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
Postgraduate Taught

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 focusing 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.

About this course

This course is designed to enable you to progress from a professional postgraduate programme, for example where you gained Level 7 credits during your PGCE teacher training course. Your PGCE provides the foundation to progress to explore modules in critical and contemporary issues in education, and in research methods. You will learn to analyse complex educational issues, essential for any developing education professional, and root this learning in your own practice and context. You will also enhance your skills as an educational researcher, essential to enhance your career development and hone your abilities as a reflective and critical practitioner.

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. You might choose to explore an issue in your own classroom, school or setting, or something pivotal to your school development plan. Or you might research an area of personal passion and interest in education, or an aspect of pedagogy or andragogy that will help you (and others) to enhance key aspects of practice.

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.

If you have recently completed your Early Career Teacher phase, you can ask us to recognise this learning in lieu of a further 30 Masters level credits, meaning that with your PGCE (60 credits) you can enter our Masters in Professional Practice in Education half way through. You will then complete the research methods module (30 credits) and an extended research project (or dissertation) (60 credits).

Whatever route you take into this degree you will pay fees for the modules that you undertake, so a proportion of the overall total MA fee advertised.

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.

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  • 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 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.

Dr Mark Minott

Dr Mark Minott

Lecturer

Richard Woolley

Professor Richard Woolley

Head of the School of Education

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 2:2 from a relevant bachelor's degree.

The programme is designed for graduates who have a 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

2:2 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

Study the theory in our lecture rooms – before you put your learning into practice in the classroom.
PGCE Science student using whiteboard

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.

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.

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