MA Education (part-time, distance learning)

Take an in-depth look at education research, policy and practice on this master’s course. You can choose from four pathways.

Course overview

If you are looking to study education at a master’s level, then this flexible, part-time course is designed to fit with your own work priorities and commitments. This degree can last up to 4 years.

This course focuses on education as a conscientious enterprise at all levels from the local to the global. A key feature of this course is its strong emphasis on global citizenship and its connection to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) in Education.

Whether you are a teacher, lecturer, trainer, educational leader, manager or administrator – or aspiring to a career in education – you will develop the contemporary skills and abilities needed to succeed. This course will empower you to proactively initiate change, challenge existing processes, and contribute to the ongoing improvement of educational practices.

Across each of our four pathways, you can explore a core of current education topics and research methods. You will learn how to embed the knowledge you will gain within your own professional practice to enhance the way you work.

Gain key skills

You will leave this course with:

knowledge of research-informed practice, trends and the latest developments in education
a greater understanding of current educational issues to enhance your own professional practice
improved research, analysis and critical thinking skills
experience of undertaking a small-scale research project in your own professional context
the knowledge and skills to make an enhanced contribution to policy and practice in education
greater knowledge of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), allowing you to better understand global challenges and how to address them through education

Learn from experts in their field

You will learn from experts in international education policy and practice, as well as staff in the wider Department of Education. Their passion, knowledge and research shape their teaching to enhance your learning experience.

Specialist pathways

Our four pathways build on the core topics, allowing you to focus your learning on the areas that most interest you.

MA Education (Educational Leadership and Management)

Enhance your ability to work in a number of leadership roles within education. You will gain an in-depth understanding of current educational leadership and management practice, theory, research and policy.

MA Education (International Education)

Improve your understanding of issues relating to education beyond the national context. You can focus on issues relating to educational practices in different national systems, on international schools and/or on other issues cutting across national contexts.

MA Education (Learning and Teaching)

Develop your understanding of learning and teaching to enhance your professional practice. You will explore learning theories and the role of new technologies.

MA Education

Benefit from the flexibility to pursue the topics that most interest you. You will study a wide range of units and do your dissertation on a topic that’s relevant to your own current or aspirational career path.

Course structure

This course lasts for up to 4 years. You will complete your studies through distance learning.

Study pathway structures

You will need to apply for the specific pathway you want to study.

Flexible and collaborative learning

All units are self-led and online, meaning you can complete this course entirely through distance learning. This gives you the flexibility to study alongside other commitments.

However, you will interact and collaborate with other students and tutors as you learn.

You will also receive support for your coursework assignments and have access to a wealth of online resources via the University library.

Find out more about distance learning with us

Learning and assessment

The below learning and assessment methods apply to all pathways.

Learning

Research project
Fieldwork
Video materials
Lectures
Online resources
Seminars
Workshops

You are expected to spend, on average, around 10 hours per week studying. This will be made up of structured and interactive online content, with support from Bath academics throughout.

Assessment

Coursework
Dissertation
Essay(s)
Portfolio(s)
Reflective assessment
Set exercises
Visual or recorded presentation

You will experience a balance of different forms of assessment designed to support your professional development. This will include coursework, essays, presentations, a portfolio, set exercises, and a reflective assessment.

We can make reasonable adjustments to assessment procedures for students with disabilities. Take a look at our Disability Service’s pages for information.

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Gain important career skills

This course is approved by the International Baccalaureate (IB) to offer:

IB Educator Certificate in Teaching and Learning: gain this qualification on the MA Education (International Education) pathway by studying specific units
IB Advanced Educator Certificate in Teaching and Learning: gain this qualification on the MA Education (International Education) pathway by studying specific units and doing a dissertation with an IB focus
IB Certificate in Leadership Practice: gain this qualification on the MA Education (Leadership & Management) pathway by studying specific units
IB Advanced Certificate in Leadership Research: gain this qualification on the MA Education (Leadership & Management) pathway by studying specific units, and doing a dissertation grounded in leadership and management theories and with an IB focus

Find out more about studying towards an IB certificate

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Graduate prospects

You will develop a range of skills that are important in many educational roles. These will help you advance your current career, move into a new area of education, or start working in the education sector.

You will be suited to education roles in local and national government, as well as non-government organisations, such as:

teacher, leader or administrator in schools around the world (national and international schools)
principal/vice principal (national and international schools)
academic or administrator in higher education

You will also be prepared for roles in national and international education organisations, including learning companies and awarding organisations.

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Our Department

When you join this course, you will become a member of our Department of Education.

We offer a range of courses at undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral level. Among the areas in which we conduct research are international education, international schools and international curricula, including the International Baccalaureate.

You will work with staff who are researchers themselves. Many teach and supervise research on master’s and doctoral programmes, and publish in their fields.

We have strong links with international education organisations, including the International Baccalaureate and Fieldwork Education (developers of the International Primary Curriculum, International Middle Years Curriculum and International Early Years Curriculum).

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Entry requirements

View entry requirements.

To apply for this course you may have an undergraduate degree in any subject.

British qualifications

You should have:

a bachelor’s honours degree or international equivalent, typically a 2:1 or above or
a degree that is not a 2:1 or above (or international equivalent) plus at least 2 years of relevant experience in a relevant field or sector, or
a teaching qualification (gained after at least the equivalent of 2 satisfactory years of higher education) plus at least 2 years of relevant experience in a relevant field or sector
successfully completed the 30 credit Postgraduate Certificate in International Education (PGCiE) at the University of Bath, enabling you to seek a direct transfer to the MA Education

Minimum non-graduate qualifications

an advanced diploma in education and at least 2 years of relevant experience, or
a teaching qualification (gained after at least the equivalent of 2 satisfactory years of higher education) and at least 2 years of relevant experience.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree (for example, professional experience in education).

If your first language is not English, but within the last 2 years you completed your degree in the UK, you may be exempt from our English language requirements.

Requirements for your country

View entry requirements for your country.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

Changes to teaching

Summer School

We no longer offer Summer School teaching. We are exploring face-to-face teaching options for this course and will update this web page with more information.

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)

If you have studied postgraduate master's level units in education at another institution, you may be eligible to transfer credit for this prior learning provided that this study was completed less than about four or five years ago.

You can email education-apl@bath.ac.uk if you think you may be eligible for APL credit.

If you have specific questions about course entry requirements, please email pgtadmissions@bath.ac.uk.

Fees and funding

View fees and funding information for MA Education.

Fees

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home, EU, Island or Overseas student.

Learn how we decide fee status

Tuition fees

See the most recent fees for postgraduate courses:

2024/25 academic year

Extra costs

You must pay a deposit of £200 per unit if studying at the University of Bath. This is non-refundable but will be deducted from the total unit cost.

If you're applying for Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL), there is a non-refundable administrative fee of £50 payable. A further fee of £70 may be charged if further work is required to verify or otherwise establish the claim. Payment of the extra fee does not guarantee the success of an application.

IT requirements

To take full advantage of the online resources available to you, you will need regular access to a computer with a microphone and camera, along with a reliable internet connection. The University will make available to you the key software you need for your course, such as access to Microsoft Teams through your University account.