MA Education (with optional pathways) at University of Derby

Programme overview

Education has the capacity to transform lives, communities, and societies. It is shaped by policy, culture, communities, and the realities of practice. Whether you work in schools, colleges, universities, training, or community settings, our MA in Education is designed to help you deepen your understanding of education and lead meaningful change.

Department: Education | Duration: Full-time: 1 year, Part-time: 2 years | Study mode: full-time (part-time also available) | Intake: September, January | Location: Derby, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

The MA in Education is a 180-credit programme built on core research modules, optional or pathway-specific study, and an Extended Education Project. All routes combine academic study with applied inquiry into your practice and interests.

Career pathways

Completing the MA in Education at the University of Derby is a powerful statement about your professional capability, critical insight, and commitment to educational improvement. It demonstrates to employers that you have developed an advanced understanding of education, alongside the research, analytical, and leadership skills needed to influence practice and policy.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

You will normally need an undergraduate degree.; Equivalent experience and achievement may be considered for applicants with non-standard qualifications. Evidence of equivalence of knowledge, understanding and skills appropriate to a first degree are required.; English Language Requirements; If your first language is not English or you have not successfully completed your highest level of qualification in English, you will need to prove you are proficient in English. For this programme, we require applicants to have a minimum IELTS (International English Language Testing System) average score of 6.5 or equivalent.; If you join the programme with this minimum score, you will be encouraged to engage with additional study to develop their knowledge and application of academic English.; Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL); Through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), you may be able to gain entry to the programme or claim advanced standing of up to 60 credits (for example PGCE), depending on evidence of prior study or relevant experiential learning that aligns with the course content.

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,720 for the whole programme (2026/27). Full-time fee for the full course; UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable Source

International applicants: GBP 17,500 for the whole programme (2026/27) Source

Intake: September, January

Duration: Full-time: 1 year, Part-time: 2 years

Apply through the official page: https://www.derby.ac.uk/services/admissions/apply-online/?section_id=2428

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