About this course
天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载 MSc Education course is a 12-month degree for ambitious students who want to pursue or advance their career in education. You’ll critically examine the relationship between educational research and practice so you can find work in a variety of educational institutions at different levels.
Education at the University of 天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载 is ranked 4th in the UK (The Complete University Guide, 2022)
If you want to pursue a senior role in education, understand and apply educational research or enhance your current teaching practice but don’t know where to start, then our master's degree in education is the course for you.
On this MSc education course you’ll take a research-first approach, using evidence and data to inform discussion points within your written work and seminar contributions. You’ll learn to critically reflect on your own teaching and learning practices based on analysis of different teaching methods.
We’ll help you to navigate the educational system. You’ll analyse the challenges facing education and how regional, national and international policies can impact teaching and learning.
During the course, you’ll explore:
- how the influence of evidence from research can positively impact on teaching and learning
- topics which impact on education, including personal, cultural or social values
- international perspectives on different educational practices and policies from around the world
- methods and techniques required to collect and analyse data for educational research
- current debates in educational practice and research methodologies
The combination of taught lectures, interactive seminars and independent research study will help you to learn key professional skills.
We also offer 3 pathways on our MSc Education degree.
Your other MSc Education pathway options are:
- MSc Education Management and Leadership - you'll develop knowledge and understanding of how to lead and manage education institutions, and how to become an academic leader.
- MSc Education Practice and Innovation - study different teaching and learning methods and learn how to conduct and analyse educational research in the fields of innovation and inclusive practices.
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载 courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
Course lead
Dr Cristina Azaola, Associate Professor in Education, is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and interested in educational inequalities, social inclusion and exclusion through schooling.
She convened the conference Lessons of resilience and social inclusion from the Covid-19 pandemic, funded by The British Academy and the Wellcome Trust. She is the principal investigator of the following projects:
- Teachers’ jury to improve school belonging in technical high schools, funded by the Higher Education Innovation Funding
- Enhancing reflective learning and school collaboration in rural Mexico, funded by The British Council
- Investigating staff and student belonging in a Further Education College with Dr Ran Peleg, funded by Research England Participatory Research Fund
She has published over eighteen papers in different high-quality peer-reviewed international journals.
Learn more about this subject area
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of 天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载.
天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载 the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 degree and a minimum of 2 months work experience which should involve interactions with groups of learners rather than individual tutoring.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Pre-masters
If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
During this one year MSc education course, you'll study 6 modules across 2 semesters before completing a dissertation.
These modules will give you a broad knowledge in teaching and learning methods as well as applied research skills.
Three modules will be compulsory and you can choose 3 optional modules across the pathway course options if you would like to learn about leadership and management or innovation and education practices.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules :
Data Analysis for Educational Research
This module provides an overview of key approaches to the analysis of quantitative and qualitative data in education. Building on the knowledge you gained about educational research design and data collection, you will learn how to turn your data into res...
Data Collection Methods in Education Research
This module will cover the purposes and use of different methods for data collection in education research. It will address the design and use of questionnaires, different types of interviews and classroom observations. At the end of the module, students...
Inclusive Practices in Education
Educational systems and contexts today have to respond to an increasingly diverse population of learners. This module allows participants to explore ways of reaching out to all learners, in varied educational contexts, with the aim being to enable all lea...
Investigating Innovations in Learning and Teaching
When you study this module you will examine and investigate notions of innovation and notions of innovation within formal and informal learning and teaching settings. Your pre-conceptions of the role technological innovations in such settings will be chal...
Leadership in Education
The module will provide an introduction to theories of organisational and interpersonal leadership, relating to the field of education, teacher instructional leadership for capacity building and leadership for learning to sustain school improvement.
MSc Dissertation
The dissertation builds on work undertaken across other modules and provides you with an opportunity to undertake a piece of independent research in a chosen topic. Normally, your dissertation will be individually supervised.
Management in Education Organisations
This module draws on theoretical knowledge and empirical insights and as far as possible links them to students’ experiences. By the end of this module you will be able to use theoretical and empirical evidence to make suggestions for improving practice.
