Main details
Course overview
Module options
Our academics
Entry requirements
Fees & funding
Scholarships
Facilities
Future prospects
Next steps

Postgraduate Taught

Higher Education Practice

A lecturer and a student talking around a table

A Hull student on placement as a trainee teacher at Tollbar Academy

Secondary students sat around a table in a marketing workshop

Education students working on laptops in the Brynmor Jones Library

Enhance your career in higher education, studying critical and contemporary educational issues.

You’ll explore the latest research methods used in the field, helping you tackle real-world challenges.

You’ll develop your ability to think critically about education and graduate with reflective and practical skills to make meaningful contributions to learning communities.

You’ll study critical theory, developing a deep understanding of core higher education topics, along with a broad, global perspective of the world of education.

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.

Explore issues

that matter to you
Study a mix

of theory, policy, and practice
Engage in meaningful research

in higher education
Your prior learning

can be recognised through our RPL process
Enhance your career

in higher education

Swipe

Course overview

Module options

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, volunteering or studying full time. In 2024-25 you can choose evening modules from: Coaching and Mentoring, Early Childhood, Leadership and Management or Social Justice and Community Engagement as well as the mandatory modules shared by all pathways.

A PGCE Science Student writing on a whiteboard

Two student teachers working together on a whiteboard

Choose your modules

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.

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 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, whilst 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

3 Modules

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.

See more academics for this subject

Featured academic

Dr Lee Fallin

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.

Featured academic

Professor Richard Woolley

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

UK
International

What do I need?

Typical offer

2:1 in relevant subject area

Additional entry requirements for this course

60 credits at level 7 (i.e. a relevant PG Cert), which will be recognised or accredited towards the full MA.

Relevant qualifications include:

Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PCAP)
Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PG Cert HE)
Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education

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.

What do I need?

Typical offer

2:1 in relevant subject area

Additional entry requirements for this course

60 credits at level 7 (i.e. a relevant PG Cert), which will be recognised or accredited towards the full MA.

Relevant qualifications include:

Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PCAP)
Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PG Cert HE)
Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education

If you require a student visa to study or if your first language is not English you will be required to provide acceptable evidence of your English language proficiency level.

This course requires academic IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each skill. See other English language proficiency qualifications accepted by the University of Hull.

If your English currently does not reach the University’s required standard for this programme, you may be interested in one of our English language courses.

Visit your country page to find out more about our entry requirements.

Fees & funding

UK
International

How much is it?

Additional costs you may have to pay

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme. There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make:

Books (you can borrow books on your reading lists from the library, but you may buy your own)
Optional field trips
Study abroad (incl. travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
Placement costs (incl. travel costs and accommodation)
Student visas (international students)
Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and PCs on campus, but you may want your own)
Printing and photocopying
Professional-body membership
Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel, food and more.

How do I pay for it?

How much is it?

Additional costs you may have to pay

Books (you can borrow books on your reading lists from the library, but you may buy your own)
Optional field trips
Study abroad (incl. travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
Placement costs (incl. travel costs and accommodation)
Student visas (international students)
Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and PCs on campus, but you may want your own)
Printing and photocopying
Professional-body membership
Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel, food and more.

How do I pay for it?

Our 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.

Find out more about our scholarships

Alumni Postgraduate Scholarship

University of Hull undergraduates progressing to a taught masters course may receive a 25% discount on the cost of their tuition fees.

Find out if you’re eligible by visiting the University of Hull Alumni Postgraduate Scholarship page.

International Scholarships and Bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries for international students.

To find out more and see if you're eligible, please visit the International Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Take a look at our facilities

Brynmor Jones Library

Our 7-storey library is home to 1 million+ books, extensive digital resources drawn from libraries and archives across the world, and stunning panoramic views of the city from the 7th floor.

Group Lecture Room

Collaborate in group lecture rooms working as part of our vibrant community of students and staff who all share an interest in developing excellent learning opportunities for others.

Open-access PCs

You’ll find over 400 open-access PCs at your disposal in our library. As well as over 70 laptops available to borrow. There’s also group learning rooms with big-screen PCs.

Reading Room

You’ll find the Reading Room on the first floor of our library. It offers a comfortable space and a quiet environment to study – away from the hustle and bustle of the campus.

See more in our virtual tour

Look around

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.

Your next steps

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.

Apply now

How to apply

Not ready to apply?

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.

Discover more

Higher Education Practice

About this course

Choose your modules