Program Overview

Overview

The Teaching in Lifelong Learning (Top-up) MA course is designed to develop deeper intellectual engagement with current issues relating to the design, delivery, evaluation, and administration of educational programmes in the Lifelong Learning sector. It aims to enhance the professional standing and critical understanding of those working in the sector in a range of professional roles.

Key Information

Entry Requirements

• An Honours degree (2:2 or above) or an equivalent professional qualification.
• A Postgraduate Diploma in Education or equivalent award, containing 120 credits at Masters level, or a Postgraduate Diploma in a relevant field and evidence of successful teaching experience.
• Evidence of an appropriate level of understanding of educational research methods.
• Experience of teaching, training, or working in a relevant organisation in lifelong learning or in a related sector.
• Completion of a satisfactory interview.

Start Dates

• 22 September 2025
• 12 January 2026

Duration

• 1 year part-time

Course Detail

• Core module: Dissertation
  • This module will deepen your knowledge and understanding of educational research. You'll learn about traditions of educational research; positivism, interpretism, and action research, and the strengths and challenges of carrying out research in these traditions.
  • You'll have the opportunity to carry out a piece of research based on a contemporary or work-related issue or problem.
  • As well as induction activities at the beginning of the dissertation module, you’ll be allocated a supervisor to provide support and guidance for your research.
  • Materials to support your learning are available electronically through our virtual learning environment.

Assessment

• Your work will be assessed through a dissertation.
• Feedback (usually written) is normally provided on all coursework submissions within three term-time weeks – unless the submission was made towards the end of the session, in which case feedback would be available on request after the formal publication of results.

Fees and Finance

• Tuition Fees - part-time: In 2025/26, the part-time tuition fee for UK postgraduate students on this course will be £660 (Band 1) per 15 credit module and £1,320 (Band 1) per 30 credit module.
• Tuition fees for UK students will cover the cost of your study at the University.
• For more information about funding, fees, and finance for UK students, including what your tuition fee covers, please see our Fees and Finance.

Career Support

• Successful study at this level supports you in your current role, helps give you the confidence to tackle a wide range of workplace challenges, and supports you in taking advantage of wider promotional and developmental opportunities.
• The course offers a recognised qualification, a broadening of horizons, and a chance to pursue particular areas of interest.

Research Excellence

• Our researchers carry out work that makes a real difference to people's lives.
• We are in the top 50 UK universities for Research Power.
• Three-quarters of all our research is world-leading and internationally excellent.

Further Study

• Upon successful completion of your postgraduate studies, progression onto the following programme may be of interest:
  • Education EdD, Doctor of
  • Education (PhD)

Student Support

• At the University of Huddersfield, you'll find support networks and services to help you get ahead in your studies and social life.
• Whether you study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, you'll soon discover that you're never far away from our dedicated staff and resources to help you navigate through your personal student journey.