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Education (MA) (2023 Entry)

Education students at the University of Warwick

Explore our Education taught Master's degree.

This flexible MA course is perfect if you are seeking to understand education within its broader contexts. You will be asked to engage with and critically analyse the role of education, considering the aims and values which inform education systems and how these influence and shape both societies and individuals. You will learn to pair foundation theories with in-depth study of arguments disputes and issues present within the educational sphere today.


Course overview

We encourage you to link theoretical and practical understanding of issues in education, while developing knowledge, skills and understanding of the questions involved in conceptualising and designing educational research.

You will engage with and critically analyse the role of education, considering the aims and values which inform education systems and how these influence and shape both societies and individuals. You will receive a grounding in research methods and a core module which explores current debates and issues in education, both domestically and internationally. This course will help you to better understand the theories, practicalities and significance of educational issues, whilst also enabling you to develop an appreciation for the role that research plays in illuminating these.

By the end of the course, you will be excellently positioned to take the knowledge you have learned and the academically critical skills you will have developed into many aspects of your working life.

Skills from this degree

  • Develop and evidence a systematic understanding and critical awareness of current issues within an educational context
  • Comprehensive understanding of research strategies and techniques appropriate for use in educational research
  • Independent learning and the ability to work in a way which ensures continuing professional development
  • Deepen insights into the dynamic interaction that exists between education research, theory, policy and practice
  • Engage critically with current research related to the field of education

Important information

We are planning to make changes to our Education (MA) degree for 2023 entry. Our core and optional modules will undergo approval through the University's rigorous academic processes. As changes are confirmed, we will update the course information on this webpage. It is therefore very important that you check this webpage for the latest information before you apply and prior to accepting an offer.


General entry requirements

Minimum requirements

2:ii undergraduate degree (or equivalent).


English language requirements

You can find out more about our English language requirementsLink opens in a new window. This course requires the following:

  • Band B
  • IELTS score to 7 overall, no more than two components at 6.0/6.5 & rest 7.0+

International qualifications

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

For more information, please visit the international entry requirements pageLink opens in a new window.


Additional requirements

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.

Core modules

Important information

We are planning to make changes to our Education (MA) degree for 2023 entry. Our core and optional modules will undergo approval through the University's rigorous academic processes. As changes are confirmed, we will update the course information on this webpage. It is therefore very important that you check this webpage for the latest information before you apply and prior to accepting an offer.

Education and Society (alternative online module available for part-time students if required)

This module aims to offer a critical framework for understanding education in its wider social and historical contexts. The module focuses principally on the UK but also considers global developments and offers students opportunities to consider their own national contexts. You will explore the social purposes of education, considering issues such as: education and social justice; education, the state and social provision; education and the economy; educational inequalities and widening participation. The module will look at how shifts in these areas have informed developments in schools, post-compulsory and higher education.

Foundation Research Methods in Education (alternative online module available for part-time students if required)

This module encourages students in understanding, designing and implementing research in the field of education.

It will introduce you to a range of established research strategies and techniques, including data collection and analysis. These skills will enable you to design and carry out a dissertation research project, as well as to disseminate its findings. As part of this module, you will present your research design and have the opportunity to receive feedback ahead of completing your dissertation.

Dissertation

The dissertation is an opportunity to explore, in depth, an area of academic and/or professional interest related to your degree. Building on the knowledge and skills developed during the Research Methods module, and your other modules, you will conduct an independent research project, developing a deeper understanding of your chosen topic. From your research project, you will produce a dissertation, with guidance from a supervisor who will be allocated to you. Through the dissertation, you will demonstrate the ability to analyse and synthesise relevant literature, produce coherent arguments supported by relevant evidence and logical discussion, and acknowledge sources of ideas and information.


Optional modules

This programme has a number of optional modules to choose from to allow you to achieve the required credits to successfully complete the programme. Our optional module lists are subject to change each year to keep the student learning experience current and up-to-date.

Find the most up-to-date optional module list on the Education Studies website.Link opens in a new window


Teaching

For full-time students, all of our modules are delivered in-person at our well-equipped university campus. Part-time students are able to complete a percentage of their modules as asynchronous distance-learning modules.

Most modules include weekly teaching sessions, giving you the opportunity to join with your colleagues to discuss and debate the topics being explored. These sessions are delivered in a range of formats that suit the module (these may include lectures, seminars, group work and practical workshops, for example). In addition, you will be given various pre- and post- session tasks and readings to support your learning.


Typical contact hours

You will attend one or two 3-hour seminars each week during the Autumn and Spring Terms plus research methods training lectures and seminars throughout all three terms.


Assessment

Assessment types vary depending on modules selected but include mixture of assignments and oral presentations. You will also complete a dissertation based on an individual research project, with support from a member of academic staff.


Additional course costs

You may wish to undertake some research with children or young people that may require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check or a Certificate of Good Conduct for students from outside of the UK. A DBS check costs around £70 and a Certificate of Good Conduct can vary in price.

Find out more about our additional course costs.


Reading lists

Our module reading lists are available through Warwick Library. If you would like to view reading lists for the current cohort of students you can visit our Warwick Library web pageLink opens in a new window.


Your timetable

Your personalised timetable will be complete when you are registered for all modules, compulsory and optional, and you have been allocated to your lectures, seminars and other small group classes. Your compulsory modules will be registered for you and you will be able to choose your optional modules when you join us.

Your career

Graduates of the course have gone on to be involved in such diverse careers as social work, NGO and charity work as well as teaching and educational leadership.

Our department has a dedicated professionally qualified Senior Careers Consultant offering impartial advice and guidance together with workshops and events throughout the year. Previous examples of workshops and events include:

  • Careers in Education
  • Careers with Children and Young People
  • Warwick careers fairs throughout the year

Education Studies at Warwick

Education has the power to change lives

Education changes lives through teaching, coaching, training, and through work in local and global communities. What do you understand about that power? Bring your fascination for the way we communicate and learn to Warwick.

Find out more about us on our website


Our Postgraduate Taught courses


Our Postgraduate Research courses

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.

Taught course fees  Research course fees


Fee Status Guidance

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.

Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?

If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.

Find out more about how universities assess fee status

Additional course costs

As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.

For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module Catalogue (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).

Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2022/23 year of study). Information about module department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:

  • Core text books
  • Printer credits
  • Dissertation binding
  • Robe hire for your degree ceremony

Scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships and financial support

Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.

Living costs

Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.

Find out how to apply to us, ask your questions, and find out more.

Taught course applications

Here is our checklist on how to apply for taught postgraduate courses at Warwick.

Research course applications

Here is our checklist on how to apply for research postgraduate degrees at the University of Warwick.

After you’ve applied

Find out how we process your application.

Applicant Portal

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Admissions statement

See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.

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Postgraduate Open Day

Our Postgraduate Virtual Open Day will help you find out more about your course of interest, as well as general topics like applying to Warwick, accommodation, careers and funding.
Please register your interest to be the first to hear when booking opens.

Postgraduate fairs

Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in the UK. These events give you the chance to learn about our Master's and PhD study routes, and the wider context of postgraduate study.

Find out more

Live chats

Every week, you can connect directly with representatives from Warwick, who will be answering your questions on applying to and studying postgraduate studies at Warwick.

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Departmental events

Some academic departments hold events for specific postgraduate programmes, these are fantastic opportunities to learn more about Warwick and your chosen department and course.

See our online departmental events

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