Program Overview

Education Studies MA

Overview

The Education Studies MA is designed for individuals who want to develop their skills and knowledge in educational policy, pedagogy, and research. The program focuses on the complex forces, policies, and practices shaping 21st-century teaching and learning landscapes.

Key Information

• Study Mode and Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time, 1 year full-time by distance learning
• Start Date: September 2025, January 2026
• Tuition Fees:
  • UK, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man students: £10,900 (full-time), £5,450 per year (part-time), £9,400 (full-time distance learning)
  • EU students: £10,900 (full-time), £5,450 per year (part-time), £9,400 (full-time distance learning)
  • International students: £17,900 (full-time), £8,950 per year (part-time), £9,400 (full-time distance learning)

Course Information

Overview

The Education Studies MA is designed for individuals who want to develop their skills and knowledge in educational policy, pedagogy, and research. The program focuses on the complex forces, policies, and practices shaping 21st-century teaching and learning landscapes.

Entry Requirements

• Eligibility: UK, EU, and International students
• September 2025 / January 2026 start:
  • UK qualifications: A minimum of a second-class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject
  • Non-UK qualifications: Equivalent qualifications will be considered
  • English language requirements: IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 5.5

Course Costs and Funding

• Tuition Fees:
  • UK, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man students: £10,900 (full-time), £5,450 per year (part-time), £9,400 (full-time distance learning)
  • EU students: £10,900 (full-time), £5,450 per year (part-time), £9,400 (full-time distance learning)
  • International students: £17,900 (full-time), £8,950 per year (part-time), £9,400 (full-time distance learning)
• Funding: Government Postgraduate Master's Loan, scholarships, and bursaries available

Modules

• Full-time (on campus):
  • Core modules:
    • Contemporary Perspectives in Education Studies (30 credits)
    • Research Methods in Education (30 credits)
    • Approaches to Education Studies (30 credits)
  • Optional modules:
    • Contemporary Issues in Special Educational Needs and Disability (30 credits)
    • Education in a Global Context (30 credits)
    • Leadership, Policy and Strategy: The Management of Educational Change (30 credits)
    • Theory and Practice of TESOL (30 credits)
    • Project Management: Tools and Techniques (30 credits)
    • Dissertation (60 credits)
    • Work Based Project (30 credits)
• Full-time (distance learning):
  • Core modules:
    • Contemporary Perspectives in Education (30 credits)
    • Research Methods in Education (30 credits)
    • Approaches to Education Studies (30 credits)
  • Optional modules:
    • Contemporary Issues in Special Educational Needs and Disability (30 credits)
    • Education in a Global Context (30 credits)
    • Leadership, Policy And Strategy: The Management Of Educational Change (30 credits)
    • Project Management: Tools and Techniques (30 credits)
    • Dissertation (60 credits)
    • Work Based Project (30 credits)
• Part-time:
  • Core modules:
    • Contemporary Perspectives in Education Studies (30 credits)
    • Approaches to Education Studies (30 credits)
    • Research Methods in Education (30 credits)
  • Optional modules:
    • Contemporary Issues in Special Educational Needs and Disability (30 credits)
    • Education in a Global Context (30 credits)
    • Leadership, Policy and Strategy: The Management of Educational Change (30 credits)
    • Theory and Practice of TESOL (30 credits)
    • Project Management: Tools and Techniques (30 credits)
    • Dissertation (60 credits)
    • Work Based Project (30 credits)

How You'll Spend Your Time

• Full-time study: 6-9 hours of teaching time per week, 20-25 hours of independent study per week
• Part-time study: 3-6 hours of teaching time per week, 12-14 hours of independent study per week

Career Development

• Careers this Master's prepares you for: Education mental health practitioner, lecturer in education, research assistant
• Career planning: Support from the Careers and Employability Centre, networking events, 1-to-1 appointments, CV and cover letter advice, interview preparation and practice

Supporting You

• Personal tutor: Academic and personal support throughout your course
• Learning development tutors: Help with academic skills, including writing, presentations, and time management
• Academic skills support: Bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions, and online sessions
• Wellbeing and mental health support: Online Learning Well mini-course, 1-to-1 support, courses and workshops
• Disability advice and additional support: Specialist team to help with reasonable adjustments, assistive technology, and external services
• Library support: 24/7 library access, 1-to-1 appointments with librarians, online resources
• Maths and stats support: Maths Café, workshops, online resources
• Support with English: In-Sessional English (ISE) programme, English language courses

How to Apply

• Application process: Apply directly to the University of Portsmouth
• Application deadline: No deadline, but apply early to secure a place
• International students: Apply directly to the University of Portsmouth, or use an agent
• Fast track application: Available for current Portsmouth students or recent graduates

Other Courses You Might Like

• MA Education Studies (with Professional Experience)
• PGCE Further Education and Skills
• MSc / PgCert / PgDip Educational Leadership and Management
• PGCE Courses