STUDY

Postgraduate

MA/PgD/PgC Education Studies

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Institution code: S82
UCAS code: N/A
Start date: September 2024
Duration: One year full-time 18 months to three years part-time
Location: Ipswich
Typical Offer: Bachelors Honours degree 2:2 from a UK university or other recognised degree-awarding body; have experience working in an educational setting.
Institution code: S82
UCAS code: N/A
Start date: September 2024
Duration: One year full-time 18 months to three years part-time
Location: Ipswich
Typical Offer: Bachelors Honours degree 2:2 from a UK university or other recognised degree-awarding body; have experience working in an educational setting.

Overview

The MA Education Studies offers learning and career development opportunities for educators and leaders across educational sectors from the UK and internationally. Masters level study is viewed by many as being essential for career progression and supports professional development in education and related fields. 

This course provides the opportunity for you to develop knowledge and understanding of the current educational landscape, engage with wider theories and issues and develop your understanding of the impact of policy and practice on students’ lives.  You will develop critical thinking and hone higher-level skills. There will be opportunities to engage critically with policy, theory and research as well as to reflect on aspects of your own practice. The course introduces the central role of research in relation to practice and develops your understanding of research processes. 

As well as providing the opportunity for full-time study, the course offers a progression route for part-time students in practice and for those who have already completed level 7 courses, for example Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and Postgraduate Certificate Academic Practice (PGCAP).  If you already have a PGCE or PGCAP you can choose to undertake a Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) or the full MA in Education studies. 

The University of Suffolk works in collaboration with ITT providers across Suffolk, Essex and Norfolk and has connections across the sector, providing opportunities for networking and support. 

Please email Dr Clare Gartland or Dr Pere Ayling to arrange a virtual meeting with a member of the MAES team for an informal conversation about the course. 

The University of Suffolk is world-class and committed to our region. We are proudly modern and innovative and we believe in transformative education. We are on the rise with a focus on student satisfaction, graduate prospects, spending on academic services and student facilities.

2nd

in the East of England for Graduate Prospects

The Complete University Guide 2024

6th

in the UK for spend on academic services

The Complete University Guide 2024

3rd

in the UK for Postgraduate Study

WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2023

Course Modules

To attain the full MA you will need 180 credits, for the PgDip 120 credits and for the PgCert 60 credits. 

The course utilises a blended learning approach and adopts a wide variety of learning, teaching and assessment strategies. 

Downloadable information regarding all University of Suffolk courses, including Key Facts, Course Aims, Course Structure and Assessment, is available in the Definitive Course Record.

Please note optional modules are available according to demand and timetabling constraints. 

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This module is designed to provide a fundamental grounding in a range of appropriate research methods and research skills, along with the opportunity to specialise in more advanced training in both quantitative and qualitative research, ethical principles and procedures and in practical applications of research techniques. 

The dissertation provides an opportunity to explore an area of specific interest drawing on the knowledge gained from modules undertaken during the course and your own practice. 

In this module you will consider a number of theories commonly used in educational research. You will build your skills in reading, interpreting and critiquing contemporary educational research and have the opportunity to explore theories applied to research within your own area of interest. You will develop an understanding of how theory is used in the research process that will support you in the development of your own dissertation research project. 

This is a core underpinning module that will provide opportunities for you to critically reflect on your practice. The module will support you in developing theoretical knowledge and understanding of learning and teaching (It is anticipated that full-time students completing the full masters will undertake this module). 

This module provides key knowledge of theory and practice and supports engagement with current educational debates and recent developments. Students will have the opportunity to explore the relationship between leadership and management and continuing improvement of learning and teaching outcomes. 

This module provides an opportunity to develop a critical, theoretical understanding of educational provisions for looked after and previously looked after children. Rethinking education practices within classrooms, it promotes powerful change by breaking with individualistic approaches in education and addresses issues of learning as participation, diversity and inclusion, inter-professional working, and the effects these have on educational achievement. (The module is appropriate for designated teachers with the responsibility to promote educational achievement of looked after children). 

