This dynamic full-time programme offers the opportunity to extend professional knowledge appropriate to enhancing your career profile and prospects in a range of roles relevant to your context and interests. It will give you a deeper understanding and expertise in a field of education and the global outlook, cultural fluency and importance of social change prized in today’s employment market.
Appropriate to educators in a range of contexts, a focus on employability and career advancement skills explore how skills and knowledge acquired within the programme can optimise employment opportunities. Employer-led events, career guidance and introductions to organisations offering optional voluntary practical experience opportunities, mean you develop your professional profile and become well equipped to identify, accelerate and navigate career progression opportunities.
Our full-time MA Education is designed to help you gain the mastery you need, in terms of knowledge, understanding and skills, in order to respond effectively to the changes and challenges in the world of education today. It will provide a choice of themes for study and an approach to extend and develop your educational knowledge, skills and interests for specific career development paths in teaching, leadership, governance and consultancy. Modules draw on current international research, within a focused and dynamic academic community on campus and include supported opportunities to submit for publication.
You get develop a deeper understanding of the field of education including the global outlook, cultural fluency and importance of social change prized in today’s employment market. Employer-led events, career guidance and introductions to organisations offer optional voluntary practical experience opportunities; develop your professional profile while studying.
This is an internationally recognised one-year advanced study master's degree (QAA, 2020). It is three semesters long (36 weeks) and consists of four, short 30 credit modules and one longer 60 credit dissertation module. You will learn to critically evaluate current research, scholarship and practice to systematically address a range of complex issues in education. They critically engage with this complexity, develop skills and knowledge in relation to quality of education, communicate ideas and share findings.
This MA is specifically designed to support your professional development and enrich your contribution or accelerate career development in your chosen context. On this programme you will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of research in a chosen field of professional practice and educational enquiry, enhancing your capacity to show originality in the application of knowledge and practical understanding.
This one year programme provides you with critical and sophisticated understanding of different contexts, partnerships and agencies relevant to the field of education. It develops comprehensive, critical understanding of techniques applicable to the investigation of practice in education, and a critical knowledge and understanding of how techniques of research are employed to create and interpret knowledge in your chosen field of professional enquiry. Through interactive workshop seminars, you'll acquire advanced knowledge and understanding of the concepts underpinning research and scholarly activity in the wider field of professional educational enquiry; engaging with critical evaluation of current research, relevant methodologies and ethical dimensions to education research.
This MA is designed to run as full-time face-to-face experience. We seek to create a stimulating and innovative community of learning that is facilitated by an expert tutor team. You will experience a learning environment that is well equipped, flexible, and stimulating. This provision will also allow you to access material and appropriate learning activities on programme and module virtual learning environments.
The programme is delivered using a range of teaching and learning strategies appropriate to adult learning (andragogy). The intention is to ensure you have a sense of being part of a learning community and that you are able to engage in learning experiences that are intellectually stimulating and enriching.
Learning and teaching on this course integrates a variety of methods and resources that support the needs, preferences and interests of different learners. Explicit models of design will support students in understanding the process that they are engaging with. Expert knowledge contributions are combined with effective use of learning technologies to promote powerful social and individual learning opportunities.
Research-informed teaching on the programme draws on sector specific knowledge and expertise in a global/international context. Tutors supporting this programme are experts in their field and the team has substantial experience in tutoring MA and research students.
Academic, digital and professional graduate skills development sessions are built into the programme’s modules and the University’s academic skills team also provide support specifically designed for Master’s level study throughout the year.
International applicants will benefit from specific guidance and support relating to studying in the UK, developing English language proficiency and career, employability and CV development for the UK and international market.
Students engage in a variety of different forms of authentic assessment, to provide a creative and balanced strategy across the programme. A range of engaging and challenging opportunities, that are relevant to the needs of the workplace, allow for effective feedback to enable student success.
The focus of assessments is particularly designed to be relevant to the needs and interests of you as an individual with an emphasis on the interaction between theory and practice. The programme promotes the concept of ‘assessment for learning’ through formative and summative assessment opportunities in each module.
Formative Assessment is designed to help you learn more effectively by giving you feedback on your performance in order to indicate how it can be improved and sustained. The formative assessment tasks included in each module help students to make progress in terms of preparation for the summative assessment. There is a direct relationship between the formative and the summative assignment and academic skills/research skills development.
Each module in semester one has a short final, summative assignment. These summative assignments draw on a range of strategies and during the course of the year. You will be assessed through literature review, construction of a critical reading log, academic poster and presentation. This aligns to the University-wide Learning Teaching and Assessment plan moving forward in terms of authentic assessment that will contribute to professional understanding and employability.
The assessment of skills culminates in the longer dissertation module. At this stage in the MA, a detailed module guide will ensure that your supervisor and Personal Tutor can track and monitor your progress and provide interim feedback to support and help you.
Current and future career prospects for successful graduates of this programme are excellent. This is based on the University’s employment data for our existing part-time programme (100% in the last academic year). This programme is designed for you to achieve significant career progression. This informs programme curriculum content, which supports career progression options. The programme’s learning, teaching and assessment strategies that intentionally focus on knowledge, skills and understanding that support career advancement.
Bachelor Hons Degree 2:2 or equivalent
When you apply, our Admissions specialists will review your whole application. We are looking for your potential to succeed so will assess your qualifications, any relevant work experience, your personal statement, and references.
Where you have received a conditional offer subject to achieving particular grades/UCAS tariff scores, and do not quite meet these scores, please try not to worry, where vacancies exist our Admissions specialists will review your whole application again and take account of any mitigating circumstances and reassess your suitability for the course.
You must complete a direct application, combined with online interview, which allow you to demonstrate that you meet the entry requirements and that your academic and professional capabilities are appropriate to this field and level of study.
The University’s standard criteria for admissions apply. Please refer to the Applicant Information pages of the University website for more information.
Contact pgadmissions@cumbria.ac.uk for more information.
The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs.
Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.
At the University of Cumbria, we offer affordable tuition fees for international and EU students looking to study at one of our main four campuses. No matter your choice of course or career path, our International Team is here to support you.
Read MoreWe have a wide range of scholarships, bursaries, grants and funds available to support you throughout your studies with us. This includes the Cumbria Bursary - a non-repayable bursary designed to support first year students with a household income of less than £25,000..
Student Finance
There may be some additional costs associated with the course including stationery, textbooks, field trips and membership fees although some of these features are optional.
All sources required are available on loan or electronically from the University library.
Stationary appropriate to note taking and writing are required for this programme (pens, highlighters, notebooks and/or a device for recording written notes).
Comfortable, casual clothing and footwear recommended for seminars.
A portable device suitable for writing is recommended for seminar sessions, but laptops and computers are available on short-term loan from the library.
Approximately £30 to £40 per year
Required · Per year · Stationery
You should budget for stationery and consumables for personal use. These may include notebooks, pens and pencils, digital storage devices, printing and photocopying. The amount you spend will depend on your study preferences.
£69.50 (2026/27 fee)
Required · One-off · Checks, clearances and health requirements
An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required before you start placements. The Entry requirements section for your course shows which barred lists the check covers.
Approximately £50 to £300 over the course of your studies
Optional · Throughout the course · Books and journals
Most core textbooks and journals are available through the University library. You may choose to purchase personal copies of books or other resources used to support your studies.
Some courses recommend particular books or provide an estimated annual budget for purchasing personal copies. Search for your course below for details.
Cost depends on the equipment and internet service you choose
Required · Throughout the course · