Program Overview

Education (Online) (MSc)

Award

Master of Science

Typical Offer

2:1 degree

Duration

3 years

Course Type

Part-time

Campus

Online only

Next course starts

September 2025

About this course

Our MSc in Education online is a 100% online course so you can complete it anywhere in the world. Develop the necessary management and research skills to become an educational leader.

This part-time master's in education online is a flexible course aimed at mid-career teachers, trainers and education professionals who are passionate about changing the world of education. You’ll learn about different teaching methods, leadership techniques and research skills. You'll also explore modern practices and emerging themes used in educational practices around the world.

This course is right for you if you want to gain a UK qualification online or without having to travel to the UK. You can experience all the collaboration of a classroom from your laptop as you join group webinars or participate in interactive online activities.

The ability to collect, read and interpret data is an essential skill for your career. With our research modules, you'll learn to gather and analyse data while specialising within an area of interest.

As part of your master's in education online, you'll also develop an understanding in the following areas:

• how theory and practice can apply to different educational contexts
• the role of self-reflection in your teaching, incorporating tried and tested teaching methods
• emerging trends, including barriers and enablers of change in educational innovation
• leading and managing in education, including the concepts behind organisational change
• developing strategy and how we can adapt teaching methods to overcome challenges from global and social change

We have a long history of teaching education and because of our reputation we attract the top academic staff.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Course lead

John Schulz is a Professor of Digital Education at the University of Southampton and a leading academic in the field of Video Based Learning. John specialises in online and video-based learning and developed one of the University’s first fully online programme, an MSc in Education.

Visit Professor John Schulz's profile to learn more about his work.

Martin Dyke is Professor of Education and former Head of School in the Southampton Education School. Martin has published on e-learning and worked on digital learning projects such as the eChina project with the Chinese Ministry of Education. His interests in online learning are focused on pedagogy and widening participation.

Visit Professor Martin Dyke's profile to learn more about his work.

Learn more about this subject area

Education

Explore the latest theories underpinning the study of education. Apply what you learn to bring about positive changes in teaching, education leadership or policy and research. Whether it’s early years...

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

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Entry requirements

You’ll need a 2:1 degree to study this course and this programme requires 2 years work experience.

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

IELTS score requirements

• overall score: 6.5
• reading: 6.0
• writing: 6.0
• speaking: 6.0
• listening: 6.0

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.

If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.

Recognition of professional experience

We will consider your application if you have relevant professional or voluntary experience.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Course structure

You'll complete your studies over 3 years. If you want to study in the UK for 6 weeks you can take an optional classroom-based module as part of the wider MSc Education programme.

During the first year, you'll study 4 compulsory modules.

In your second year, you'll work on:

• a compulsory module
• an optional module
• a dissertation

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

• Year 1
• Year 2

Year 1 modules

You must study the following modules in year 1:

Effective Teaching and Learning

This module will focus on examining various aspects of teaching and learning and how they relate to theory, research and your own practice. In this module you will examine a range of concepts and theories from education, sociology and psychology that describe the processes of teaching and learning.

Making Sense of Education Research

This is the first module in your studies and therefore for most people becomes an introduction to studying at masters level. The intention is that you will gain the skills to effectively read, understand and critique current research in the field of education.

You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:

Inclusion in Educational Practice

This module allows participants to explore ways of reaching out to all learners, in varied educational contexts, with the aim being to enable all learners to reach their full potential and achieve satisfactory outcomes. There will be a strong emphasis on the development of inclusive practices.

Professional Development and Mentoring

This module focuses on another important aspect in education institutions - professional development and mentoring colleagues. This module begins with an examination of Professional Development and the processes behind staff development. It then moves onto mentoring and the role of the mentor in supporting the development of colleagues.

Year 2 modules

You must study the following modules in year 2:

Collecting and Analysing Data in Education

This modules complements the knowledge you gained in the "Making Sense of Education Research" module and helps to move you from a consumer of research to a creator of research. In this module you will develop your skills in collecting and analysing data for research purposes.

