently on your chosen topic, critical review, or piece of academic writing, with support from our tutors.
In your assignments, we encourage you to draw on your own practice. For example, you could complete action-based research at your current workplace or conduct a relevant literature review.
Course structure
Your route through the course depends on whether you’re studying full-time or part-time. You can choose between the MA and the Postgraduate Certificate. Your studies will also be influenced by any Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) credits you may be granted.
You'll typically take a Research Methods module before completing your dissertation, the final module for the MA.
You can discuss your modules choices with the course leader before making your selection. We can advise you on the best fit for your professional focus and areas of interest.
Course modules
This course includes or offers the following modules. Please check the programme document for more information on which modules are core, required or optional.
- Independent Study
- Independent Study (60 credits)
- Work Based Action Enquiry
- SEN and Inclusion: Autism Spectrum
- Education and Society
- Research Methods in Social Science
- Research and the Professional Part 1
- Research and the Professional Part 2
- Dissertation
- Leadership and Practice
- Perspectives of Play and Creativity
- Contemporary Issues in Inclusive Education
Teaching and Supporting Learning in Higher Education 30 O
7 HEP Technology and Innovation in Higher Education 15 O
7 HEP Researcher Development 15 O
7 HEP Supervising Research 15 O
7 HEP Mentoring and Coaching in Higher Education 15 O
7 HEP Digital Learning in Higher Education 15 O
7 HEP Independent Study 15 O
7 EDU Education and Society 30 O
7 EDU Leadership in Practice 30 O
7 EDU Research Methods in Social Science
** 30 R**
7 EDU Research and the Professional part 1 ** 15 R**
7 EDU Research and the Professional part 2 **
** 15 R**
7 EDU Dissertation
How will I be assessed?
You'll be assessed through coursework, most of which is written. Some assessment is by verbal presentation. There are no exams.
How will I be taught?
Some modules are in person, and some are online, meaning you can study flexibly around your current commitments. Depending on your module choices, it's possible to study entirely online. See the course programme document for more details on which modules you can choose.
All modules include face-to-face time with a University tutor (whether in-person or online). You’ll also study independently, reading widely around your chosen subject, and planning and researching your dissertation. You could also undertake practical research in your current workplace.
To find out more about how we teach and how you'll learn, please read our Learning and Teaching Delivery Statement.
Opportunities
Careers
Master's degrees are recognised both nationally and internationally. Our graduates can take their expertise into a range of settings and locations.
You may be interested in progressing to educational management, training or related fields. Perhaps you’ll take your studies to PhD level or move into a higher education career.
This flexible Professional Practice MA is suitable for applicants at various stages of their career. Many of our students are early career teachers. This course enables them to develop professionally while building on their prior learning and qualifications.
Start with a Postgraduate Certificate
You can develop your interests and deepen your understanding by studying part-time for a Postgraduate Certificate. This option provides even more flexibility, especially if you’re not sure you can commit to the full Master’s.
A Postgraduate Certificate is 60 credits. You'll complete two 30 credit modules to graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Practice. After this, you'll have the option to continue your studies to gain a full MA Professional Practice.
For more details, please contact the course leader.
Facilities and resources
Where the subject is taught
The award is taught at our Newton Park campus. You can access our facilities and support.
Resources
You can use our Commons building, with its superb classroom facilities, social spaces, IT and digital resources.
Our Library offers a wealth of learning resources including books, journals, DVDs and an extensive range of electronic services. Your Subject Librarian for Education provides subject-specific support, including help with research.
Need help with your academic writing? Our ASk team provides feedback on written drafts along with other academic skills support.
We provide you with online access to learning materials through our Virtual Learning Environment. These can include lecture slides, assessment information, discussion boards and other resources.
You’ll have free access to thousands of business, design and tech courses online via LinkedIn Learning.
If English isn't your first language, our English Language Unit can help you reach your full potential and boost your confidence.
Student Wellbeing Services are available to support you throughout your studies.
Develop a wealth of indispensable digital skills that you can take into your future career. One of only three Adobe Creative Campuses in the UK, we provide all Bath Spa students with access to the full Adobe Creative Suite, giving you the tools to communicate creatively, whatever your course or chosen professional field.
Fees
2025 entry
Student | Annual tuition fee
---|---
UK full time | £8,985
UK part time | £4,493*
International full time | £16,625
Fee notes
*Fee shown is for part-time study over two years, although some courses may be available over longer periods.
Additional course costs
You may need to pay additional course costs over and above your tuition fees, for example, for specialist equipment or trips and visits. Please check the course Programme Document (linked under the main image on this page) for details of any additional costs. You can also read our Additional Course Costs Policy for further information.
Funding opportunities
Please visit our Funding pages for an overview of the funding options that may be available, including scholarships and bursaries.
DBS (if required)
In the UK, a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required to work with children and vulnerable adults. All course participants will need to complete the necessary paperwork before starting their placement for the programme. There is an additional fee required for this process.
Interested in applying?
What we look for in potential students
You'll usually have a good first degree, however we often accept applicants with sufficient relevant experience.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to provide evidence of proficiency in English. We're looking for an IELTS score of 6.0-7.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component (Writing, Listening, Reading and Speaking). We assess applications individually.
