Program Overview

Education MA, PGDip, PGCert

Overview

The MA in Education is designed to support students in developing an in-depth understanding of a wide range of topics related to education. The course is available in Clearing for 2025 entry.

Study Options

• Part-Time (MA) at Exton Park, Chester/Online
• Part-Time (PGDip) at Exton Park, Chester/Online
• Part-Time (PGCert) at Exton Park, Chester/Online

Level and UCAS Code

• Level: Postgraduate
• UCAS Code: N/A

Start Date and Duration

• Start Date: Sept 2025, Jan 2026, Apr 2026, Sept 2026, Jan 2027, Apr 2027
• Duration: 3 years

Location and Fees

• Location: Exton Park, Chester/Online
• UK Fees:
  • £8,775 for the full course (2025/26) (MA)
  • £5,850 for the full course (2025/26) (PGDip)
  • £2,925 for the full course (2025/26) (PGCert)
• International Fees:
  • £15,000 for the full course (2025/26) (MA)
  • International students may study this course online from their home countries (PGDip and PGCert)

Course Summary

The MA in Education is designed to meet the interests of a wide range of participants from schools, nurseries, universities, colleges, and local authorities, as well as professionals working with children and young people outside of education. The course aims to support students in developing an in-depth understanding of a wide range of topics related to education.

Why You'll Love It

• Flexible dual delivery approach: Choose between online and in-person learning to suit your lifestyle and professional commitments.
• Designed for busy education professionals: The course is structured to fit around your work and personal life.
• Become a specialist in your chosen area of education: Customize your learning by focusing on your specific area of education.

What You'll Study

• Year 1:
  • The MA Education is designed to be highly relevant to professional practice, supporting the exploration and development of educational work across a range of settings.
  • Modules may include:
    • ED7201 Contemporary Debates in Education
    • ED7204 Promoting Wellbeing & Resilience in Education
    • ED7206 Exploring Curriculum: Concepts, Contexts, and Practice
    • ED7207 Education in the Digital Age: Engaging Today's Learners
    • ED7203 Re-imagining Pedagogy & Practice
    • ED7208 Research Methods & Design
    • ED7302 Critical Approaches to Inclusive Practice
    • E7210 Research Project

Who You'll Learn From

• Dr Heather Macdonald, Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader for the MA in Education
• Sarah Collins, Senior Lecturer
• Tracey Patterson, Senior Lecturer
• Christine Packer, Senior Lecturer
• Dr Sally Bamber, Senior Lecturer

How You'll Learn

• Teaching methods: The course has been structured to integrate with the work patterns of busy professionals. You can choose to attend the taught sessions at the University of Chester's Exton Park in Chester, or to attend by distance learning where participants can join the classroom-based students virtually from anywhere in the world using Microsoft Teams.
• Assessment: We use a variety of assessment methods, including digital presentations, essays, projects, and critical reflections.

Entry Requirements

• Home Students:
  • Applicants should normally hold a Bachelor's degree, 2:2 or higher, in an area broadly related to Education.
  • Those with a degree in a different area but with experience of working in educational settings will also be considered.
• International/EU Students:
  • Applicants should normally hold a Bachelor's degree, 2:2 or higher, in an area broadly related to Education.
  • International students may study this course online from their home countries. Please note, this course is only available to international students who do not require a Visa.

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.
• If you have completed other Level 7 courses in the area of education, you may be able to use the credits achieved from these courses towards your MA Education.

Where You'll Study

• Exton Park, Chester: The location is close to the city centre of Chester, a city like no other and an amazing place to live as a student.
• Modern learning resources and library: We have dedicated resources and IT services across campus, as well as our Seaborne Library.
• Fitness facilities: Exton Park boasts an impressive choice of indoor and outdoor sports and leisure facilities.
• Student Services: Exton Park is home to a number of our central support services, including Disability and Inclusion, Careers and Employability, and Student Support.

Fees and Funding

• Home Students:
  • £8,775 for the full course (2025/26) (MA)
  • £5,850 for the full course (2025/26) (PGDip)
  • £2,925 for the full course (2025/26) (PGCert)
• International Students:
  • £15,000 for the full course (2025/26) (MA)
  • International students may study this course online from their home countries (PGDip and PGCert)
• 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.

Your Future Career

• Job prospects: 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.
• Careers service: The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences.