Master on Education (M.Ed.)

This modern course offers a timely view of technology-based learning and how it can enhance practice. You will explore some key theoretical ideas in the philosophy of education and be introduced to the historical context that has influenced current educational practice.  The course aims to develop your skills as a reflective practitioner and enable you to consider the role of research in informing teaching and learning Throughout this course, you’ll explore a broad range of topics including:

• philosophical ideas that underpin educational practice
• the delivery of effective teaching and learning
• cognitive scientific research into how people learn
• the theory and practice of Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL)
• principles of assessment and how it has an influence on learning, teaching and the curriculum
• an overview of the process of research and developing a literature review
• framing research questions and selecting appropriate research methods

There is also an opportunity to study one of three option modules should you be interested in developing content, or assessment, or have an interest in management. Finally, you’ll be given the opportunity to design a mini-research project based in an educational setting, where you’ll be able to investigate an area of interest related to teaching and learning.

The University of Essex Online delivers 100% online and part-time courses in business, computing, education, health, law, criminology and psychology. The qualifications we offer include CertHEs and Bachelors degrees at the undergraduate level, and PG Certs, PG Dips and Masters degrees at postgraduate level, with study durations ranging from 8 months to 4 years.

You can study with us from anywhere with an internet connection and at a time that suits your schedule best. Your course will be delivered through a state-of-the-art virtual learning environment (VLE), which provides you with 24/7 access to high-quality resources, including lecture casts, discussion forums, live seminars and Q&A sessions, as well as extensive eLibrary.

Even your assessments will be completed entirely online – none of our courses has a requirement to travel to testing facilities or exam centres. In fact, the majority of our courses don’t have exams at all! For the few courses that have exam requirements, we use a virtual proctoring system that enables you to sit academically rigorous exams from the comfort of your own home. Otherwise, you’ll be completing written assignments, taking part in discussion forums or writing reflective journal entries.

Whether you're an experienced professional looking to progress your career or a recent graduate who wants to boost their CV, online study is a cost-effective, convenient and flexible way to get ahead.

Why study with us?

We are one of the longest-running providers of 100% online degrees in the UK. All our courses are specifically designed for online delivery, combining gold standard teaching with the latest technology and enabling you to gain a top-class education from anywhere in the world.

We achieved a gold rating in the government’s Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF 2018) for delivering consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for our students. With an 89% satisfaction rating, we are also the highest-rated online-only provider in the National Student Survey (NSS 2020).

Our online tutors are leading authorities and specialists in their respective fields. They are passionate about what they teach and combine their knowledge of industry practice with high-quality academic delivery, offering you an unparalleled learning experience.

Our team of dedicated student advisers and study skills specialists provide world-class mentoring and academic support to you from your first day to graduation. The team will be on hand to help and guide you as you progress through your studies. Whatever the question or issue, they will work with you to find a solution.

All our qualifications are awarded and validated by the University of Essex, an award-winning university with a 50-year heritage of teaching and research excellence. Upon completing your studies, you’ll be invited to graduate from the University of Essex’s Colchester campus. You will receive the same certificate as campus-based students – your mode of study is only mentioned on your academic transcript.

We know that many people from non-traditional backgrounds would succeed on our courses! That’s why we offer two different entry routes, taking into account your prior work experience and relevant qualifications. You will also need to meet our English language requirements. Additionally, you will need to pass your first assignment set within your two week induction period of the course in order to continue your studies.

Academic entry route In order to satisfy the academic entry route requirements for our Master of Education, you must have the following qualifications as a minimum: an undergraduate degree from an approved institution, equivalent to a UK Honours degree, or a relevant professional qualification

Work experience entry route In order to satisfy the work experience entry route requirements for our Master of Education, you must meet the following criteria: at least two years’ teaching experience in an educational setting

English language requirements As our courses are delivered in English, a high proficiency with English is required. If English is not your first language, your English ability should be equivalent to an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5. Don’t worry if you don’t hold an IELTS or equivalent qualification – we offer a free online English test to assess your proficiency.

• Designated for postgraduate student loans in England.
• Simple monthly payment plan available, enabling you to spread the cost over the duration of your studies.
• Full payment discount of 5% if you pay upfront.
• Regional scholarship available for international students based overseas in eligible countries.
• Alumni discount of 10% of the tuition fee available if you are a previous graduate with the University of Essex or University of Essex Online.
• 10% corporate discount available when three or more of your employees study with us.

Please note, a maximum of two discounts or scholarships can be applied. The corporate discount can only be used in combination with our upfront payment discount, but not in conjunction with any other discount or scholarship. Find out more information about our discounts and scholarships.

If you’re a qualified teacher, this programme is ideal for expanding your professional development in order to access senior leadership roles. It covers a broad range of subjects and offers the opportunity to specialise in diverse professional contexts and practices. You’ll also have a chance to improve your professional practice and attain leadership roles in your chosen career path. This could be as a teacher, lecturer, training adviser or administrator, special educational professional, policy developer, researcher, healthcare trainer or within local government. Gaining a postgraduate qualification with the University of Essex Online also puts you in good stead for your career prospects. Results from our 2021 student survey showed:

• 92% of students said their course helped develop their research skills
• 89% of students say their studies fit with their future plans
• Almost 60% said their studies had a positive effect on their career
• 25% of students saw their salaries increase by up to 10%

Please note that this degree will not provide you with a teaching qualification and that additional qualified teacher status is required to allow you to teach in the UK.