Transform lives with our unique Masters in Character Education. Gain deep insights into character, wellbeing, and human flourishing to make a lasting impact.
The MA Character Education course helps you to develop your knowledge and expertise in your field of character education. Learn from leading scholars from the world-leading Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues. Whether you're a teacher, business leader, or a parent, you'll gain the expertise to drive positive change in your school, organisation, or family home.
I highly recommend the MA in Character Education. The theory to practice links will really support you in growing both personally and professionally.
This course will run over 3 years in a part-time, distance-learning mode.
Our MA in Character Education course is the first of its kind, focusing on the profound impact of character and virtues on individuals and society.
in character education research and teaching
At Birmingham, you’ll learn from active researchers in Character Education, blending theory with practical insights to drive real-world impact.
The MA Character Education course comprises of 180 credits taught over 3 years, including a 60-credit dissertation project. There is also the option to be awarded the PGCert (60 credits taught over 12 months) or the PGDip (120 credits taught material over 24 months).
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
In Year 1, the following modules must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LM History and Politics of Character Education | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Research Methods in Character Education | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Theories of Character, Virtue and Flourishing | 20 | Semester 1 |
In Year 2, the following modules must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LM Character Education Interventions in Schools and Organisations | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Character Education Leadership in Schools and Organisations | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM The Virtuous Practitioner | 20 | Semester 2 |
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
Typically, successful applicants will hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level or above and have some relevant and related experience in the field of education; however, account will be given to equivalent professional qualifications and experience.
Speakers of English as a second language will be required to hold an IELTs 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each band or equivalent qualification.
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Our Character Education MA will prepare you for a range of careers in teaching and education.
You will be equipped to transform the educational ethos of your school by applying your learning in real-world settings. With a strong emphasis on connecting research to practice, this course paves the way for ambitious researchers to pursue further studies, including PhD programmes.
The way that I plan my lessons and the way that I interact with the children [...] is completely different now that there's a focus on character in my role.
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Find out why we are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2024) by meeting some of our successful alumni.
