Oxford Brookes University

What you'll study

The MA Education combines theoretical study with applied enquiry to support professional development across a range of educational contexts. Core themes typically include contemporary theories of learning and teaching, curriculum design, assessment and evaluation, leadership and organisational change, inclusion and special educational needs, and policy analysis.

Students normally take a combination of taught modules and a research-led major project or dissertation. Typical modules and elements include:

• Educational Research Methods: qualitative and quantitative approaches, ethical issues, designing and conducting small-scale enquiries.
• Theories of Learning and Pedagogy: cognitive, social and sociocultural perspectives and implications for classroom practice.
• Curriculum and Assessment: curriculum design, formative and summative assessment, assessment for learning and accountability frameworks.
• Inclusive Education and SEN: strategies for inclusion, differentiation, and working with diverse learners and families.
• Leadership, Management and Professional Development: distributed leadership, change management, continuing professional development and school improvement.
• Policy, Contexts and International Perspectives: analysis of national and international policy influences on practice and equity.
• Independent Project or Dissertation: sustained enquiry into an aspect of professional practice, policy or theory, often involving workplace-based research.

The programme is designed with flexible delivery in mind and is often available full-time or part-time, with face-to-face workshops, online learning activities and workplace-based assignments. Assessment methods typically include essays, project reports, presentations, critical reflections and the dissertation.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline at a UK second-class honours (2:1) or an equivalent qualification. Candidates with a lower second-class degree plus substantial and demonstrable professional experience in education or related fields may also be considered.

Those working in schools, colleges, early years or other educational settings — including qualified teachers with a PGCE or equivalent professional qualification — are welcome. Applicants whose first language is not English are required to demonstrate English language competence at the level required for postgraduate study at UK universities (evidence from recognised tests or equivalent qualifications is accepted).

All applicants must supply a personal statement outlining their reasons for study and how the MA will support their career or professional development, and at least one referee who can comment on academic ability or professional suitability. Relevant employer support or evidence of a professional role may strengthen an application for workplace-based enquiry components.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MA Education progress to a wide range of roles across the education sector and beyond. Common career paths include classroom leadership and middle or senior leadership positions, curriculum coordination, specialist roles such as SENCO or assessment lead, and continuing professional development (CPD) coordinators.

The degree also supports progression into educational policy, advisory and consultancy roles, roles in charities and non-governmental organisations working in learning and development, and further academic study such as doctoral research. The programme’s focus on research skills and professional enquiry equips graduates to lead evidence-informed change in their organisations.

Why study at Oxford Brookes University

Oxford Brookes has a strong tradition of practice-focused teacher education and educational research. The Department of Education combines staff expertise in pedagogical research, leadership and inclusion with close partnerships across schools and educational agencies in the region, offering students opportunities for workplace-based enquiry and professional networking.

Students benefit from a supportive learning environment that emphasises applied research skills, personalised supervision for the dissertation, and flexible delivery to accommodate working professionals. The university’s location close to the city of Oxford gives access to a wide range of educational settings, cultural resources and professional events while providing campus facilities and dedicated student support services to help you balance study with work and other commitments.