Dissertation

This is your final module and the largest that you will complete during your MSc studies. In this module you will undertake, with guidance from an academic supervisor, a small-scale research project in an area of your interest.

Investigating Innovations in Teaching and Learning

During this module you will explore some of the new and innovative practices and challenges facing education. The module begins by examining innovation in a wider sense, such as the changing curriculum or the challenges of globalisation, but then moves to more specific innovations such as the use of technology in education.

Managing and Leading Educational Organisations

As you progress to more senior roles in your school or educational institution there is a need to develop your skills and knowledge in the area of leadership and management. In this module you will focus on the principles of leadership and management and how they apply to educational organisations.

You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:

Digital and Pedagogical Advances in a Changing World

In this module we will examine some of the emerging and innovative practices that are occurring in schools, colleges, and Higher Education. We will explore some of the new digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, their impact and how they can be used to enhance teaching and learning.

Education and Society

The module provides an understanding of the relationship between education and society. This includes the ways in which education systems reflect broader economic, political, social and cultural structures and values; how these inform education policy; the impact of education on society and the impact of society on education.

Globalisation and Education Policy

In recent decades globalisation has impacted national education policies in industrialised, emerging and developing economies. This module will look at the different ways in which some education systems in different regions have changed their policies and practices in response to globalisation.

Learning and assessment

Learning

As well as short video lectures and online interactive activities you'll take part in:

• a short research project
• case studies
• quizzes
• group video conferences
• video tutorials
• independent learning

We'll have guest speakers giving live video tutorials. This will allow you to actively participate and ask questions.

Assessment

We'll set out assessments based on professional practice and you'll be encouraged to reflect on your own experiences.

Dissertation

The dissertation builds on work undertaken across other modules and gives you an opportunity to take on a piece of independent research in a chosen topic. Normally, your dissertation will be individually supervised. The length of the dissertation will be between 15,000 and 17,000 words.

Academic Support

Group video conferences throughout the course will give you a way to talk through your progress and request extra help where needed. Some video conferences will be recorded so you can watch them at a time that suits you.

Careers and employability

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Download skills overview

Work experience opportunities

Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.

Read more

Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV and interview skills and workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

More about careers support

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

From 2025/26 intake, this course is now 3 years long.
The total fee for the course is £9,250, but is paid in 3 equal instalments across the 3 years.

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £3,083.
• EU and international students pay £3,083.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Southampton Education Civic Scholarship

This scholarship award is for one full fee waiver for a UK or international student, applying to study the part-time, 2 year, MSc Education Online programme starting in 2024. Find out the eligibility criteria and how to apply on the Scholarship page.

Southampton Teachers' Postgraduate Scholarship

If you work at a Southampton City Council school or further education provider, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for our MSc in Education online.

When you apply for the course, you'll need to upload a letter supporting your employment at an eligible school or further education provider. This letter can be from your headteacher or line manager, and it should have the school or provider's official letterhead.

If your application is successful, we'll inform you of this discount in your offer letter and automatically apply the discount to your fee. Find out the full eligibility criteria on the scholarship page.

Other postgraduate funding options

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

1. Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
2. Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal. .
3. Search for the course you want to apply for.
4. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
5. Pay the £50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
6. Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

• International students: Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time
• UK students: Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.

You’ll need to include information about:

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

References are not required for this programme.

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We will aim to send you a decision 6 weeks after you have submitted your application.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Related courses

Education (Online) (MSc) is a course in the Education subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:

• MSc Education
• MSc Education Management and Leadership
• MSc Education Practice and Innovation
• PGCE Art and Design
• PGCE Biology
• PGCE Chemistry
• PGCE Design and Technology
• PGCE English
• PGCE English with SEND
• PGCE Geography
• PGCE History
• PGCE Mathematics
• PGCE Modern Languages
• PGCE Physical Education
• PGCE Physics
• PGCE Primary
• PGCE Secondary
• PGCert Widening Participation and Evaluation