Ranking
Top 50
QS World Rankings 2026
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Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly postgraduate students to get their thoughts on our courses, stunning campus and life in a vibrant and cultural city.
Course overview
Start shaping the future of education by developing your expertise with us. Guided by academics and grounded in research, theory and practice, you’ll develop the skills needed to create a fairer, more inclusive education system and be ready to make a lasting impact.
Studying for a Master of Education at the University of Birmingham not only improved my knowledge and skills but also exposed me to an educational environment that was totally different from Egypt. The student-centered approach to teaching shifted my perception of education. Instead of dictating the same information for all students, I learned they can tailor their learning objectives based on their needs.
Course structure
This course will run over 12 months in a full-time mode.
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Course highlights
Join our top-ranked School of Education and be part of a vibrant learning community. Our MA Education programme activates your potential with a diverse curriculum covering leadership, SEN, and social justice. Graduate prepared for a rewarding career in education or research.
- Integrated Diverse Learning: Combines cutting-edge educational theory with specialisms in contemporary disciplines, to create meaningful change in education.
- Learn from the Best: Be taught by leading researchers in our Top 5 ranked School of Education.
- Innovative Teaching: Gain a diverse set of skills through lectures, seminars, and online tools with mixed learning assessment methods.
- Top 50
in the world for Education and Teaching subjects
QS World Rankings 2026
- Top 2
We’re consistently one of the top UK universities targeted by leading graduate employers
High Fliers ‘Graduate Market in 2026’ report
- #68
QS World University Rankings 2027
QS Top Universities
Course delivery
Our programme prepares you for a career in Education through diverse learning methods including: seminars, lectures, workshops and virtual learning.
- Lecture - Academics give organised talks to large groups of students who take notes, less interactive.
- Seminar - Small group sessions designed to complement lectures and are generally more informal in nature. They give you the chance to discuss issues with fellow students and allow for more interaction than a traditional lecture.
- Workshop - Workshops are for smaller groups, but instead of discussion, students might learn about a tool or a technique that they will be required to know about for their course. They are usually more hands-on learning that allows discussion regarding the given topic.
The MA Education programme offers two start dates in both September and January, giving you the option to begin at a time that suits you. Details of the modules for each intake can be found below.
Module information
The course comprises of 180 credits, taught through a series of 20 credit modules and a 60 credit Dissertation.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
September
September
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LM Dissertation | 60 | Full Term |
| LM Education, Policy & Society | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Research Methods in Education | 20 | Semester 1 |
Choose a further four 20 credit modules from the list provided.
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Citizenship, Human Rights and the Environment | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Education as an International issue | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Assessing and Improving School Performance | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Cross-Cultural Issues in SEND | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Disability and Inclusive Development | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Education Futures | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Education Policy, Governance and Regulation | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Education for Social Justice | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Education, curriculum design, planning and social justice | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Inclusion: Individual and Group Differences | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Leadership and Management in Education | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Special Educational Needs of Pupils with Autism (Campus) | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Language, Discourse and Society | 20 | Semester 2 |
January
January
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LM Dissertation | 60 | Full Term |
| LM Education, Policy & Society | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Research Methods in Education | 20 | Semester 2 |
Choose a further four 20 credit modules from the list provided (40 credits in the spring semester and 40 credits in the autumn semester)
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Citizenship, Human Rights and the Environment | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Education as an International issue | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Assessing and Improving School Performance | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Cross-Cultural Issues in SEND | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Disability and Inclusive Development | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Education Futures | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Education Policy, Governance and Regulation | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Education for Social Justice | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Education, curriculum design, planning and social justice | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Inclusion: Individual and Group Differences | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Leadership and Management in Education | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Special Educational Needs of Pupils with Autism (Campus) | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Language, Discourse and Society | 20 | Semester 2 |
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
A 2:1 or above (or international equivalent) Bachelor's degree is required.
Applicants without a 2:1 are welcome to apply, but should have a degree and a minimum of three years relevant professional experience post degree, in an education-focused setting.
International entry requirements
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 iBT taken before January 2026: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- TOEFL iBT taken from January 2026: 4.5 Overall with no less than 4.5 in any 2 skills and 4 in the other two skills
- 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
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, supervision, assessment and includes membership to the Guild of Students.
- £11,250
Full-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2026 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Tuition fee deposits for international students
International students undertaking a postgraduate taught degree are required to pay a tuition fee deposit before an electronic Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued.
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for September 2026 and January 2027 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Tuition fee deposits for international students
International students undertaking a postgraduate taught degree are required to pay a tuition fee deposit before an electronic Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued.
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 have 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.
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.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Ask us a question
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please speak to our team.
Career opportunities
The University of Birmingham MA Education course is highly esteemed across Birmingham and the West Midlands. We boast an exceptional record of student employment post-course completion, with numerous alumni in roles such as domestic and international policy, education leadership and practice, inclusion and social justice, and school improvement.
Your careers toolkit
Gain skills, confidence and experiences ready for the world of work with your dedicated careers toolkit. With Careers Network, your dedicated careers service, and the variety of opportunities available at Birmingham, you can build your own toolkit of skills and experiences to get you ready for an ever-changing world after graduation.
Your careers toolkit connects you with the opportunities, support and experiences across the university, including:
- Careers support services and Careers Network
- Work experience and placements
- Enterprise and entrepreneurship
- Alumni and employer connections
- Global opportunities and life experience
- Careers in the curriculum
We are consistently one of the top universities targeted by graduate employers
We are one of the most consistently targeted UK universities by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2026). Read more about the achievements of our alumni and the way their university experience shaped their journey.
Upcoming events
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Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Birmingham: a city built for students
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.
Student stories
Find new perspectives. Hear first-hand about life at Birmingham from our students, past and present.