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MA Education with Advanced Research

Why choose Herts?

  • Excellent reputation: Ranked 1st as best university provider for Teacher Training in the UK (NSS, 2020-21).
  • Fantastic local connections: Benefit from our strong partnerships with over 300 schools and training providers across Hertfordshire, London, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Cambridgeshire.
  • Employment prospects: Graduates often secure promotions with their current employer and many venture into research, advisory, or policy-making roles.
  • Entry requirements and key information
    • an honours degree (2:2 or higher) in a relevant subject such as Education, SEND, Childhood Studies, Social Sciences, Coaching, Mentoring or Counselling or other related fields. Other degree qualifications will be considered depending upon relevant professional experience in an educational context such as schools and colleges. Overseas awards need to be recognised as equivalent by NARIC
    • English language GCSE Grade 4 (iGCSE Grade C) or above or equivalent
    • a short personal statement (no more than 500 words) explaining why you are interested in education and any relevant experience (professional or voluntary) that might support your application 
    • a work or academic reference. 

    Applicants from non-majority English speaking countries must provide evidence of English language proficiency, equivalent to overall IELTS score 6.5 with a minimum of 6.5 minimum in Writing and 5.5 in all other bands. 

    For country specific qualifications, please visit our Your Country page. 

    If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-Sessional English 
    may help you to achieve this level. 

    More information about English Language qualifications is available on our International pages. 

    Many of our students join our Programme having already gained 'M-Level' or 'Level 7' credit from previous master’s level study – for example from a PGCE or accredited short course. Such credit in relevant subjects may be considered for accreditation through the APCL process and thereby exempt students from specific modules on our MA Programme. 

    Non-accredited masters level study in relevant subjects may be accredited through the APEL process. This must be completed prior to beginning study on the programme. 

    Institution code

    		 H36

    School of study

    		 School of Education

    Course length
  • Full Time, 2 Years

    • Location
  • University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield
  • Employability

    Careers

    Employment prospects are enhanced through the MA Education (with Advanced Research) qualification, with graduates often securing promotions with their current employer or pursuing new opportunities.  

    Typical career paths include:  

    • Senior practitioner or leader in a school or other education setting
    • Educational research or policy development
    • Advisory roles within the field of education
    • Teacher in range of settings
    • Lecturer in Higher or Further Education
    • Training, Human Resources
    • Leader of Educational organization
    • Special Educational Needs practitioner
    • Early Years Practitioner
    • Children’s Centre Leader
    • Education Adviser
    • Coaching and Mentoring
    • Youth work
    • Family Support  

About the course

The Advanced Research award offers students the opportunity to study an area of personal interest in depth to develop expertise in a chosen aspect of education. It is aimed at applicants who intend to pursue careers in senior leadership of education institutions, educational policy development, administration, and academic research. The course will also prepare students for progression into doctoral study.   

  Who is the course for?  

  • established teachers and education practitioners who want to develop expertise and theoretical understanding of the field
  • newly qualified practitioners looking to upgrade their qualifications and enhance their knowledge
  • students who have had some experience in an aspect of educational practice which they would like to develop for future career development.

MA Education has Placement Year, a one-year course, and Advanced Research pathways. 

Why choose this course?

This two-year course provides the ideal blend of research and practice, as well as the opportunity to gain valuable work experience that will enhance your employability.  

You will develop and deepen your knowledge and understanding of educational theory and practice through critical reflection, analysis and enquiry, benefiting from a supportive learning community and learning from lecturers and professionals from a range of educational settings. The course will equip you with skills in critical thinking, enquiry and research, report writing, presentation and communication as well as the application of theory to practice. 

This course offers: 

  • a rigorous, evidence-based and inclusive educational experience embedded in research and practice. We will employ interactive techniques to enable effective learning
  • guest lectures from specialists across all areas of education
  • opportunities to visit a range of educational settings, including special schools and alternative education provision.
  • an excellent student learning experience - we are proud to have ranked 10th for education in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES, Advance HE, 2023). 
  • Level 7
    Module Credits Compulsory/optional
    Critical Review of the Literature & Advanced Research Methodology 60 Credits Compulsory
    Undertaking Advanced Research 60 Credits Compulsory
    Pedagogy and Practice 30 Credits Compulsory
    Preparing for Success in your Studies 30 Credits Compulsory
    Leadership in Education 30 Credits Compulsory
    Introduction to Educational Research 30 Credits Compulsory

    • Key staff

    Anthony Quinlan
    Programme Leader
    Find out more about Anthony Quinlan

    Dr Hilary Lee
    Programme Leader
    Find out more about Dr Hilary Lee

    Further course information

    Course fact sheets
    MA Education with Advanced Research Download
    Programme specifications
    MA Education Download
    Additional information

    Sandwich placement or study abroad year

    n/a

    Applications open to international and EU students

    		 Yes

    Student experience

    At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible. We offer a range of support services including; student wellbeing, academic support, accommodation and childcare to ensure that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying and having fun.

    Find out about how we support our students

    You can also read our student blogs to find out about life at Herts.