MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Biomechanics
St Mary's University Twickenham, London, offers a highly regarded MSc Applied Sport...
MA Education
Twickenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
St. Mary's University, Twickenham, London, offers a well-established and adaptable MA Education program, designed to meet the diverse professional development needs of educators and other professionals working within various educational contexts. This postgraduate degree caters to teachers at all stages of their careers, as well as education professionals such as business managers, chaplains, librarians, and data managers. The program emphasizes the development of advanced pedagogical understanding, critical reflection on practice, and research skills, enabling students to drive evidence-informed innovation and contribute to school improvement. St. Mary's prides itself on providing a flexible approach to study, with options for face-to-face, blended, and online learning, making it accessible to a wide range of professionals.
Curriculum: The MA Education curriculum at St. Mary's University is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies to their professional interests and needs. The program typically consists of core modules focusing on "Investigating Pedagogy" and "Research Design," which provide a foundational understanding of educational research and critical inquiry. Students then choose from a range of specialist option modules that may include areas such as "Inclusive Practice," "Literacy," "Mathematics," "Religious Education," "Physical Education," and "Science." This modular structure allows for specialization in areas like "Education: Pedagogy," "Education: Religious Education," "Education: Physical Education," and "Education: Comparative and Global Studies (CGSE)." The culmination of the program is a small-scale practitioner research enquiry, which allows students to apply their learning to their own professional context and contribute to evidence-based change. Assessment methods are varied, incorporating reflective journals, research proposals, essays, case studies, portfolios, and presentations, reflecting authentic activities undertaken in educational roles.
Research Focus: The School of Education at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, boasts a vibrant and leading research portfolio, actively informing the MA Education program. Academic staff are engaged in research across a wide spectrum of educational topics, often focusing on areas such as Catholic education, teacher wellbeing, social justice, and pedagogy. The School houses several research centers, including the Centre for Catholic Education, Research and Religious Literacy (CERRL), the Centre for Research into the Education of Marginalised Children and Young Adults (CREMCYA), and the Centre for Wellbeing in Education. This strong research culture ensures that the curriculum is continuously updated with the latest findings, pedagogical understandings, and policy developments in education. Students are encouraged to align their independent research with these specializations, benefiting from the expertise of academics who are actively leading change in education policy and practice.
Industry Engagement: St. Mary's University emphasizes strong industry engagement within its MA Education program, providing students with practical opportunities to apply their learning and develop professionally. The program is designed to meet the professional development needs of education professionals, often requiring students to be in professional practice to conduct their small-scale practitioner research inquiries within their own schools or educational settings. The university has established partnerships with over 500 schools and other external organizations, which can provide valuable contexts for work-based learning and research. While formal placements are not explicitly listed for the MA, the program's structure encourages direct application of theoretical knowledge to real-world educational challenges. Furthermore, the university's Careers Service supports students in their professional development and career progression within the education sector.
Global Perspective: The MA Education program at St. Mary's University incorporates a global perspective by exploring educational theories, policies, and practices within broader national and international contexts. Specific pathways, such as the MA Education: Comparative and Global Studies (CGSE), explicitly focus on the sociology and political economy of education and learning within development, humanitarian, and transnational contexts globally. 1 Even in other pathways, the curriculum encourages students to engage with current issues in education that have a global impact, examining diverse approaches to policy and practice regarding social and educational inclusion, educational quality, and sustainable development. By discussing challenges faced by governmental and non-governmental organizations in providing quality education worldwide, the program prepares graduates to contribute to educational initiatives and reforms in various international settings, understanding the complex interplay of social, political, cultural, and economic factors influencing education globally.
Location
Twickenham
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 17820
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 88.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 60.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
St. Mary’s University Twickenham offers a variety of scholarships to support international students in financing their education and rewarding academic achievement. These scholarships are designed to ease the financial burden and recognize the talents and hard work of students coming from all over the world.
International Student Scholarships: St. Mary’s provides International Student Scholarships for students from a range of countries. These scholarships are typically partial fee reductions, aimed at making education more affordable. Eligible students are selected based on academic merit, financial need, and their potential to contribute to the university community. The scholarships are open to both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship: The Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards available to international students at St. Mary’s University. This scholarship offers a significant reduction in tuition fees for high-achieving students, with eligibility determined by academic performance and specific course requirements. Students from a variety of regions, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America, are encouraged to apply for this highly competitive scholarship.
Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general international scholarships, St. Mary’s offers country-specific scholarships for students from certain regions. These scholarships provide additional financial assistance and are designed to support students from areas where educational opportunities may be limited. International students from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas are often eligible for these specialized scholarships.
Sports Scholarships: For students excelling in sports, St. Mary’s University provides Sports Scholarships. These awards are available to talented athletes who demonstrate the potential to represent the university in competitive sports. Sports scholars benefit from personalized coaching, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and financial support to help balance academic and athletic commitments.
An MA in Education from St. Mary's University, Twickenham, London, offers a comprehensive and flexible pathway for educators and professionals across the educational landscape to advance their careers and deepen their expertise. This postgraduate degree focuses on enhancing pedagogical understanding, developing critical reflection on practice, and honing research skills, empowering graduates to drive evidence-informed improvements within schools and other educational settings. The program caters to teachers at all career stages, as well as non-teaching professionals in education, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to take on leadership roles, specialize in key areas, or transition into new professional opportunities.
Educational Leader (e.g., Head of Department, Assistant Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher, Headteacher): Graduates are highly sought after for promotion to middle and senior leadership positions within schools, leveraging their enhanced understanding of pedagogy, curriculum development, and school improvement strategies.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Coordinator/Specialist: Specializing in inclusive practice, graduates can lead efforts to support students with diverse learning needs, designing and implementing inclusive strategies and policies within schools or educational services.
Curriculum Developer/Instructional Coordinator: Working for schools, educational organizations, or publishing houses to design, develop, and evaluate curricula and instructional materials, ensuring they are effective and align with educational standards.
Educational Consultant: Providing expert advice and guidance to schools, educational institutions, local authorities, or charities on various aspects of education, including curriculum design, pedagogical approaches, professional development, and school improvement.
Lecturer/Academic in Higher Education: With further postgraduate study (e.g., MPhil, PhD) or significant experience, graduates can pursue roles teaching in university education departments, contributing to research and training future educators.
Education Administrator/Manager: Overseeing the operational and strategic management of educational institutions, departments, or programs in various settings, from schools and colleges to universities or private training providers.
Training and Development Officer (Corporate/Public Sector): Designing and delivering training programs for employees in corporate environments, government agencies, or non-profit organizations, applying principles of adult learning and instructional design.
Policy Analyst (Education): Working for government bodies, think tanks, or NGOs to research, analyze, and contribute to the development and evaluation of education policies at local, national, or international levels.
Educational Researcher: Conducting research for academic institutions, government agencies, or educational organizations to evaluate programs, assess educational outcomes, and contribute to evidence-based practice and policy.
Learning and Development Specialist: Creating and implementing learning solutions in various sectors, including e-learning development, instructional design, or educational technology support roles, outside of traditional school settings.
