About this course
Our MSc Education course is a 12-month degree for ambitious students who want to pursue or advance their career in education. You’ll critically examine the relationship between educational research and practice so you can find work in a variety of educational institutions at different levels.
Southampton Education School is ranked 8th in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2020)
If you want to start teaching or pursue a senior role in education, but don’t know where to start, then our master's degree in education is the course for you.
On this MSc education course you’ll take a research-first approach, using evidence and data to inform discussion points within your written work and seminar contributions. You’ll learn to critically reflect on your own teaching and learning practices based on analysis of different teaching methods.
We’ll help you to navigate the educational system. You’ll analyse the challenges facing education and how regional, national and international policies can impact teaching and learning.
During the course, you’ll explore:
- how the influence of evidence from research can positively impact on teaching and learning
- topics which impact on education, including personal, cultural or social values
- international perspectives on different educational practices and policies from around the world
- methods and techniques required to collect and analyse data for educational research
- current debates in educational practice and research methodologies
The combination of taught lectures, interactive seminars and independent research study will help you to learn key professional skills.
We also offer 3 pathways on our MSc Education degree.
Your other MSc Education pathway options are:
MSc Education Management and Leadership - you'll develop knowledge and understanding of how to lead and manage education institutions, and how to become an academic leader.
MSc Education Practice and Innovation - study different teaching and learning methods and learn how to conduct and analyse educational research in the fields of innovation and inclusive practices.
Flexible study
If you prefer, you can apply to study this course as:
- a part-time master's - study the same course content over 2 or more years
Your modules and fees may vary if you choose a different study option.
Course lead
Andri Christodoulou has teaching experience in different contexts with various age groups, and she is currently involved in the Primary PGCE programme tutoring students and teaching Science.
She received her BA in Primary Education from the University of Cyprus in 2005 and an MA in Science Education from King's College London in 2006. In 2007 she was awarded a 1+3 ESRC scholarship to undertake doctoral studies at King’s College London, as part of an ESRC funded professional development programme.
She has a keen interest in:
- initial science teacher training
- teacher professional development
- students' understanding of the epistemology of science
- argumentation and epistemic practices
Andri is a member of the Maths and Science Research Centre (MaSE), the European Science Education Research Association, and the National Association of Research in Science Teaching.
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
In light of COVID-19, we’ve made changes to some elements of course delivery for 2020-21. For details as to how this has changed delivery for this course, please view the Addendum to the Programme Specification PDF.
Entry requirements
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.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
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:
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
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
Course structure
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
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.
Modules
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our modules for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
For entry in Academic Year 2020-21
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
Learning and assessment
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our learning and assessment methods for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
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.
Careers
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 2020). 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 thriving 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
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £19,850.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
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 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.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Application deadlines
UK students
Applications must be received no later than 4 weeks before the start of the course. You must supply all supporting documentation at least 2 weeks before starting your course.
International students
We recommend you apply at least 6 weeks before the start of the course to ensure you're able to meet our requirements and apply for a visa in time.
We cannot guarantee students who do not meet these deadlines will be able to begin their course.
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'll 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
