Program Overview

Education Studies (with Professional Experience) MA

Overview

Gain a Master's degree and spend time working in the education sector on this MA Education Studies (with Professional Experience). You'll evaluate the role of education and how it's received and perceived by students of all ages. By combining academic study and workplace experience, you'll graduate with the academic theory and practical knowledge to launch or progress your career in education.

Key Information

• Study mode and duration: 2 years full-time with work placement
• Start date: September 2025

Course Information

Overview

Explore what shapes the learning experience on this Master's in Education Studies, and put theory into practice on a work placement in an educational setting.

You'll spend your first year at University, studying issues and theories related to the lived experience of education wherever it takes place, including schools, colleges, universities and professional training programmes. Guided by an expert team with direct sector experience, you'll assess the elements that influence educational outcomes for students of all ages, from teaching to family dynamics, plus sociological, political and cultural factors.

In Year 2, it's time to apply what you've learned on a professional experience placement, such as at a school, college, early years setting, local authority or private enterprise delivering learning and teaching.

If you're new to education, you'll gain invaluable experience for the next stage of your career. As a teacher, manager or researcher already working in the sector, you'll strengthen your skills and develop new ones in a fresh practice environment.

You'll graduate with the high-level academic skills and real sector expertise to work towards educational reform in a senior role, such as in educational policy and services, pedagogy, learning support or research.

Eligibility

This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.

Course Highlights

• Spend 8-10 months working in a real educational setting, such as a school, early years environment or local authority team, applying your learning and building a professional network
• Learn to demystify the practices and experiences surrounding education, learning and teaching – from the changing purpose of education and educational psychology, to the ways in which policy and practice influence the lives of students
• Be taught and supported by an expert academic team active in educational research and education practice, from early years to further and higher education
• Join a diverse cohort of students from the education sector and share perspectives on international approaches and attitudes to teaching and learning
• Boost your transferable skills, including critical thinking, research, anti-discriminatory practice, and project management
• Maximise the impact of your research dissertation by relating it to an area meaningful to you, such as your own educational institution and role, special educational needs (SEN), or a social issue that affects the way students learn

Entry Requirements

Eligibility

This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.

September 2025 Start

• UK qualifications: A second-class honours degree in a Social Sciences or other relevant subject, or the subject specialism and professional experience of a qualified teacher now wishing to pursue the MA Education Studies.
• Non-UK qualifications: If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.
• English language requirements: English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 5.5.

Course Costs and Funding

Tuition Fees (September 2025 Start)

• UK, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man students: £10,900 (plus £1,900 for the work-based module/placement)
• EU students: £10,900 (plus £1,900 for the work-based module/placement)
• International students: £17,900 (plus £2,875 for the work-based module/placement)

Funding Your Studies

Explore how to fund your studies, including available scholarships and bursaries.

Modules

Core Modules

• Contemporary Perspectives in Education Studies - 30 credits
• Research Methods in Education - 30 credits
• Approaches to Education Studies - 30 credits
• Professional Experience - 120 credits

Optional Modules

• Dissertation - 60 credits
• Work Based Project - 30 credits
• Project Management: Tools and Techniques - 30 credits
• 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

Career Development

Careers This Master's Prepares You For

Education is one of the most effective routes to worldwide social mobility and economic growth, yet many factors and inequalities still affect students' experience. This Master's in Education Studies (with Professional Experience) will prepare you to become a thought leader in the sector with the capacity and agility to respond to these issues.

Once you graduate, you'll have the theoretical knowledge and educational practice experience to pursue leadership or senior roles in social and community education, private enterprise, school improvement, policy-making, pedagogy, mentorship, consultancy, research or learning support.

Graduates of This Course Have Gone On To Roles Such As

• Education mental health practitioner
• Lecturer in Education
• Research assistant

Supporting You

Master's study is more focused on independent learning than undergraduate study, but you'll get lots of support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed.

• Personal tutor
• Learning development tutors
• Academic skills support
• Wellbeing and mental health support
• Disability advice and additional support
• Library support
• Maths and stats support
• Support with English

How to Apply

Unlike undergraduate applications, which go through UCAS, applications for this Master's course are made directly to us.

There's no deadline for applications to this course. We accept applications right up until the start date in September, as long as there are places available. If you wait until September to apply, you may find that the course is full.

If you're applying as an international student, remember that you'll need to leave plenty of time to get your visa organised.

You can find more advice about applying in our Master's application checklist. International students and current students and recent graduates of the University of Portsmouth also have some different application options, which are detailed below.