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Top 150 in the world for Education
The Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
Dedicated student support advisor
100% of our Education research has internationally excellent impact
Based on research impact rated 4* + 3* in REF 2021
Top 150 in the world for Education
The Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
Dedicated student support advisor
100% of our Education research has internationally excellent impact
Based on research impact rated 4* + 3* in REF 2021
"I love working on the MA Education Online Programme for three key reasons. The first is the quality of the students we work with, and their passion for learning. The second is the quality of the teaching and support that we provide. Our tutors are active researchers, often with international reputations in their field, but we are all teachers at heart too. We blend these characteristics to ensure that our teaching and assessment methods are current and excellent. "
"The third is the quality of our online materials and learning environment. As a flagship online programme, we continually engage in responding to feedback and strategically developing module content, to ensure that it is at the cutting edge of educational research and development."
Clare joined the School of Education as a Lecturer in Education (Language and Literacy) in 2020, and is Programme Lead for the MA Education Online. Her current research focuses on children’s writing and text production in a variety of school-based and informal contexts. She completed her PhD in children's text production in online social networking sites in 2012, and has been working in this evolving area ever since.
Read more from Dr Clare Dowdall
Dr Clare Dowdall
MA Education Online Programme lead
"It’s a pleasure to teach – and learn from – the diverse students who enrol on this programme. After completing the course, our graduates use their Masters in Education in a variety of ways. For some, the qualification supports career progression within education, as they take up a leadership role, or develop their specialist interest. For others, the degree is a stepping stone to further study; for example, the dissertation provides an opportunity to begin scoping a PhD proposal. "
"Other students engage with the course to deepen an interest and renew or refresh their passion in the subject of teaching and learning. Whatever their reason for choosing the programme, students consistently provide positive feedback about their experiences during the course. After watching their development over the duration of the degree, we always look forward to meeting those students who are able to celebrate their achievement at one of our campus-based graduation ceremonies."
Caitlin is Deputy Programme lead for the MA Education Online and Lecturer in Education Studies in the School of Education. She came to education via a circuitous and multidisciplinary route, starting in behavioural ecology (specializing in animal communication), then moving through science editing, communications and marketing, and academic development, before finally accepting an academic position.
Read more from Dr Caitlin Kight
Dr Caitlin Kight
MA Education Online Deputy Programme lead
Course content
Our MA Education programme has been thoughtfully designed to suit those with busy schedules. Fully online, you can access the course materials at your convenience.
Our programme integrates four core themes that underpin each module’s curriculum content.
- Theory: Critically examine educational theories such as learning and models of leadership.
- Practice: Put theory into action with practical learning activities, connecting what you learn to your professional context.
- Research: Engage with the latest research in the field and develop your skills as a researcher.
- Policy: Gain insights into the policies and regulations shaping education and learning in various settings.
Students will complete two 30-credit core modules, followed by two 30-credit optional modules and a final 60-credit dissertation.
60 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules
Compulsory modules
Students will complete both of the first two core modules. One of these modules will be available in any given term. Please contact the Faculty for further information regarding availability.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EFPM003Z | Understanding Education: Global Perspectives | 30 |
| EFPM004Z | Understanding Learning: Global Perspectives | 30 |
Optional modules
Students will also complete one module from a list of options available. One module for each of the specialist pathways will be available in any given term. Please contact the Faculty for further information regarding availability.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EFPM007Z | Education Leadership | 30 |
| EFPM008Z | Leading and Managing Education Change | 30 |
| EFPM009Z | Reading Rights | 30 |
| EFPM010Z | Critical International Perspectives on Special and Inclusive Education | 30 |
| EFPM011Z | Special Educational Needs: Learning, Teaching and Assessment | 30 |
| EFPM012Z | Writing Matters | 30 |
60 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules
Compulsory modules
Students will complete a 60-credit Dissertation Module, which can have a specialist focus (see Pathway information).
