Postgraduate Taught

Professional Practice in Education

What's the difference?

A teacher working with two students in a science lab at Kelvin School
An early childhood studies student sat on the grass reading a book on a sunny day
An Education Studies student stood at the front of a class talking to two school pupils during a placement
A student teacher stood writing on a whiteboard
Designed to support your career in educational leadership, this course teaches you the essential skills and knowledge you need to thrive in a range of education settings.
You’ll gain a strong foundation for education leadership, studying contemporary educational practices, issues, research methods and policies.
You could go on to a leadership role within schools, youth work and charities or progress to a career as a lecturer or researcher in the field.
You’ll explore complex educational issues and study critical theory, developing a deep understanding of core educational topics. Along with a broad, global view of the world of education.
A teacher working with two students in a science lab at Kelvin School
An early childhood studies student sat on the grass reading a book on a sunny day
An Education Studies student stood at the front of a class talking to two school pupils during a placement
A student teacher stood writing on a whiteboard

Are you an aspiring educational leader? If you’ve achieved your Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) it’s time to take the next step to a Masters qualification with this MA in Professional Practice in Education.

This course gives you the opportunity to have your previous learning recognised or accredited through the RPL or APL process.

You’ll study modules focussing on critical and contemporary issues in education and research methods, before completing a dissertation or extended project with a focus on professional practice in education.

  • Explore key issues

    in education today

  • Study a mix

    of theory, policy and practice

  • Engage in meaningful research

    in higher education

  • Enhance your prospects

    as an education leader

  • Your prior learning

    can be recognised through our RPL process

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Course overview
Module options

About this course

Starting out on a journey towards leadership roles in education is an exciting prospect, and this course is designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to thrive in these positions.

You’ll dive into critical theory, a dynamic approach that encourages you to look at issues from various viewpoints. This not only improves your understanding of the course's core topics but also provides you with a broader, global perspective on education.

You'll learn to analyse complex educational issues, essential for any leader in the field. Next, you’ll learn about research methods crucial for real-world challenges while working with your classmates to select suitable approaches, boosting your teamwork and problem-solving skills.

Finally, you’ll complete an independent research project, supported by faculty staff and resources, gaining hands-on experience and a strong foundation for your educational career.

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.

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 top-notch support from academic staff experienced in education practice and research.

Our research aims to combat societal inequalities, driving social and educational change for enhanced fairness, equity and social justice.

See more academics for this subject
FACE-Karen-Lowing-Education
Featured academic

Dr Karen Lowing

Karen leads Initial Teacher Education here at Hull, serves as a Senior Lecturer, co-leads the Dissertation module for the Masters in Education program, co-edits the Northern Scotland Journal (EUP), and holds the title of Senior Fellow of Advanced HE.
Dr Mark Minott
Featured academic

Dr Mark Minott

Mark, a Teacher Education lecturer at the School of Education, offers over 20 years of teaching expertise in Early Years and Higher Education. He's a Fellow of the Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia.

Entry requirements

What do I need?

Typical offer
2:2 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. An example of this might include:

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

Those with a postgraduate-level qualification in a related professional field will be considered on an individual basis.

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
2:2 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. An example of this might include:

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

Those with a postgraduate-level qualification in a related professional field will be considered on an individual basis.

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.

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

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

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?

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

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.

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

Take a look at our facilities

Education Lecture Room

Study the theory in our lecture rooms – before you put your learning into practice in the classroom.

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.

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

Look around

Look around

Look around

Education Lecture Room
Brynmor Jones Library
Wilberforce TV Teaching Room
Brynmor Jones Library Reading Room
student on placement as trainee teacher at tollbar academy

Future prospects

This course is designed to support your career development into leadership positions within schools, youth work, not-for-profit organisations and charities. It also opens opportunities to become a researcher, to study for a doctorate or to become a university lecturer.

Our Masters programme 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.

University of Hull Open Day

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.

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

You may also be interested in…

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MA Higher Education Practice
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MA Education
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MA Leadership and Management in Education
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MA Early Childhood and Education
Course

MA Special Educational Needs, Disabilities and Inclusion

All modules presented on this course page are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

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