Level up your existing qualification with our MA Teaching Studies.
Already hold 120 Masters credits? Ready to deepen your understanding of teaching and learning in schools? Complete our fully online MA Teaching Studies course and enhance your qualifications to advance your career in education.
MA: 1 Year (if you have 120 credits) If you do not have 120 credits you will need to complete the PGDip Teaching Studies modules first. https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/subjects/teacher-education-courses/teaching-studies-pgdip
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The MA Teaching Studies at Birmingham is designed to help experienced education professionals complete their Masters qualification entirely online. With flexible learning options, the course allows you to refine your research skills and develop practical insights, supported by one-on-one tutorials, culminating in a 60-credit dissertation.
We’re consistently one of the top UK universities targeted by leading graduate employers
High Fliers ‘Graduate Market in 2026’ report
in the UK for Education research (Research Excellence Framework 2021)
Gain research skills through three interactive Saturday sessions focused on design and methods, with flexible online supervisor meetings to guide your dissertation. Tailor your learning to fit around your teaching commitments and professional goals.
The programme comprises of a 60-credit research 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.
Students will enter the programme with a minimum of 40 Masters Level credits from their Initial Teacher Education qualification.
Because some Universities award more than 40 Masters Level credits to an Initial Teacher Education PGCE, the following will apply: Students holding 40-60 Masters Level credits will be required to take all three modules. Students holding 61-80 Masters Level credits will be required to take two modules. Students holding between 81-119 Masters Level credits will be required to take one module. Students holding a Postgraduate Diploma in Education as an Initial teacher Education qualification with QTS will proceed directly to the Dissertation.
Students studying towards the Postgraduate Diploma will not need to complete the Dissertation module.
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum development and research | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Dissertation | 60 | Full Term |
| Learning, teaching and research | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Team work and mentoring | 20 | Semester 3 |
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.
You must receive a satisfactory reference from an academic and/ or professional person who can comment on your academic learning and/or professional practice in learning and teaching.
You will need to provide a personal statement that clearly explains a rationale for wanting to complete an MA where learning and teaching is the focus. It is mandatory for applicants who have not completed 120 Credits of study at the University of Birmingham to include a personal statement in their application.
You will need to provide evidence (via your previous qualification(s), personal statement and/ or reference) that earlier study contributing the 120 credits (above) was in an area relevant to learning and teaching practice.
Students who have not studied in English must pass a recognised English test. For more information on what proof you will need, visit our International Postgraduate requirements page
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:
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.
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
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.
The MA Teaching Studies equips you for leadership roles in education, enhancing your expertise in teaching and learning. Whether you're advancing in your current role or exploring new opportunities, the course provides valuable research skills to help boost your career prospects. This course also paves the way for future academic growth, including the possibility of pursuing a PhD.
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:
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.
Find new perspectives. Hear first-hand about life at Birmingham from our students, past and present.
