Education MA

Keele University

Our innovative MA explores education from an international and multi-dimensional perspective, capitalising on our long-standing experience in education and world-class research, committed to transforming global educational theory and practice. Youll examine contemporary educational issues, theory, practice and policy through economic, social, political and professional lenses, addressing topics like inclusion, inequality, professional identity, racism and gender in education. Helping you become a better, more informed educator, the MA will equip you with the skills and tools to pursue further research and work as a practitioner, mentor or leader in a wide variety of educational settings in the UK or overseas.

Course summary

When you study our MA in Education, you will focus on contemporary educational issues, theory, practice and policy - as viewed through economic, social, political and professional lenses.

Studying education at Keele is shaped by our strong focus – in both teaching and research – on the broader role of education in enhancing human development, its relationship to the economy, society and peoples lives, their opportunities and identities.

Drawing inspiration from the latest research, youll study critical perspectives on education policy, professional identity and a variety of global education issues. For example, you will explore how educational inequalities are associated with race, gender, class and culture and how those associations affect students' experiences of schooling and their educational outcomes.

The course is likely to be of interest to a wide range of students and professionals in for-profit and non-profit settings: teachers, trainers and lecturers education advisors, consultants and specialists youth workers, counsellors and mentors educational administrators, managers and leaders.

It can help you improve your professional practice, develop your speciality, transition into educational administration or leadership roles, either here in the UK or internationally. The course can also broader your career opportunities in international non-governmental organisations (INGOs), NGOs, arts sector, the civil service, educational policy, corporate training and development.

You have the freedom to choose to undertake an educational placement or opt for a more traditional dissertation on a topic of your choice depending on your interests or career aspirations. This can help to establish your authority in specific teaching practices or disciplines, for instance, achieving better student outcomes in special education or to understand how factors to do with characteristics of students and the contexts of their school impact on experiences of schooling.

Given the focus on research, the MA also provides an excellent foundation for further research or to pursue a PhD or a Professional Doctorate.

Your career

In education, demand is high for specialists with the knowledge to inform and implement educational policy, and deliver effective teaching, management and leadership that support learning.

This MA Education programme can prepare you for positions not only in schools, but also in education administration, policy advice, social care, the health sector, advertising and marketing, the charity sector, youth services, the arts sector, museums and the local government.

Our graduates have progressed to senior positions within school settings, as well as careers in other organisations, including British Council in Thailand and Malaysia, the Qatar Foundation, international schools, and in roles responsible for educational programmes, apprenticeships and training for local government and the British Rail.

Duration of study: 1 year full time, 2 years part time or modular study up to 5-years