Birmingham Newman’s MA Education is designed for educational practitioners, policy makers and those beginning their journey in educational research and evaluation.

It offers you an inspiring programme designed to develop your understanding of contemporary educational issues, practice and policy.

Our programme will build your knowledge and skills, and empower you to confidently undertake relevant research and evidence-based change in your own context.

We encourage you to think critically and draw on your own experience through a variety of learning opportunities and being part of a supportive community of educational practitioners and researchers. The programme has two routes; part time (2 to 3 years) online or full time one year on campus.

Birmingham Newman University’s MA Education provides a comprehensive and positive learning experience responsive to individual needs, interests, and enables collective reflection and analysis.

You’ll receive support through a range of teaching, varied assessment strategies and digital learning resources. Experienced, and research active, tutors provide tailored guidance that match your aspirations and circumstances, with a focus on inclusion, diverse learning environments and social justice.

We facilitate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and the ability to act autonomously in designing, planning, implementing and critically analysing and evaluating at master’s level.

We encourage students to develop academic curiosity, providing opportunities for students to continue on to doctoral level study.

• A varied range of modules that include; Pedagogy and Practice, Inclusive Practices, Educational Leadership, Critiquing Education, Coaching and Mentoring Theory and Practice, Critical Perspectives on Childhood and Youth, Social Justice in Practice and Contemporary Issues in Safeguarding and Vulnerability
• Flexible delivery modes to suit various learner needs and preferences.
• Assessments designed to develop communication skills in multiple formats.
• Assessment options that allow students to choose their focus and preferred formats.
• A strong emphasis on social justice and the transformative power of education.
• A diverse student body with a wide range of professional and theoretical experiences.
• Opportunities to engage in and share research through activities such as conferences, journals, and events organised by the Education and Childhood Research Centre.
• Specialist awards that recognise the practice, research, and expertise of students and alumni.
• Robust interpersonal support.

There will be arrange of assessments across the programme that include; essays, critical reflections, presentations, posters, reflective portfolio and dissertation or project.

Learning and teaching practices include informal feedback and formative assessments within and across modules. This approach allows students to practice skills and build confidence as Level 7 students, meeting the required academic criteria while assimilating knowledge and insights from peer and tutor feedback. Collaborative and independent tasks, set as preparation for specific sessions, will be developed within sessions to provide feedback for student understanding.

Additional support in writing skills will be available through group and one-to-one tutorials, as well as workshops led by tutors and our student success service. These sessions will cover aspects of Level 7 writing, particularly critical analysis, synthesis, and avoiding plagiarism. They will also help students understand the ethical and appropriate use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools.

The MA Education programme at Birmingham Newman University is highly regarded throughout Birmingham and the West Midlands. We have an excellent track record of student employment following course completion, with many alumni securing positions in school improvement, educational leadership and practice, doctoral study, inclusion and social justice, and policy development.