Education (MSc)

To apply for this master's degree in education you’ll need a 2:1 degree. You'll also need to supply evidence that you have appropriate experience in education.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need an overall score of 6.5 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:

We accept other English language tests, find out which English language tests we accept.

Got a question?

If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.

During this one year MSc education course, you'll study 6 modules across 2 semesters before completing a dissertation.  

These modules will give you a broad knowledge in teaching and learning methods as well as applied research skills. 

Three modules will be compulsory and you can choose 3 optional modules across the pathway course options if you would like to learn about leadership and management or innovation and education practices. 

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

During the taught element of the course, you’ll learn through a combination of lectures, seminars and practical sessions.  

Activities will depend on the modules that you take.  

There are a variety of different learning activities to help you learn, including:  

• Group work 
• Research and case studies 
• Online learning 

Through group work you'll collaborate with other students to produce a group report or presentation. You'll also work on research and case-studies showing the reality of research design, decision making and problem solving activities in today’s organisational environment.

We also provide a learning environment called ‘Blackboard’ which gives you access to many additional resources and supporting learning materials. The School also has a dedicated website with links for online learning support.

Our students are from a wide range of cultural and geographical backgrounds, meaning you'll get the chance to set up learning networks that can extend beyond the time of your study at Southampton. You'll communicate in a variety of contexts, and discuss problems and a tasks together.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed by a combination of the following methods:  

• written assignments
• academic posters
• research project reports
• dissertation

Explore course modules for full details of learning and assessment.

Dissertation

The dissertation builds on work undertaken across other modules and gives you an opportunity to take on a piece of independent research in a chosen topic. Normally, your dissertation will be individually supervised. The dissertation will be between 15,000 and 17,000 words.

Academic Support

We can support your learning needs throughout your studies through an induction programme and individual support in study skills. You will also get a personal tutor to support your academic development.

Graduates from this course are now working in the following roles:

• international education officer
• tutors in language learning institutes or other private institutions
• teachers in early years, primary and secondary schools
• lecturers or educational administrators in Higher Education Institutions

Careers services at Southampton

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV/resume and interview skills workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

• our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
• a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
• our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK/EU students pay £9,250.
• International students pay £18,812.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and all examinations.

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK and EU nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Funding your postgraduate studies

A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries  may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.

You can apply directly through our online form by using the apply button on this page.

Application deadlines

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course. 

You’ll need to include information about: 

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

You'll also need to send 2 academic references. 

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

• academic achievements
• relevant professional experience
• personal statement
• academic references

We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000