In this module you will explore theories, issues, and debates associated with social justice, children’s rights and globalisation. The module will provide you with with appropriate theoretical and analytical tools for analysing and understanding complex social situations, characterised by the necessity to mediate between different cultural perspectives. You will analyse how current frameworks – including institutions, values, assumptions, and actions – affect the economic, political, and cultural structures shaping our lives. 

This is a flexible module which will provide opportunities for you to critically develop your theoretical knowledge and understanding of learning and teaching or to pursue a particular area of interest in a chosen topic within the field of education. 

This module provides theoretical and practical knowledge and understanding of the roles and uses of technology enhanced learning in education across sectors, from pre-school to higher education. The module explores key questions and issues relating to technology and education such as: technological determinism and the impact of technology in different educational contexts; what technology might offer to improve or enable learning and how this can be achieved; how technology relates to issues of social justice in education; as well as envisioning what the future might hold. 

This module provides a broad overview of the different uses of mentoring and coaching in education, including its use in classrooms, for progression and career development and as a management strategy. You will be encouraged to relate theoretical knowledge and concepts to your own experiences, professional practice and context. 

In this module you will have an opportunity to negotiate, manage and present learning outcomes related to your own professional practice. You will have the freedom to select and reflect on an area of your own practice and explore how this has been impacted by relevant theory and the wider policy landscape. The module also provides an opportunity to reflect on wider learning from your teaching practice and on your own career development.
The topic chosen must be different to that selected for the MA Dissertation.

Course Modules 2024

To attain the full MA you will need 180 credits, for the PgDip 120 credits and for the PgCert 60 credits. 

The course utilises a blended learning approach and adopts a wide variety of learning, teaching and assessment strategies. 

Downloadable information regarding all University of Suffolk courses, including Key Facts, Course Aims, Course Structure and Assessment, is available in the Definitive Course Record.

Please note optional modules are available according to demand and timetabling constraints. 

A student sitting with a laptop in a seminar

This module is designed to provide a fundamental grounding in a range of appropriate research methods and research skills, along with the opportunity to specialise in more advanced training in both quantitative and qualitative research, ethical principles and procedures and in practical applications of research techniques. 

The dissertation provides an opportunity to explore an area of specific interest drawing on the knowledge gained from modules undertaken during the course and your own practice. 

In this module you will consider a number of theories commonly used in educational research. You will build your skills in reading, interpreting and critiquing contemporary educational research and have the opportunity to explore theories applied to research within your own area of interest. You will develop an understanding of how theory is used in the research process that will support you in the development of your own dissertation research project. 

This is a core underpinning module that will provide opportunities for you to critically reflect on your practice. The module will support you in developing theoretical knowledge and understanding of learning and teaching (It is anticipated that full-time students completing the full masters will undertake this module). 

This module provides key knowledge of theory and practice and supports engagement with current educational debates and recent developments. Students will have the opportunity to explore the relationship between leadership and management and continuing improvement of learning and teaching outcomes. 

This module provides an opportunity to develop a critical, theoretical understanding of educational provisions for looked after and previously looked after children. Rethinking education practices within classrooms, it promotes powerful change by breaking with individualistic approaches in education and addresses issues of learning as participation, diversity and inclusion, inter-professional working, and the effects these have on educational achievement. (The module is appropriate for designated teachers with the responsibility to promote educational achievement of looked after children). 

In this module you will explore theories, issues, and debates associated with social justice, children’s rights and globalisation. The module will provide you with with appropriate theoretical and analytical tools for analysing and understanding complex social situations, characterised by the necessity to mediate between different cultural perspectives. You will analyse how current frameworks – including institutions, values, assumptions, and actions – affect the economic, political, and cultural structures shaping our lives. 

This is a flexible module which will provide opportunities for you to critically develop your theoretical knowledge and understanding of learning and teaching or to pursue a particular area of interest in a chosen topic within the field of education. 

