About this qualification
Delivered by our partners at the National Institute of Teaching and Education (NITE).
This course has been designed with highly practical intentions for current teachers who wish to further their study and develop their expertise in a chosen specialist area within education. Learning aims to inform both professional practice and school improvement strategies.
There are currently three pathways available:
- Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
- Development of Expert Teaching
- Mentoring in Education
Entry Requirements
In order to gain entry to the course you must:
Employment
Be employed in a relevant school/education setting (where learning can be embedded) for the duration of study, subject to selection criteria.
Higher Education
Hold an undergraduate degree or equivalent, as assessed by UK ENIC.
Teacher Training
Have completed some form of Initial Teacher Training.
English language requirements
IELTS: 6.5 or higher, with no component less than 5.5 (or equivalent), or TOEFL 600, or to have completed some of their education, for example, a degree, in English.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Qualification information
The MA in Education aims to develop your knowledge and experience within your chosen area of expertise and is designed to complement your current role in school.
This course is offered on a part-time basis, for one or two years, to enable study alongside employment. Prior learning from a PGCE is fully recognised, reducing the number of credits and time required to gain the full Master’s degree.
Career Path
On successful completion of the course, you will have in-depth knowledge of your area of expertise (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities/Development of Expert Teaching/Mentoring in Education). You will understand the latest developments in research, theory and pedagogy and the impact these have on provision and practice. Transferrable skills you should have gained include the ability to critically reflect, analyse and evaluate areas of expertise within education, as well as applying advanced theory to positively impact change.
As being in a school or relevant educational setting is a requirement of this course, you will be able to link theoretical concepts to your practice. You will be able to use this to inform your practice and have an impact on an area pertinent to school improvement and/or your own professional development.
Areas of career progression and opportunities may include:
- Whole school/subject leadership
- Middle leadership
- Senior leadership
- Headship
- Initial Teacher Training positions within schools, training providers and Higher Education Institutions
- Further study, such as a PhD or Doctorate
How you’ll be taught
The course is delivered online through webinars, podcasts, videos, research, and tutorials. Our platforms are interactive and engaging and enable both independent and peer learning. Course content and materials are available 24/7, enabling you to study and revisit them as required and in your own time.
Our online tutorial programme provides you with teaching and support, both one-to-one with your own personal University Tutor and in a tutor group. Tutorials aim to deepen your understanding of the topics we cover, and prompt you to reflect, question existing policy and practice and conduct further research and study. Early modules cover study skills vital to success in conducting action research, rooted in the topic and area of interest selected.
Current online platforms include:
- Aula
- PebblePad
A 30-credit module consists of 300 hours of learning, which usually comprises:
- 20 hours of online tutorials
- 80 hours of guided independent study
- 200 hours of independent study
Contact hours will include a combination of online teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.
Year One
Unit 1
Unit 2
Unit 3
Unit 4
Unit 1
Overview
In the first year, you will develop in-depth knowledge within your chosen field and critically reflect upon relevant issues. You will consider wider contexts and the impact on both your own role and that of whole-school development. You will engage with a wide range of research, theory, and pedagogical approaches.
Unit 2
Philosophy for Education
During this module, you will focus on the origins and evolution of the five primary learning theories of behaviourism, cognitive learning, constructivism, humanism, and connectivism. Emphasis will be placed on your ability to identify and describe your own philosophy of education. Collaborative analysis of philosophical perspectives will deepen critical reflection on teaching and learning methodologies. This will shape the development of a personal philosophy for education that is relevant to your own practice.
Unit 3
Critical Reflection
This module develops academic skills and supports you in exercising critical and independent judgement, as well as critical evaluation and synthesis. You will reflect on personal learning and professional experience, as well as evaluate your teaching practice and career to date.
Unit 4
Pathway Module
Select ONE of the following modules that link directly to your chosen course specialism.
Once completed, the subject of your chosen pathway module will feed into the remaining course content and assessment.
- Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
This module is designed to benefit teachers at all levels of experience, from early career teachers to more experienced senior practitioners. It will cover key areas that are essential for an inclusive approach for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The module will build your confidence and understanding of SEND and develop an inclusive approach, leading to better outcomes for children and young people with SEND. - Development of Expert Teaching
This module is aimed at teachers who are in the early stages of their careers. As a novice teacher, it will prepare you for your subsequent years of teaching. This is achieved through discussing key issues, such as leading a subject, having a comprehensive understanding of assessment and reflecting in a meaningful and transformative way. The module will build expertise in all the key aspects of a classroom practitioner. - Mentoring in Education
This module is designed for established practitioners in the teaching profession. It explores what effective mentoring looks like and how pivotal it is in supporting and developing trainee teachers. This is achieved through engagement with academic study and following independent lines of enquiry.
Year Two
Unit 1
Unit 2
Unit 3
Unit 4
Unit 1
Overview
In the second year, you will focus on both the planning and implementation of your action research project. You will complete a detailed proposal, demonstrating how theory is transferred effectively into practice. You will finish the year by submitting your action research project.
Unit 2
Portfolio for Professional Practice
This module develops a reflective and self-critical approach to Mentoring in Education/ Special Educational Needs and Disabilities/ Development of Expert Teaching. This module is practice-based and requires you to complete a combination of tasks, critical reflections and showcase evidence. You will be required to work collaboratively with your designated mentor and respond to feedback accordingly.
Unit 3
Action Research Proposal
In this module, you will plan a substantive piece of individual research applying theory within practice. You will critically evaluate ethical practices and draw upon the knowledge, and intellectual, technical and analytical skills developed during the course.
Unit 4
Action Research Project
In this module, you will carry out a substantive piece of individual research within your own educational setting, culminating in an action-research project. This piece of work will involve the critical analysis of a process within your context.
We regularly review our qualification content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, qualification modules may be updated.
How you’ll be assessed
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods, depending upon the module.
Assessment methods may include:
- Assignments/Essays
- Presentations
- Projects
The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progress towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.
Fees & Funding
Student
Full-time
Part-time
UK
Not available
120 Level 7 Credits – £4,250
150 Level 7 Credits – £5,500
180 Level 7 Credits – £6,500
International
Not available
120 Level 7 Credits – £4,250
150 Level 7 Credits – £5,500
180 Level 7 Credits – £6,500