Understanding Education Research
The module starts with an introduction to research in education, including different purposes of research, and how to locate research within the existing evidence base. This is then followed by an exploration of the philosophical foundations that underpin...
Understanding Learning and Teaching
The content of this module will typically draw on a range of research, theory and policy to consider contemporary perspectives on teaching and learning practices, such as: - Philosophical perspectives on the purpose of education and how that might influe...
Understanding Research Design
This module will provide students with an understanding of the characteristics of the most common research designs in educational research. It will build on students’ understanding of research philosophies and provide students with a critical appreciation...
You must also choose from the following modules :
Education and Society
The module provides an understanding of the relationship between education and society. This includes the ways in which education systems reflect broader economic, political, social and cultural structures and values; how these inform education policy; th...
Globalisation and Education Policy
In recent decades globalisation has impacted national education policies in industrialised, emerging and developing economies. This module will look at the different ways in which some education systems in different regions have changed their policies and...
Inclusive Practices in Education
Educational systems and contexts today have to respond to an increasingly diverse population of learners. This module allows participants to explore ways of reaching out to all learners, in varied educational contexts, with the aim being to enable all lea...
Investigating Innovations in Learning and Teaching
When you study this module you will examine and investigate notions of innovation and notions of innovation within formal and informal learning and teaching settings. Your pre-conceptions of the role technological innovations in such settings will be chal...
Leadership in Education
The module will provide an introduction to theories of organisational and interpersonal leadership, relating to the field of education, teacher instructional leadership for capacity building and leadership for learning to sustain school improvement.
Management in Education Organisations
This module draws on theoretical knowledge and empirical insights and as far as possible links them to students’ experiences. By the end of this module you will be able to use theoretical and empirical evidence to make suggestions for improving practice.
STEM Education: Addressing Global Challenges
Modern concerns like global warming and alternative fuels highlight the need for a STEM educated population. This module aims to provide a comprehensive overview of STEM education by examining current trends and best practices in the field. The module is ...
Learning and assessment
Learning
During the taught element of the course, you’ll learn through a combination of lectures, seminars and practical sessions.
Activities will depend on the modules that you take.
There are a variety of different learning activities to help you learn, including:
- Group work
- Research and case studies
- Online learning
Through group work you'll collaborate with other students to produce a group report or presentation. You'll also work on research and case-studies showing the reality of research design, decision making and problem solving activities in today’s organisational environment.
We also provide a learning environment called ‘Blackboard’ which gives you access to many additional resources and supporting learning materials. The School also has a dedicated website with links for online learning support.
天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载 students are from a wide range of cultural and geographical backgrounds, meaning you'll get the chance to set up learning networks that can extend beyond the time of your study at 天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载. You'll communicate in a variety of contexts, and discuss problems and a tasks together.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed by a combination of the following methods:
- written assignments
- academic posters
- research project reports
- dissertation
Explore course modules for full details of learning and assessment.
Dissertation
The dissertation builds on work undertaken across other modules and gives you an opportunity to take on a piece of independent research in a chosen topic. Normally, your dissertation will be individually supervised. The dissertation will be between 15,000 and 17,000 words.
Academic Support
We can support your learning needs throughout your studies through an induction programme and individual support in study skills. You will also get a personal tutor to support your academic development.
Careers and employability
The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the 天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载 skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.
天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载 skills overview
Work experience opportunities
Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at 天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载.
Careers services and support
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). 天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载 Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV and interview skills and workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay ?9,250.
- EU and international students pay ?25,400.
Deposit
If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay ?2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.
Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.
Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of 天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载 Education Postgraduate International Scholarship
A scholarship of ?3,000 is available to international students studying for a postgraduate master’s in Education.
Find out more about the 天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载 Education International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.
Other postgraduate funding options
A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
- Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal. .
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Pay the ?50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
- Submit your application.
For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.
Application deadlines
UK students
The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
International students
The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 26 August 2025, midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a ?50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of 天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载 student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
References are not required for this programme.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We receive a high volume of applications for this course. This means you may not receive a response to your application for up to 12 weeks.
If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.
Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
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