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Qualification type
MA

Education

Study mode
Full-time
Duration
12 months
Start date and application deadlines
Start date
September 2025
Apply by:
Starts on:

We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom.

How to apply
UK students

Apply for this course by:

There is no fee to apply for our courses.

What you'll need

As part of the application process, you'll need to submit:

  • School or college transcripts/certificates
  • University transcripts and certified translations if applicable
  • Degree certificates
  • Personal statement outlining your learning ambitions

Our application process

  1. Sign into the University of Liverpool Application Portal and start your application
  2. Submit your application
  3. We'll email you to let you know we're processing your application
  4. Track the progress of your application using the Postgraduate Application Tracker (we'll send you a link to the tracker)
  5. We'll email you when a decision has been made
  6. If you've been made an offer, you can then accept or decline it using the Postgraduate Application Tracker.

Already a University of Liverpool student?

Apply faster with the quick apply form for current University of Liverpool students.

Need help applying?

Our how to apply pages provide further information about applying online for our taught postgraduate courses.

If you are unable to apply via our online form, or need further support, please contact the postgraduate enquiries team.

International students

Apply for this course by:

There is no fee to apply for our courses. However, once you’ve been made an offer to study with us you are required to pay a fee deposit.

What you'll need

As part of the application process, you'll need to submit:

  • School or college transcripts/certificates
  • University transcripts and certified translations if applicable
  • Degree certificates
  • Evidence of English Language proficiency (EU and international applicants only)
  • Personal statement outlining your learning ambitions.

Our application process

  1. Sign into the University of Liverpool Application Portal and start your application
  2. Submit your application
  3. We'll email you to let you know we're processing your application
  4. Track the progress of your application using the Postgraduate Application Tracker (we'll send you a link to the tracker)
  5. We'll email you when a decision has been made
  6. If you've been made an offer, you can then accept or decline it using the Postgraduate Application Tracker.

Already a University of Liverpool student?

Apply faster with the quick apply form for current University of Liverpool students.

Need help applying?

We provide further information about applying online.

If you are unable to apply via our online form, or need further support, please contact the postgraduate enquiries team.

Combine this subject

With a combined degree, you can study two subjects as part of the same degree programme.

  • Choose from 30 subjects and over 300 combinations
  • Choose joint or major minor subjects
  • Adjust the weight of your subjects at the end of your first year
  • Same number of credits as single honours students
  • Same classes as single honours students
  • Appeal to a wide range of employers

Explore combined degrees for History courses

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About this course

Our new MA in Education aims to create reflective, research-driven educators who can apply their knowledge skills and experience to real-world challenges in educational settings.


Introduction

This course is designed to promote a holistic understanding of education, emphasising both theory and practice, and encouraging lifelong professional growth. We will give you an insight into global trends and comparative education systems so you will gain a broader understanding of education in an international context.

Through the study of carefully selected compulsory and optional modules, you will explore the relationship between theory, practice and contemporary developments within regional, national and international educational contexts.  You will also have the opportunity to conduct independent, evidence-based research, and contribute to the knowledge base in education.


Who is this course for?

The MA in Education is suitable for graduates from any subject background who have a professional interest in education, whether through working in educational administration or business, or the cultural or charity sectors or those interested in progressing towards furthering their academic expertise in educational policy and practice through future doctoral studies.


What you'll learn

  • How to identify and critically analyse the issues affecting a range of different educational contexts and countries and learner characteristics from local, national and international perspectives.
  • Critical application of advanced scholarship and innovative practices that address the challenges in diverse educational contexts.
  • How to critically evaluate how ways of knowing and thinking shape research and practice within a range of educational settings, framing professional actions in the light of this understanding.
  • The synthesis and critical evaluation of ways in which personal, local, organisational, national, cultural, technological and international factors influence research and the transformation of education practice and policy.
  • Critical evaluation of the effectiveness of approaches and techniques used by change agents to affect educational change within their spheres of influence
  • Application of inclusive, responsible and ethical principles in the development and evaluation of educational practices and policies appropriate to a given context.
  • How to critically reflect on and evaluate your own professional practice and understanding, demonstrating self-awareness, framing insightful questions, and applying systematic patterns of critical thinking.
  • How to systematically plan and independently conduct theoretically informed research of educational topics and or businesses and themes based on appropriate methods/methodologies and/or project management practice to inform educational policy and practice.

By the end of the programme, you will be able to analyse and evaluate the contemporary challenges facing educational theory and practice and formulate strategies to address them effectively.

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Course content

Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Semester one

Compulsory modules:

MAED401 – Fundamentals of Education: Teaching, Learning, Knowledge, Assessment

MAED402 – Contemporary Issues in Global Education

MAED403 – Introduction to Educational Research and Enquiry

MAED404 – The Reflective Practitioner

 

Please note the full structure of this course is still in development and will be available soon.