How to apply
Ready to apply? Click the apply now button in the centre of this page.
You can also apply for the three-year version of this course.
Need more guidance? Head to our how to apply pages.
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
The MA Professional Practice is an opportunity for applicants with a Level 7 PGCE to use the credits towards a full MA.
Accreditation of Prior certificated Learning (APL) can be offered if you have successfully completed previous Level 7 modules at another university. We accept APL for our PG Dip or Master’s qualifications. As a guide, up to a maximum of 60 credits may be credited towards a Master’s Degree and 60 credits towards a PG Dip. We will require a full transcript from the awarding university.
It is also possible to gain accreditation for other kinds of professional developments by compiling an independent study portfolio of professional development (APEL – Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning). For further information about gaining credits in this way please contact eduadmissions@bathspa.ac.uk.
APL only applies if the credits were gained within five years of the start of your MA studies.
See our Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) web page to learn more.
When to apply
Many of our postgraduate courses have a limited number of student spaces. To avoid the disappointment of the course being full, we recommend that you apply now.
Late applications (generally those made after 31 July) will only be considered if places remain on the course.
Need more information or still have questions? Contact us to discuss your situation.
Contact us
Admissions:
+44 (0)1225 876 112
Course leader: Dr Kate Brooks
Related courses
- Specific Learning Difficulties / Dyslexia
- Educational Leadership (Teach First)
- Education (Early Childhood Studies)
- Education (Leadership and Management)
Key facts
Award
- MA Professional Practice
School/s
- School of Education
Campus or location
- Newton Park
Course length
- One year full time, or two or three years part-time.
Entry requirements
Students are expected to have a good first degree, although we often accept applicants with appropriate experience that we consider sufficient and comparable.
Please contact our admissions team for more information: admissions@bathspa.ac.uk
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The MA in Professional Practice is a flexible program designed for individuals at various stages of their career, whether new to the profession or experienced in the field. The program aims to equip students with the skills to recognize and defend good professional practice, analyze, evaluate, and restructure their practice in changing circumstances, and engage with evidence-based practice.
Objectives:
- Enable students to recognize and defend good professional practice.
- Develop students' competence in analyzing, evaluating, and restructuring their practice in changing circumstances.
- Foster engagement with evidence-based practice.
Program Description:
The MA in Professional Practice is a flexible program that allows students to tailor their module choices and course length to suit their interests and working life. Students can study educational topics in-depth and choose from a variety of specialist modules. The program is designed for busy schedules and is suitable for working professionals.
Outline:
Content:
The program covers a range of educational topics, allowing students to deepen their understanding and knowledge in areas of practice they are already familiar with and develop new areas of practice if required.
Structure:
The program is flexible, with options varying according to full-time or part-time study and any APL credits granted. Students typically choose modules each trimester, with a Research Methods module taken prior to the Dissertation.
Course Schedule:
- Full-time: One year
- Part-time: Two or three years
Modules:
- Independent Study (60 credits)
- Work Based Action Enquiry
- SEN and Inclusion: Autism Spectrum
- Education and Society
- Research Methods in Social Science
- Research and the Professional Part 1
- Research and the Professional Part 2
- Dissertation
- Leadership and Practice
- Perspectives of Play and Creativity
- Contemporary Issues in Inclusive Education
Module Descriptions:
- Independent Study: This module allows students to explore a topic of their choice in depth.
- Work Based Action Enquiry: This module focuses on conducting research in a real-world setting.
- SEN and Inclusion: Autism Spectrum: This module explores the needs of students with autism spectrum disorders.
- Education and Society: This module examines the relationship between education and society.
- Research Methods in Social Science: This module provides students with the skills to conduct research in the social sciences.
- Research and the Professional Part 1 & 2: These modules provide students with the skills to conduct research in their professional field.
- Dissertation: This module requires students to complete an extended research project culminating in a substantial thesis.
- Leadership and Practice: This module explores the role of leadership in professional practice.
- Perspectives of Play and Creativity: This module examines the importance of play and creativity in education.
- Contemporary Issues in Inclusive Education: This module explores current issues in inclusive education.
Assessment:
- Methods: Coursework, verbal presentations
- Criteria: Varies by module
Teaching:
- Methods: Face-to-face instruction, personal study, online materials through the Virtual Learning Environment (Ultra)
- Faculty: Award Leader: Dr. Kate Brooks
- Unique Approaches: The program emphasizes flexibility and allows students to tailor their learning experience to their individual needs and interests.
Careers:
- Potential Career Paths: Educational management, training, related fields
- Opportunities: The program can help students advance their careers, gain a broader and deeper view of education, or pursue further studies at the PhD level.
Other:
- Postgraduate Certificate: Students can choose to pursue a Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Practice, which is 60 credits and includes two 30-credit modules. This certificate can be used as a stepping stone to the full MA Professional Practice.
- Adobe Creative Campus: Bath Spa University is one of only three Adobe Creative Campuses in the UK, providing all students with access to the full Adobe Creative Suite.
- Facilities and Resources: Students have access to computing and IT facilities, the library, the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), the Writing and Learning Centre, and the English Language Unit.
- UK full time: £8,595
- UK part time: £4,298
- International full time: £15,905
