Awarded byPlymouth Marjon UniversityMaster of Arts in Education
A Master of Arts in Education from Plymouth Marjon University, UK — evidence-informed practice, collaborative leadership and a research dissertation.
Program Overview
The MA Education programme empowers educators to become critical thinkers and impactful leaders within the dynamic field of education. It offers a flexible learning platform that blends theoretical exploration with practical application, ensuring graduates possess the adaptability and knowledge to thrive in diverse educational settings.
The programme fosters the development of critical practitioners adept at integrating theory with real-world scenarios. Through a values-driven curriculum and emphasis on dynamic curriculum design, graduates are equipped to navigate the evolving education landscape and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Who is it for?
- Practising teachers moving into leadership
- Education professionals broadening their expertise
- Graduates entering the education sector
- Those seeking a pathway to doctoral study
What each module covers
Expand any module to read its description and intended learning outcomes.
Module Description
This module enables students to develop a critically informed foundation for their research, examining the interrelationship between personal positionality and research design. Students will construct a clear and coherent rationale for their proposed study, critically engaging with relevant literature to situate their enquiry within a broader academic landscape. The module enables students to critically evaluate and justify their choice of research paradigm, methodology, and methods for data collection and analysis, with careful attention to philosophical alignment and practical implications. Ethical awareness is fundamental for ensuring students understand and apply institutional and disciplinary guidelines. By the end of the module, students will be equipped to design ethically sound, methodologically robust, and contextually grounded research projects.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the module, the students should be able to:
- LO1Reflexively articulate their research positionality and the impact on their research design.
- LO2Critically synthesise the identified literature landscape for the research enquiry.
- LO3Provide a detailed rationale for their intended research; justifying their choice of research paradigm, methodology and methods for data collection and analysis.
- LO4Demonstrate awareness and knowledge of any ethical considerations in line with university processes and appropriate guidelines.
Module Description
This module enables students to apply policy, theory and research in their chosen field of education. This evidence informed approach will necessitate students’ critical enquiry and engagement with a wide range of literature. Taught sessions will be structured to support students’ ability to synthesise complex ideas and evaluate research methodologies, theoretical frameworks, and scholarly contributions within education. Emphasis is placed on principled academic scholarship and encouraging ethical engagement in practice. Students will critically evaluate the evidence base for their pedagogical approaches and decision-making within their chosen field, fostering a deeper integration and application of praxis.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the module, the students should be able to:
- LO1Apply and justify evidence-informed approaches to pedagogical practice and professional decision-making within their chosen field of education.
- LO2Critically analyse and evaluate relevant policy, theory and practice literature.
- LO3Demonstrate a critical and systematic understanding of the evidence base underpinning their chosen pedagogical or professional approach.
- LO4Demonstrate ethical, principled academic scholarship, including responsible, transparent and critical use of evidence in academic and professional contexts.
Module Description
This module provides a critical exploration of current and emerging issues in education across policy, practice, and research at local, national and global levels, inviting regional, national and international comparison. Topics may include education and social justice, decolonisation, AI and digital transformation, environmental sustainability, inclusion, and globalisation. Students will analyse contemporary debates, policy initiatives, and the individuals’ role in responding to change. The module also invites debate amongst the participants and supports the development of reflective, informed professional stances on complex educational challenges and strong application to the impact on students’ own professional contexts. Students will engage with a range of relevant educational theories and contemporary research, analysing and evaluating how legislation, policies and initiatives influence practice at various levels.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the module, the students should be able to:
- LO1Critically analyse contemporary educational issues in local and/or global contexts.
- LO2Evaluate the impact of current policies, reforms, and trends on professional practice.
- LO3Develop informed, research-based positions on contested or emerging topics.
- LO4Justify their critical position through systematic engagement with relevant literature.
Module Description
This module explores key dimensions of effective leadership, beginning with foundational theories and the application of leadership and management within local, national and international contexts. It covers both strategic and operational perspectives, emphasising the importance of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and critical self-reflection in personal leadership development. Incorporating building high-performance teams through vision-setting, clear communication, trust-building, motivation, and fostering inclusive, psychologically safe environments. Leadership in times of change and innovation is addressed through the analysis of organisational challenges and the implementation of evidence-based strategies. Integrating values, ethics, and purpose highlights the importance of aligning personal and organisational goals to drive ethical and impactful leadership.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the module, the students should be able to:
- LO1Demonstrate a critical, comprehensive and systematic understanding of contemporary leadership theories and models in local, national/international contexts.
- LO2Critically apply leadership and management theory to contextualised practice at both strategic and operational levels.
- LO3Analyse organisational challenges and opportunities and propose evidence-informed leadership approaches for innovation and change.
