Program Overview

Education (Mathematics Education) MA, PGDip

Overview

This course is designed for educators who want to deepen their understanding of mathematics teaching and learning. You will explore key issues in education with our MA Education students through core modules, but will have the opportunity to engage in dedicated breakout sessions that apply these themes to mathematics education.

Why Study This Course at the University of Chester?

This pathway is ideal for educators across different settings who are passionate about improving mathematics teaching and learning. The structure of the course allows you to benefit from interdisciplinary discussions, while also engaging with subject-specific applications of educational research.

Specialist Support in Mathematics Education

You will be assigned a dedicated tutor with expertise in mathematics education, providing tailored guidance for research and professional development in the field.

Dual Delivery for Flexible Learning

With both in-person and online learning opportunities, this pathway accommodates different learning needs and professional commitments, making it accessible to educators in various settings.

Focused Application to Mathematics Teaching

Core MA Education modules are enriched with breakout sessions specifically designed to apply educational theories and research to mathematics education, bridging theory and practice.

Course Structure

Year 1

The MA Education (Mathematics Education) is designed to be highly relevant to professional practice, supporting the exploration and development of educational work across multiple settings. This course enables you to research key issues in mathematics education and apply educational theories to enhance teaching and learning in mathematics.

Modules

Modules run on a two-year rolling cycle, meaning not all modules are available every year. If you're on the Mathematics Education pathway, you will study the same core modules as students on the MA Education course but with subject-specific breakout sessions.

Depending on your qualifications at the point of entry to the course, you will be required to complete up to four modules, plus a research project in an area related to mathematics education. Modules which may be available to choose from within this two-year cycle are:

• ED7201 Contemporary Debates in Education: Examine key debates and emerging issues in education, exploring how policy, theory, and practice shape learning environments, especially in mathematics education.
• ED7204 Promoting Wellbeing & Resilience in Education: Investigate strategies to support wellbeing and resilience in educational settings, enhancing the wellbeing of both learners and educators.
• ED7206 Exploring Curriculum: Concepts, Contexts and Practice: Analyse curriculum design and implementation, considering historical, cultural, and policy influences on educational frameworks.
• ED7207 Education in the Digital Age: Engaging Today's Learners: Explore the impact of digital technologies on teaching and learning, developing innovative approaches to engage modern learners.
• ED7203 Re-imagining Pedagogy & Practice: Critically examine traditional and emerging pedagogical approaches, rethinking educational practice to enhance student outcomes. You will engage in breakout sessions specifically exploring pedagogical approaches to teaching and learning in mathematics.
• ED7208 Research Methods & Design: Develop essential research skills, exploring qualitative and quantitative methods to conduct robust educational research.
• ED7302 Critical Approaches to Inclusive Education: Evaluate inclusive education practices, challenging barriers to learning and promoting equality in diverse educational settings.
• E7210 Research Project: Undertake an independent research project, applying research skills to investigate a topic relevant to your professional context. Your project will focus on a topic related to mathematics teaching and learning, with guidance from a specialist tutor in mathematics education.

Entry Requirements

• Home Students: Applicants should hold a Bachelor's degree, 2:2 or higher, plus either a Level 7 qualification related to mathematics education, such as a PGCE Mathematics or a PG Cert Educational Practice in Mathematics, or have completed an eligible course with the NCETM.
• International/EU Students: This course is exclusively available to UK students.

Using Credits towards Your MA

If you have completed a PGCE, you can use the 60 credits you have achieved from it towards your MA Education. To transfer your PGCE credits directly to the MA Education, you must have completed the PGCE within the last five years. If your PGCE is older than five years, you may still be able to use the credits but you will have to demonstrate the currency of the knowledge you gained from the PGCE and pay a fee of £220 to have your knowledge assessed.

Where You'll Study

• Exton Park, Chester: Exton Park is close to the city centre of Chester, a city like no other and an amazing place to live as a student. While it is undoubtedly beautiful and packed with history, Chester is also a bustling 21st-century city balancing big-name shopping, eating and living with a thriving independent scene.

Fees and Funding

• Home Students: £8,775 for the full course (2025/26). Please follow the link below for part-time fees. More on UK fees
• Additional Costs: Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees.
• Bursaries: The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships.

Your Future Career

Students who successfully engage in the MA in Education will become reflective practitioners and critical thinkers who can articulate their views with confidence and conviction.

The course will enhance participants' knowledge and understanding, developing skills that will support career progression in educational settings. Graduates may go on to work with children and young people in a variety of contexts; take up leadership and management roles; take on roles in further and higher education such as lecturing and research; or engage in advisory roles with local authorities or private companies.