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.

Semester two

Compulsory modules:

MAED403 – Introduction to Educational Research and Enquiry

MAED404 – The Reflective Practitioner

 

Optional modules:

MAED405 – Digital Perspectives in Education

MAED406 – Critical Studies in University Education

MAED407 – Entrepreneurial Thinking and Innovation

MAED408 – Leadership, Policy, and Institutional Change

 

Please note the full structure of this course is still in development and will be available soon.

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.

Final project

MAED409 – Capstone Project

Please note the full structure of this course is still in development and will be available soon.

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.

Teaching and assessment

How you'll learn

Overall, the learning and learning approach in an MA in Education aims to create reflective, research-driven educators who can apply their knowledge to real-world challenges in educational settings. It promotes a holistic understanding of education, emphasising both theory and practice, and encouraging lifelong professional growth. Specifically, it provides authentic learning experiences; designed and delivered to reflect the issues and challenges of education and educators, is shaped by the LCF hallmarks of active learning, research-connected teaching and acknowledges and accommodates our diverse student cohort via:

  • Tutor led lectures with active learning features
  • Tutor led seminars
  • Student led seminars
  • Independent learning
  • Leadership and teamwork
  • Individual supervision

Liverpool Hallmarks

We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.

The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:

  • Digital fluency
  • Confidence
  • Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

  • Research-connected teaching
  • Active learning
  • Authentic assessment

All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.

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Your experience

The MA in Education sits within the School of Histories, Language and Cultures, although teaching will take place across the campus.  Within the School and associated departments, there is a diverse student population consisting of a wide ethnic mix, home/EU and international students and a number of mature students. We provide a safe place where staff and students can be their authentic selves in the workplace and their everyday lives. We do this by being an inclusive and supportive environment where our diverse community of scholars and students offer support through allyship and support for all.

Supporting your learning

From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:

Why History at University of Liverpool?

  • we have a breath of expertise and knowledge that spans the medieval, early modern and modern periods and research across Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and the Americas. We are here to support you in your specific research interests.
  • We have active seminar programmes, linked to our research centres and MA programmes, enabling staff and postgraduates to present their work and listen to eminent visiting speakers.
  • Dedicated small group teaching in seminars or workshops and through one-to-one tutorials, we believe this leads to the best collaboration between students and staff
  • Students have a voice here and are represented on the School Postgraduate Committee. There is also a dedicated staff – student liaison committee to oversee our MA and PhD programmes.
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Want to find out more about student life?
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Careers and employability

The MA in Education aims to prepare graduates for roles in education, research, administration, and policymaking, as well as further academic pursuits such as doctoral studies in education. The programme’s emphasis on digital contexts and entrepreneurship within education offer a point of differentiation for students seeking to influence change in educational practice and innovation. Through the incorporation of themes of sustainability, the programme provides students with the knowledge, skills and experience to shape future generations.

Possible career opportunities include:

  • Administration
  • Education-related business startups
  • Curriculum design, Consultancy
  • Charities and non-profit organisations
  • Policy development, Teaching or training.

In addition, the generic skills it cultivates (such as adaptability, problem solving, leadership, research and digital proficiency) also mean that employment beyond the education sector is also possible.


Career support from day one to graduation and beyond

Career planning

Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.

From education to employment

We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.

Networking events

You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.

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My qualifications are from United Kingdom.

Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)

Full-time place, per year - £11,700

International fees

Full-time place, per year - £24,100

Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.

If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies.


Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.


Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.

Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in Education

Joining our Education MA? You could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of £5,000. Two awards will be available in each academic year.

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My qualifications are from United Kingdom.

Entry requirements

The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.

Qualification Details
Postgraduate entry requirements

We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. There is no specification of degree subject.

International qualifications

Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course.


English language requirements

You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.

We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.

International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.

Qualification Details
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0
TOEFL iBT 94-101
Duolingo English Test 125 overall, with writing not less than 125, speaking and reading not less than 115, and listening not below 110

Pre-sessional English

Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?

The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.

Pre-sessional English in detail

If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.

Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.

Your most recent IELTS score Pre-sessional English course length On campus or online
6.0 overall, with no component below 6.0 6 weeks On campus
6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 10 weeks On campus and online options available
6.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 12 weeks On campus and online options available
5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 20 weeks On campus
5.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.0, and no component below 4.5 30 weeks On campus
4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 4.0 40 weeks On campus

If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.

Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0, for further details.


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Entry requirements: which qualifications do you need?

More about life in Liverpool

Discover more about the city and University.

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Why study at Liverpool?

Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.

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Accommodation

To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.

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Fees and Finance

Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.


Contact us

Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.

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Last updated 31 January 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions

Changes to Education MA

See what updates we've made to this course since it was published. We document changes to information such as course content, entry requirements and how you'll be taught.