Course summary
Deepen your understanding of modern education and develop valuable new skills with our part-time MA Education degree. This comprehensive programme provides a strong foundation in teaching and learning practices, while allowing you to explore education in its many forms - from formal and professional development to compulsory schooling. You’ll engage with the latest challenges and opportunities shaping the education sector today. Through dynamic hands-on learning, you’ll apply your knowledge in real-world contexts and grow as both a communicator and a leader. When you graduate from BNU, you’ll be equipped with the insight and experience needed to thrive in a wide range of educational roles. Why study MA Education at BNU? A diverse career Our MA Education can open the door to many exciting careers in the education sector. While it doesn’t include a formal teaching qualification, it provides a deep understanding of educational theory, practice, and leadership. You’ll graduate with the critical skills and knowledge needed to make an impact, whether you’re aiming to shape policy, lead educational initiatives, support learning in community or corporate settings, or progress to further study and research. This degree is ideal for those looking to become confident, forward-thinking leaders in education, with a strong academic foundation to support their career goals. Ready for global practice The MA Education course caters to diverse students from the UK and further afield. The face-to-face study enables immediate cultural exchange and collaborative problem-solving. Our students learn not only from our teaching-informed tutors but also from their peers, who share their knowledge, experience, and practice in real-time, creating rich cross-cultural learning experiences that build lifelong connections with fellow educators from around the world. Study options The MA Education is available as a full-time one-year program or a part-time two-year option. If you're looking to launch a career in education or academic research, the full-time route offers an intensive and immersive experience. However, due to its demanding schedule, it is not suited to those with full-time work commitments. Our part-time pathway is ideal for working professionals, providing the flexibility to balance study alongside other responsibilities. Both options are delivered face-to-face, fostering a focused and engaging learning environment that supports deep reflection, collaboration, and personal growth - something often harder to achieve through online study alone. What will I study? Our MA Education offers a rich and in-depth exploration of global educational theories, concepts, and frameworks, with a strong focus on practical application. The programme encourages you to adopt a critical, international perspective, examining pressing educational issues both within the UK and across diverse global contexts. You will engage with a wide range of thought-provoking topics, including:
- Learning, teaching, and assessment across varied educational systems
- Key educational issues across cultures, age groups, and settings
- Research methodology and academic inquiry
- Designing, conducting, and presenting your own research
- Theoretical and conceptual approaches to education and their real-world applications
- Applying project-based frameworks and methodologies in educational settings
- Driving positive societal change and influencing education at a global level
- Our course is built around a commitment to transnational dialogue, fostering a truly global learning community where diverse perspectives are not only welcomed but celebrated. It is an ideal choice for educators who aspire to make a meaningful impact in our interconnected, globalised world.
Entry requirements
The University’s General Entry Requirements will apply to admission to this programme, with applicants typically having a minimum of a 2.2 degree in any subject, with an interest in pursuing a career in education. If you do not meet the entry requirements you may, if you have relevant professional experience, still be invited for interview, where you will be required to demonstrate the necessary knowledge and understanding for entry onto the course. Previous study, professional and / or vocational experiences may be recognised as the equivalent learning experience and permit exemption from studying certain modules in accordance with our accreditation of prior learning (APL) process. Advanced Standing entry Our Advanced Standing entry is perfect for you if you already hold a postgraduate qualification in an education subject, such as our PGCert Practice Education. If you have a 60 credit PGCert in the area of education, you can use the credits towards this full master’s degree, and you can gain this qualification with a lower cost and reduced module requirements. In your first year, for example, on the Advanced Standing entry you are exempt from three core modules. This is because the Advanced Standing entry takes into account your existing knowledge to enable you to focus on those specialist areas that interest you the most. Taken on its own, our PGCert Practice Education course is a great option for those who want to step into postgraduate study but not into a full masters. Advanced Standing entry into this programme then offers you a follow-on route and further qualification should you decide to continue onto this full masters course. If you already hold a postgraduate certificate in the field of education, our MA Education Advanced Standing offers a streamlined award that recognises your existing expertise.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | We require an IELTS score of 6.0 (with no element lower that 5.5) or a recognised equivalent. |
If English is not your first language or if you have studied in a non-majority English-speaking country, then you will typically be required to demonstrate your English language ability (speaking, listening, reading & writing) by way of a test such as IELTS.
BNU English Language Requirements
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £5840 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £5840 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £5840 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £5840 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £5840 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £5840 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Buckinghamshire New University tuition fees cover the cost of instruction, assessment, and core academic materials. However, additional costs may be incurred for course-related items or requirements, such as, but not limited to:
- Text books and supplementary reading materials
- Specialised equipment or resources required for specific courses
- Field trips, placements, or external activities
- Printing, photocopying, and binding
- Accommodation, travel, and living expenses
Additional costs will vary by course. It is your responsibility as a student to budget for any additional expenses associated with your studies.
For further details on what is included in your tuition fees, please check bnu.ac.uk/fees-and-funding
Sponsorship information
There are several ways you can fund your studies, including sponsorship and student loans. You may be able to use ELCAS credits for some of our courses. We also have scholarships and bursaries to help support our students, and if you’re a recent BNU graduate, you may even qualify for a fee discount on your postgraduate studies.
Provider information
Buckinghamshire New University
Queen Alexandra Road
High Wycombe
HP11 2JZ
Course contact details
Visit our course page Enquiry form