Ranking
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QS World Rankings by Subject
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Course overview
Transform lives with the world’s first distance learning MA in Character Education. Gain deep insights into character, wellbeing, and human flourishing with our unique Master’s programme. Make a lasting impact in education, leadership, and beyond.
The MA Character Education course helps you to develop your knowledge and expertise in the field of character education. Learn from leading scholars from the world-leading Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues. Whether you're a teacher, business leader, or a parent, you'll gain the expertise to drive positive change in your school, organisation, or family home.
I highly recommend the MA in Character Education. The theory to practice links will really support you in growing both personally and professionally.
The MA Character Education is a 3 year part-time, distance-learning course
Year 1
Year 1
In Year 1, you will study the following modules:
- Theories of Character, Virtue and Flourishing (20 credits)
- Research Methods in Character Education (20 credits)
- History and Politics of Character Education (20 credits)
Year 2
Year 2
In Year 2, you will study the following modules:
- Character Education Interventions in Schools and Organisations (20 credits)
- The Virtuous Practitioner (20 credits)
- Character Education Leadership in Schools and Organisations (20 credits)
Year 3
Year 3
In final year, you will compete a 15,000 word dissertation on a topic of your choice, related to a core theme covered within the course modules.
Course highlights
Our MA in Character Education course is the first of its kind, focusing on the profound impact of character and virtues on individuals and society.
- Flexible learning - study at your own pace alongside existing commitments
- Personalised support - receive guidance from an Academic Tutor for each module, plus a dedicated Personal Tutor throughout the MA
- Expertise - learn from leading specialists at The Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues, a world-renowned hub dedicated to exploring the impact of character and virtues on individuals and society
- Interdisciplinary approach - draw insights from education, philosophy, psychology, sociology, social sciences and theology
- Diverse – engage with students from across multiple professions including teaching, medicine, psychology, the armed forces, business, and non-profits/charities
- Collaborative – work alongside and learn from peers from around the world
- A world-leading centre
in character education research and teaching
Course delivery
At Birmingham, you’ll learn from active researchers in Character Education, blending theory with practical insights to drive real-world impact.
- Online live classes - Each module includes a range of optional live lectures and seminars, offering valuable opportunities to engage with expert tutors and collaborate with peers.
- Online On Demand - On-Demand content and materials are available around the clock, whenever they are needed. Each learner can proceed through at their own speed.
Module information
The MA Character Education course comprises of 180 credits taught over 3 years, including a 60-credit dissertation project. There is also the option to be awarded the PGCert (60 credits taught over 12 months) or the PGDip (120 credits taught material over 24 months).
In Year 1, the following modules must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Character Education Interventions in Schools and Organisations | 30 | 2 |
| Theoretical and Historical Foundations of Character Education | 30 | 1 |
In Year 2, the following modules must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Character Education Leadership in Schools and Organisations | 30 | 2 |
| The Virtuous Practitioner | 30 | 1 |
In Year 3, the following modules must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Dissertation (MA) | 30 | 2 and 3 |
| Research Methods in Character Education | 30 | 1 |
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:1 Honours Degree
Typically, successful applicants will hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level or above and have some relevant and related experience in the field of education; however, account will be given to equivalent professional qualifications and experience.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
English presessional programmes
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
Fees and scholarships
- £3,750
Part-time per year of study
Postgraduate Masters loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Birmingham Masters scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
- 28 August 2026
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
Career opportunities
Our MA in Character Education equips you with the knowledge and skills to drive meaningful change across a wide range of sectors, including education, policy, leadership, and community development. Rooted in a strong research-to-practice approach, this programme empowers you to apply your learning in real-world contexts, shaping cultures and influencing practices that support character development and human flourishing. Whether you aspire to enhance your professional practice, lead institutional change, or pursue further research—including PhD study—this course provides a solid foundation for your next steps.
The way that I plan my lessons and the way that I interact with the children [...] is completely different now that there's a focus on character in my role.
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
We're first choice for graduate employers... again!
We are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2025). Our graduate stories highlight the achievements of Birmingham alumni and the way their university experience shaped their journey.