Ranking
3rd
in the REF
Course overview
Start shaping the future of education by developing your expertise with us. Guided by academics and grounded in research, theory and practice, you’ll develop the skills needed to create a fairer, more inclusive education system and be ready to make a lasting impact.
Advance your career in education with this personalised MA Education program. Tailor your studies to your passions and career goals, drawing from our leading research in social justice, inclusion, and leadership to create meaningful change in education.
Course structure
This course will run over 12 months in a full-time mode.
Course highlights
Join our top-ranked School of Education and be part of a vibrant learning community. Our MA Education programme activates your potential with a diverse curriculum covering leadership, SEN, and social justice. Graduate prepared for a rewarding career in education or research.
- Integrated Diverse Learning: Combines cutting-edge educational theory with specialisms in contemporary disciplines.
- Learn from the Best: Be taught by leading researchers in our Top 5 ranked School of Education.
- Innovative Teaching: Gain a diverse set of skills through lectures, seminars, and online tools with mixed learning assessment methods.
- 3rd
Our School of Education is ranked 3rd in the UK for its 4* research in the REF
Course delivery
Our programme prepares you for a career in Education through diverse learning methods including: seminars, lectures, workshops and virtual learning.
- Lecture - Academics give organised talks to large groups of students who take notes, less interactive.
- Seminar - Small group sessions designed to complement lectures and are generally more informal in nature. They give you the chance to discuss issues with fellow students and allow for more interaction than a traditional lecture.
- Workshop - Workshops are for smaller groups, but instead of discussion, students might learn about a tool or a technique that they will be required to know about for their course. They are usually more hands-on learning that allows discussion regarding the given topic.
Module information
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
2025/26 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LM Dissertation | 60 | Full Term |
| LM Education, Policy & Society | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Research Methods in Education | 20 | Semester 1 |
Choose a further four 20 credit modules from the list provided.
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Citizenship, Human Rights and the Environment | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Education as an International issue | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Assessing and Improving School Performance | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Cross-Cultural Issues in SEND | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Disability and Inclusive Development | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Education Futures | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Education Policy, Governance and Regulation | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Education for Social Justice | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Education, curriculum design, planning and social justice | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Inclusion: Individual and Group Differences | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Leadership and Management in Education | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Special Educational Needs of Pupils with Autism (Campus) | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Language, Discourse and Society | 20 | Semester 2 |
Entry requirements
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.
English language requirements
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:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
English Presessional Programmes
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.
- 2:1 Honours degree
A 2:1 or above (or international equivalent) Bachelor's degree is required.
Applicants without a 2:1 are welcome to apply, but should have a degree and a minimum of three years relevant professional experience post degree, in an education-focused setting.
Students who have not studied in English must pass a recognised English test. For more information on what proof you will need, visit our International Postgraduate requirements page
Fees and scholarships
- £10,900
Full-time
Postgraduate Masters Loan
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.
Scholarships
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.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
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.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
- 12 May 2025
Application deadline for international students requiring a visa. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Career opportunities
The University of Birmingham MA Education course is highly esteemed across Birmingham and the West Midlands. We boast an exceptional record of student employment post-course completion, with numerous alumni in roles such as domestic and international policy, education leadership and practice, inclusion and social justice, and school improvement.
Careers Network
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.