Masters in Education
Considering taking a Masters in Education? A Master’s Degree in Education (M.Ed) focuses on the theories and practises of teaching in order to prepare you for a career in professional teaching, or to boost your development through educational research.
Before making your decision about what to study and where, it’s important to do adequate research first. To help you out, let’s take a look at everything you need to know about studying for a Masters in Education here in the UK, including the best universities.
Studying Education
A Masters in Education is a postgraduate degree awarded by a number of universities, not just here in the UK, but also around the world. Four major areas are typically covered:
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Counselling
- School Psychology
- School Administration
Common specialisms for Masters in Education degrees include, but are not limited to:
- Masters Degrees in Educational Psychology
- Masters Degrees in Secondary Education
- Masters Degrees in Early Childhood Education
- Masters Degrees in Music Education
- Masters Degrees in Educational Leadership
Topics Covered
The exact topics covered in your degree will be dependent on your specialist program. Generally, M.Ed’s cover four main topics, and commonly include:
- Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment
- Responding to Pupils
- Teachers and Learners
- Schools, Equity and Achievement
You will also be required to write a dissertation on a research topic of your choice. Research topics include:
- School Crime
- Learning New Research Methods
- School Safety Improvements
- Improved Integration of Technologies
Entry Requirements
A 2:1 undergraduate degree is the usual prerequisite for being accepted onto a Masters in Education degree program. If you have a 2:2 award or lower, you may be accepted depending on your circumstances. For example, if you have a PGCE with master’s level credits, the university may offer you a place. International students will be required to have the international equivalent of a 2:1 undergraduate degree.
To boost your chances of acceptance, relevant professional experience will help. However, if you have the preferred academic qualifications but no experience, you will still be considered.
Some postgraduate degrees in Education may require students to attend an entrance interview. To help you understand postgraduate interviews we have put together an article for the top 10 questions that are likely to pop up and the best ways that you can answer them: Top 10 Postgraduate Interview Questions.
Career Prospects
Most students who take a Masters Degree in Education aim to pursue a career in teaching. But it’s worth remembering that education is diverse, and gaining an M.Ed doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll be working in a school. You might find that you want to teach children with social needs or disabilities, or you might decide to work as a university lecturer.
Private tutoring companies also look for young professionals who have an M.Ed, as do international language training companies. You might also decide to pursue an education role with an organisation such as a gallery, a museum, or a local council.
Job prospects are good, with around 78% of graduates with a Masters in Education finding full-time work just within six months of graduation. Besides work, there are opportunities for higher education, such as studying for a doctor (PhD).