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EFPM013Z | Introduction to Educational Enquiry | 60 |
Optional modules
Following successful completion of Stage 1, students will complete one further module from a list of options available. One module for each of the specialist pathways will be available in any given term. Please contact the Faculty for further information regarding availability. You will first take your optional module, followed by EFPM013Z.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EFPM007Z | Education Leadership | 30 |
| EFPM008Z | Leading and Managing Education Change | 30 |
| EFPM009Z | Reading Rights | 30 |
| EFPM010Z | Critical International Perspectives on Special and Inclusive Education | 30 |
| EFPM011Z | Special Educational Needs: Learning, Teaching and Assessment | 30 |
| EFPM012Z | Writing Matters | 30 |
Pathways
Following the successful completion of two core modules, students select from a set of specialist modules, prior to undertaking the final dissertation.
If you select both modules from one specialism and ensure your dissertation is pathway-specific, you will be awarded a specialist degree. Alternatively, if you choose two modules from different pathways, you will emerge with a generalist MA Education.
Please note, in order to be awarded a specialist degree (MA Education: Leadership and Management, for example), the focus of your dissertation must be related to this specialism. The following pathways are available to choose from:
- Educational Leadership Pathway
- Language and Literacy Pathway
- Special Education Needs Pathway
"I chose Exeter for its reputation in educational research and flexible online learning model, which is ideal for someone with a demanding international career like mine."
"The course structure allows me to balance my professional responsibilities while engaging deeply with the academic material. The flexibility to prioritise work without compromising the learning experience has been invaluable."
Emma
MA Education online student
Entry requirements
We will consider applicants with a 2:2 Honours degree with 53% or above, or who are coming from a different academic background (that is equivalent to degree level) but who also have relevant work experience.
Entry requirements for international students
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course.
The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2.
Accreditation of Prior Learning
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) is a process whereby students, who have already gained relevant skills and knowledge prior to the start of their course, may be granted a partial credit exemption from their programme instead of unnecessarily repeating work.
This can, for example, allow PGCE students who have completed relevant level 7 modules to complete the MA Education Online by taking fewer modules, reducing the cost and timeframe.
Further information and FAQs about this option are available here. Please note that using APL has financial implications: currently, it removes eligibility for a PGT loan and may affect eligibility for other government-funded allowances.
"This MA was a transformational process. Coming from being a working-class kid, to achieve not only a distinction but a Dean’s Commendation recognised my creative potential in a way I had never experienced."
"The MA gave me the confidence to apply for my current role – in charge of Key Stage 3 English. As part of this role, I have redesigned the curriculum using the theories and ideas we explored during the MA’s modules."
Matthew
MA Education online student
Pay as you study
Total fees for this programme is £10,000.
To make it easier to budget, you don’t need to pay the total fee upfront. Instead, you can pay for each module as you are about to start studying it.
You can pay for the whole year if you prefer, but the minimum payment is at least the cost of the module you are taking that term.
Find out more about the funding opportunities available to you, including the UK government postgraduate loan scheme.
What opportunities does this programme lead to?
The online MA Education programme can be tailored to align with your career aspirations through our elective pathways. Upon graduation, you'll be well-equipped to secure positions in a wide range of traditional and non-traditional educational settings, including:
- Schools
- Colleges
- Universities
- Education departments
- NGOs
- Youth work
- Prisons
- Museums
- Consultancy
- Curriculum development
- Training and development
- Education policy development
As part of this programme, you will have full access to our dedicated Careers and Employability team who can offer support in terms of skills training, internship opportunities, job vacancies, employment fairs and other events.
Study a 100% online MA Education degree at a Top 15 University*
Apply now for September 2025 entry »
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* 13th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
I absolutely loved the online learning experience. The platform and content was thoroughly engaging. I felt supported by the lecturers. I had check ins at the start of each module from my Student Support Advisor. The check-in’s made me feel like I wasn’t alone and they were always available via email with any queries I had, as were the lecturers.
Grainne
MA Education online student
