



Ready to get ahead in your career? Progress from a course in teaching in Higher Education (such as a Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice) to a Masters qualification with this MA in Higher Education Practice.
This course gives you the opportunity to have your prior learning recognised or accredited through the RPL or APL process. Discover modules dedicated to exploring critical and contemporary issues in education, as well as research methods.
End your learning journey with a dissertation or an extended project, focusing on developing your professional practice in education.
About this course
This course will help you sharpen your ability to think deeply and critically about education.
First up, you’ll be introduced to critical theory, a way of looking at things from different angles. You'll explore topics that are important to this course while also getting a broader view of education worldwide.
You'll also learn about the latest research methods used in the field. This will help you tackle real-world problems, and you'll get to work with your classmates to figure out which methods are best for different situations.
Lastly, you'll work on an independent research project or dissertation with support from your tutors. This will give you hands-on experience in carrying out research and reporting on it. Plus, you'll gain skills that can be super helpful in your current and future career and any further studies you might take on.
We offer modules in both the daytime and evenings, so you can find a pattern of delivery that fits with your other commitments, whether you are working or volunteering.
Bringing your prior study for a postgraduate certificate as the first element of this programme means that you will only pay fees for the modules you undertake, usually two-thirds of the overall Masters programme fee.
Module options
For a full Masters degree, you'll study 180 credits over the duration of your course. Some programmes offer a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) qualification or a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) qualification. For a PGDip, you'll study 120 credits, and for a PGCert, you'll study 60 credits.
Filters
Contemporary and Critical Issues in Education: Theory, Policy and Context
This module forms an essential component of your masters programme. It supports the development of key skills that are necessary for study at Level 7, including the development of core and essential skills relating to critical reflection and critical analysis, alongside an introduction to critical theory. It allows engagement with issues relating to specialist areas relevant to your programme of study while also opening up avenues for broader exploration. Drawing on diverse perspectives from a range of global contexts, it ensures that education is explored across broad and diverse perspectives.
core
30 credits
Research Methodologies (Education)
You will explore cutting edge research methodologies used in education, developing your critical understanding of how they can be used to address real world problems. An inquiry-based teaching approach will enable you to work with peers to weigh the merits of each in terms of their suitability for particular contexts and issues.
core
30 credits
Extended Research Project (Education)
This module provides you with an opportunity to apply your knowledge and research skills in the field of education. Supported via dedicated course tutors, your dissertation supervisor, and high-quality workshops and online content, you will undertake an independent research project on a topic related to your programme of study. This will allow you to apply your skills in real-world contexts and gain an understanding of conducting and reporting on research. This module will help you develop key transferable skills for both the workplace and further study.
core
60 credits
Our academics
You'll have dedicated academic staff with real-world education experience. Our research seeks to combat societal inequalities and promote fairness, equity, and social justice through educational change. We're truly passionate about the transformative power of Higher Education.

Dr Lee Fallin
Programme Director
Lee teaches various subjects within the School of Education, including on our Masters programmes. His research focuses on learning technology, accessibility, and the connections between education and geography, both in physical and digital contexts.

Professor Richard Woolley
Head of the School of Education
As Head of the School of Education, Richard’s career spans primary, further and higher education, and leadership. His research focuses on inclusion, diversity and equality. He’s a Principal Fellow of the HEA and a National Teaching Fellow.
Entry Requirements
What do I need?
When it comes to applying for this Postgraduate Taught degree, you'll need an Undergraduate degree (or equivalent). For this course, you'll need a 2:1 from a relevant bachelor's degree.
The programme is designed for graduates who have studied a subject that is relevant to this course.
If you’re an undergraduate student at Hull, you’re guaranteed a fast-track route to this postgraduate degree, as long as you meet the entry requirements.
In order to ensure our students have a rich learning and student experience, most of our programmes have a mix of domestic and international students. We reserve the right to close applications early to either group if application volumes suggest that this blend cannot be achieved.
Typical offer
2:1 in a relevant subject area
Fees & Funding
How much is it?
Scholarships
We offer a number of awards, bursaries and scholarships for eligible students. They’re awarded for a variety of reasons including academic achievement and/or to help those on lower incomes.
Scholarships and bursaries are separate to student loans. And the best bit is, you don’t pay a penny back.
Alumni Postgraduate Scholarship
University of Hull undergraduates progressing to a taught masters course may receive a 20% discount on the cost of their tuition fees.
Find out if you’re eligible by visiting the University of Hull Alumni Postgraduate Scholarship page.
See more Scholarships
We offer a range of scholarships and awards to students at the university to help with their financial load.
To view all of our scholarships and determine whether you're eligible, please visit our Scholarships and Awards page.
Our facilities

Future prospects
This course is specifically crafted to support your career development as a university or higher education lecturer.
Our Masters program delves into contemporary educational practices, focusing on pivotal issues and policies. As a graduate, you’ll emerge with both reflective and practical skills, equipped with the knowledge to make meaningful contributions to your chosen learning community.
Take your career to the next level
Like what you’ve seen? Then it’s time to apply.
Make your application online now, and our admissions team will get back to you as soon as possible to make you an offer.
Not ready to apply yet?
We regularly deliver virtual and on-campus events to help you discover your perfect postgraduate course, whether it’s a subject you already love or something completely different. Our events are an opportunity for you to chat to tutors and current students and find out about the career options a postgraduate degree could lead to.
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All modules on this course page are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.