Education Studies (MA)
Our Education Studies MA is a course for anyone interested in the field of education and its impact on individuals and society. Through this postgraduate degree, you’ll deepen your critical awareness of educational issues, looking closely at the challenges and possibilities that define today’s learning environments.
The course provides a solid foundation in academic and research skills, offering you insights into educational theory and educational research. You’ll also gain important subject knowledge, equipping you to critically explore and apply ideas in educational practice. Developing your reflective and critical evaluation skills is a key part of the programme, encouraging you to examine complex topics and address questions that affect education.
The course also looks at the broader contexts of education, examining how learning relates to society on a local and global scale. With a focus on international perspectives, this MA encourages you to consider how education works in different cultures and across diverse communities, which can help you see the bigger picture and think beyond traditional boundaries.
On completing this MA, you’ll have a strong grasp of educational theory and practice, as well as the skills to shape education through critical thinking and informed perspectives. This degree will prepare you for roles in policy, research, and beyond, helping you make a real impact in the field of education.
You can take this course in Swansea or as an online qualification, letting you learn from wherever you are, whether in the UK or internationally. This flexibility means you can balance your studies with other commitments, gaining a degree that fits your schedule.
Course details
- On-campus
- Full-time
- English
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
At the Ҵý, our Education Studies programme is designed to foster independent, critical thinkers who are prepared to engage and act as agents of change. We emphasise a supportive and inclusive learning environment, encouraging students to explore diverse perspectives and develop a deep understanding of educational issues.
First Semester: In the first semester, you will explore the foundations of education through modules such as “Introduction to Master’s Ҵý,” “Transforming Education: Effective Change in Leadership and Management,” and “Global Citizenship and Sustainability.” This period focuses on understanding the historical, philosophical, psychological, and sociological aspects of education, providing a comprehensive overview of how learning is organised and influenced.
Second Semester: The second semester delves into inclusive education and practical skills with modules like “Principles of Pedagogy, Teaching & Learning” and “The Philosophy and Practice of Social Research.” You will engage with creative approaches to teaching and learning, examining contemporary issues such as equality, diversity, and inclusion. This period emphasises the application of theory to practice, preparing you to support diverse learners effectively.
Final Semester: In the final semester, you will undertake an independent project through the “Dissertation: Childhood, Youth and Education” module, allowing you to research a topic of interest in depth. This period aims to consolidate your knowledge and skills, preparing you for a variety of educational careers.
Compulsory
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(30 credits)
(30 credits)
(60 credits)
Disclaimer
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The modules outlined above provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this course based on recent academic teaching. We continuously review our courses to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
You’ll typically complete 120 credits per year of study on a full-time course. For more information visit our Student Agreement.
Ratings and Rankings
Staff
Our People
You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ‘Overall Positivity’ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses.
Further information
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2:2 honours degree
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or UWTSD recognised equivalent.
Alternative entry routes
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Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCert). This is the first part of the full Master’s degree.
Once you have successfully completed your PGCert studies, you will be eligible to progress for the remainder of the Master’s degree. &Բ;
These are ideal routes if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied this subject, or if you did not achieve the grades you need for a place on this degree. į&Բ;
Admissions Advice and Support
For specific advice and support you can contact our enquiries team for more information about entry requirements. &Բ;
English language requirements
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests. &Բ;
Visit the International Applications section of our website to find out more about our English Language Requirements and pre-sessional English Language Courses.
Visa and funding requirements
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa. &Բ;
For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa. &Բ;
International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. į&Բ;
For full information read our visa application and guides. įį&Բ;
Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study. &Բ;
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Assessment methods are primarily coursework based, with a focus on offering a variety of potential outputs, including presentations, portfolios, case study responses as well as written assignments.
International students may find the assessment methods familiar within the context of the UK (United Kingdom) but unfamiliar to them as students. If you require them, a range of scaffolding techniques will be used to support and guide you as you progress through the programme.
The delivery and assessment patterns of the programme are designed to be as inclusive as possible for all students with an emphasis on small group learning and personalised support.
There are three modes of study: on-campus, online and blended (a mix of on-campus and online modules).
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Some modules in this course are available to study through the medium of Welsh either fully or partially. In all cases students will be able to submit written assessments through the medium of Welsh.
If you choose to study your course either fully or partially through the medium of Welsh, you may be eligible to apply for scholarships and bursaries to support you with your studies.
We are continuously reviewing our Welsh medium provision, the precise availability of modules will vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course offers modules available through the medium of Welsh this may vary from year to year, and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific Welsh medium modules cannot be guaranteed.
Extracurricular Welsh Opportunities
There are many ways to engage with Welsh culture and life at UWTSD, including joining clubs and societies for Welsh speakers and becoming a member of our vibrant Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol branch. &Բ;
Opportunities to Learn Welsh
We also provide a variety of opportunities to learn and develop your Welsh language skills. į&Բ;
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You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit our Scholarships and Bursaries section.
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This programme has been designed to develop your key competencies in employability. Key competencies include skills such as communication, leadership and project management which are highly transferable and attractive to modern employers.
The flexibility of assignment topics will allow you to customise the programme around your professional interests and ambitions, so that your studies will be relevant to you and to your current or future workplace.