Trinity University

What you'll study

This Master’s combines core study in pedagogy and research methods with optional modules that allow you to specialise in areas such as curriculum design, inclusive practice, assessment, educational leadership, or technology-enhanced learning. Typical core topics include:

• Contemporary Theories of Learning – cognitive and sociocultural approaches to how learners acquire knowledge and skills.
• Curriculum Design and Development – principles and practice of designing coherent curricula across key stages or subject areas.
• Assessment for Learning – formative and summative assessment strategies, data use and feedback practices to support pupil progress.
• Inclusive Education and SEND – approaches to inclusion, differentiation and support for learners with diverse needs.
• Educational Research Methods – qualitative and quantitative methods, ethics, and project design to prepare you for an independent dissertation or applied project.
• Leadership and Management in Education (optional) – organisational behaviour, change management and strategic planning for school leaders.
• Technology in Education (optional) – digital pedagogy, online learning design and evaluation of educational technologies.

Assessment methods typically include essays and reports, lesson- and curriculum-design portfolios, research proposals, presentations and a final dissertation or applied research project that addresses a practical issue in an educational setting. Teaching combines seminars, workshops, supervised research and school-based or workplace-based practice where relevant.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised undergraduate degree or equivalent; many successful applicants also hold a teaching qualification or relevant professional experience in education. Typical entry requirements include:

• A bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution (2:1 or equivalent is commonly preferred, but consideration is given to relevant experience).
• Relevant professional experience in a school or educational setting is highly valued, particularly for practice-oriented routes.
• A personal statement outlining professional aims and reasons for study, and one or more references (academic and/or professional).
• Evidence of English language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English, in line with the university’s English-language policy.

Where appropriate, applicants may be invited to an interview to discuss suitability and proposed areas of study. The programme team is usually willing to consider applicants with non-traditional backgrounds who can demonstrate substantial relevant experience.

Career prospects

Graduates from this Master’s move into a wide range of roles across the education sector. Common career paths include:

• Senior classroom teacher, subject lead or head of department
• Assistant headteacher, deputy headteacher or other school leadership roles
• Curriculum developer, assessment coordinator or educational consultant
• Specialist roles such as inclusion lead, SEN coordinator or behaviour/pastoral lead
• Positions in local authority education services, educational charities, NGOs or curriculum and policy organisations
• Further academic study, including research degrees (MPhil/PhD) or professional doctorates in education

The programme emphasises transferable skills valued by employers, including research literacy, project management, classroom-based inquiry, and the ability to design and evaluate teaching and learning interventions.

Why study at Trinity University

Trinity University offers a supportive, small-group learning environment with close academic supervision and strong links to local schools and education providers. The programme balances cutting-edge theory with applied practice, enabling students to test ideas in real classroom settings and to develop leadership capabilities.

Students benefit from access to the university’s teaching and learning resources, research-active faculty in education, and opportunities to engage with multi-disciplinary colleagues across subject areas. The programme is structured to be flexible for working professionals, with options for part-time study and blended delivery where available, allowing learners to continue in employment while they study.