- LO4Demonstrate critical self-appraisal and self-awareness as a leader or aspiring leader and articulate a plan for ongoing professional growth.
Module Description
This module supports the development of advanced research capability through a critical and reflective engagement with personal research identity, values, and purpose. It introduces and explores key paradigms, methodological frameworks, and ethical considerations relevant to conducting independent research. Students will engage with interdisciplinary and advanced scholarly literature to inform the design, contextualisation, and justification of their inquiry. Emphasis is placed on developing the skills to plan and execute methodologically robust research, including data collection, critical analysis, and interpretation. The module also explores strategies for generating evidence-informed conclusions and formulating innovative recommendations that are applicable to policy, professional practice, or further academic inquiry. Throughout, students will be expected to demonstrate intellectual rigour, ethical integrity, and academic independence in framing and pursuing their research agendas.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the module, the students should be able to:
- LO1Articulate and critically reflect on your personal research stance, purpose, and values in relation to your chosen area of inquiry.
- LO2Engage with, synthesise, and critically evaluate advanced scholarship and relevant interdisciplinary literature to frame and inform the research context.
- LO3Design and conduct original, methodologically sound research that adheres to rigorous ethical standards.
- LO4Critically analyse and interpret research data with intellectual rigour, drawing nuanced insights and identifying implications. Generate evidence-informed conclusions and propose innovative, contextually grounded recommendations for future research, policy, or professional practice.
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About Plymouth Marjon University, UK
Plymouth Marjon University, UK
Plymouth Marjon University is one of the prestigious educational institutions in the United Kingdom for its reputation and educational quality, which was established in the year 1840. Serving the student community for over 180 years to build a vibrant future for themselves, Marjon prides itself on a personalised and student-centred approach, focused on helping every student to fulfil their potential.
The university aims to be an open, friendly and active community, taking initiatives to meet changing social and economic needs locally, nationally and internationally. It offers a range of programmes from Foundation Degrees & Progression Courses, distance learning to Honours Degrees and Postgraduate study.
Plymouth Marjon University works with a range of partners from the sectors of education, sport, health and the creative industries to provide innovative programmes of teaching and applied research which result in very high levels of employability.
How to qualify
Eligibility
What you'll need to applyApplicants must have attained the following qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree from a recognised University
Documents needed
What to send with your application
How you'll learn
A flexible, mentor-led online experience — built so busy educators can upskill without a career break.
- Live & interactive lectures by expert faculty
- Recorded sessions for offline viewing
- World-class curriculum by eminent faculty
- Practical learning through seminars & workshops
- Assignments for module assessments
- Easy-to-use LMS, accessible anywhere
- Online library to further enhance your knowledge
- Real-world skills for a well-rounded experience
Where this qualification takes you
Continue your journey
Lead reform and policy with research-driven doctoral study.
SpainLead reform and policy with research-driven doctoral study.
SpainLead reform and policy with research-driven doctoral study.
SpainFrequently asked questions
It is a one-year postgraduate degree in the study and practice of education. This programme is worth 180 credits and covers positionality and research design, evidence-informed practice, contemporary and critical issues in practice, building collaborative leadership, and a 60-credit dissertation. The page describes it as blending theoretical exploration with practical application.
One year, studied fully online. The programme runs to 180 credits across four 30-credit modules and a 60-credit dissertation. Teaching combines live interactive lectures with recorded sessions you can watch later, so you can study alongside work. Advisors confirm intake dates when you apply.
A bachelor's degree from a recognised university. With your application you send the completed application form, academic documents including your degree and transcripts, a resume, a copy of your passport, a photograph, a statement of purpose and an experience or employment letter. An advisor can confirm your eligibility.
They are differently titled awards from different universities. This MA in Education is awarded by Plymouth Marjon University, UK and carries 180 credits over one year. The MEd programmes listed on the site are 60 ECTS awards from Guglielmo Marconi University, Italy, apart from the 90 ECTS master's from Woolf University, Malta. An advisor can talk through which suits your plans.
Teaching is fully online through live, interactive lectures with faculty, plus recorded sessions for offline viewing. There are seminars and workshops, assignments for module assessments, an online library and a learning management system you can use from anywhere. The page describes it as built so educators can study without a career break.
The page lists the areas the programme is aimed at: curriculum leadership, education management, head of department, research and evaluation, school improvement, teacher training, inclusive education, academic management, higher education and education policy. It also lists a pathway to a doctorate. Where it takes you depends on your own experience and context.
Plymouth Marjon University, UK. On successful completion you receive the award titled Master of Arts in Education, worth 180 credits. Taito delivers the programme online and the university confers the degree. Speak to an advisor about how the qualification fits your own plans.