Education MA

Buckinghamshire New University

Our MA Education course is an ideal course if you are passionate about education and want a comprehensive qualification. Employers looking to fill leadership and advanced practitioner roles are increasingly looking for candidates with a master's degree, demonstrating their level of understanding of the sector. Whether you want to build your skills in a current teaching role, or start a career in education or academic research, this course gives you the tools to begin applying advanced teaching techniques in a professional setting.

Why study this subject? Employers looking to fill leadership and advanced practitioner roles are increasingly looking for candidates with a master's level understanding of the sector.

We've designed this course for those who have an interest in working in a range of areas including:

• primary education

• secondary education

• higher and further education

• practice education in health and social care.

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University? At BNU, our teaching is centred around you. We teach in small groups to make sure you get the support you need. Assignments have been designed to enable you to focus on issues relevant to your professional context, providing you with the opportunity to combine theory with practice.

Our MA Education has been developed with your needs in mind. It offers a great deal of flexibility both in its structure and in the way that the teaching is delivered. This flexibility allows students to design their studies to meet professional interests and areas of practice.

What will I study? This course offers a comprehensive qualification in education. You will develop your research, analysis and critical thinking skills. You will also build an understanding of educational theories and approaches. Your studies will enable you to take an in-depth look at current educational management practice, theory, research and policy.

The programme encourages you to apply principles in practice where possible, providing you with the chance to study a particular area of education in-depth. We expect you to carry out a sustained research study that involves:

• a critical review of current knowledge in a specific area of educational practice

• blending different research findings

• reaching appropriate conclusions.

Through your research, you will also be able to make evidence-based recommendations relevant to your chosen area of educational practice or interest.

How will I be taught and assessed? We offer flexible study spread over two years, allowing you to study and work at the same time. As well as support from our expert tutors, you'll be encouraged to build your own network through your research and by engaging with external events to gain real world experience to inspire and challenge you in your approach to education.

While you take charge of your own studies and learning, we'll provide excellent support, both face-to-face and virtually, using our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

As well as formal teaching on research methods, and individual supervision, you will also have support sessions with your course leader. In your second year, we match you with an experienced research supervisor to guide you through your studies.

What are my career prospects? An MA in Education allows you to engage with a particular aspect of educational practice in depth, giving you knowledge and expertise that enables you to lead.

Completing this course is also a springboard to further academic research, such as an EdD or PhD. Many of our graduates go on to become senior educators in primary, secondary and higher education, as well as published researchers.

Throughout your time with us we’ll support you on the route to your chosen career. We’ll help you to develop crucial skills, encouraging you to become enterprising, employable and good leaders.