This module provides theoretical and practical knowledge and understanding of the roles and uses of technology enhanced learning in education across sectors, from pre-school to higher education. The module explores key questions and issues relating to technology and education such as: technological determinism and the impact of technology in different educational contexts; what technology might offer to improve or enable learning and how this can be achieved; how technology relates to issues of social justice in education; as well as envisioning what the future might hold. 

This module provides a broad overview of the different uses of mentoring and coaching in education, including its use in classrooms, for progression and career development and as a management strategy. You will be encouraged to relate theoretical knowledge and concepts to your own experiences, professional practice and context. 

In this module you will have an opportunity to negotiate, manage and present learning outcomes related to your own professional practice. You will have the freedom to select and reflect on an area of your own practice and explore how this has been impacted by relevant theory and the wider policy landscape. The module also provides an opportunity to reflect on wider learning from your teaching practice and on your own career development.
The topic chosen must be different to that selected for the MA Dissertation.

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WHY SUFFOLK

2nd in the UK for Career Prospects

WUSCA 2024

3rd in the UK for spend on academic services

Complete University Guide 2025

4th in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction

Guardian University Guide 2024
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Entry Requirements

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Career Opportunities

The advanced knowledge and skills you acquire on the MA Education Studies course equips you to excel in various roles within the education sector. With an advanced degree, you will increase your eligibility for leadership roles, higher pay scales, and a range of job opportunities. An MA in Education Studies demonstrates your commitment to continuous learning and professional development and can give you a competitive edge in the job market both in the UK and overseas. 

The MA Education Studies at the University of Suffolk supports you in specialising in a particular field (e.g. policy, EDI, curriculum, leadership), and develop expertise that aligns with your interests and career goals. This expertise can make you a valuable asset in specific educational settings. The new knowledge and approaches you learn about on the course will make you a more effective educator, leading to greater job satisfaction and fulfillment. 

As well as supporting career progression in traditional educational settings, an MA in education can open doors to a wide range of careers beyond teaching including in youth engagement and participation, in educational consultancy, educational research, education policy analysis or in educational technology companies, educational non-profit organisations and agencies. 

Please note the PGCert, PGDipoma and MA Education Studies do not provide you with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). 

Your Course Team

Dr Clare Gartland

Clare is Course Leader of MA Education Studies and Associate Professor of Education

Dr Pere Ayling

Nigerian-born Dr Pere Ayling is a Senior Lecturer in Early Years and has over 10 years of teaching experience in early years, primary and higher education.

Pere Ayling staff profile photo

Dr Robert Cawley

Rob lectures in Education with a particular interest in modules covering education leadership and mentoring. Rob also undertakes supervision of dissertations.

Dr Cristian Dogaru

Dr Dogaru is the course leader for MRes Social Sciences and Humanities. He is a paediatrician-turned-social scientist with 20 years of experience in his field.

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Dr Ivana Lessner Listiakova

Ivana is an Associate Professor in Childhood and Education.

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Dr Marianna Stella

Marianna is a Senior Lecturer in Childhood and Education.

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Dr Pallawi Sinha

Pallawi is Senior Lecturer in Childhood Studies and is passionate about building dialogue and understanding on education and childhoods.

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Dr Shamser Sinha

Shamser's research and teaching interests circle around; ‘race’ and racism; youth; and different ways of doing ethnography.

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Fees and Funding

UK Full-time Tuition Fee

£9,090

per year
UK Part-time Tuition Fee

£1,010*

per 20 credit module
International Full-time Tuition Fee

£14,625

per year

*Please contact the Student Centre for further details

Further Information

Postgraduate Loans are available for this course, we also offer University of Suffolk Alumni a 25% reduction on fees, find out more below.

Postgraduate Funding Alumni Loyalty Scheme International Students

How to apply

Applying for a postgraduate programme is simple, you can apply using the link below. You can also find out more about what to include on your application and how to contact us for support during the process on the Postgraduate Study link.

Apply Now Postgraduate Study
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Rebecca Taylor, MA Education Studies

"I was looking for the next step in my professional development. I had completed my teacher training with the University of Suffolk (SCITT) so I was confident that this was somewhere that I would be made to feel welcome and well supported."

read more
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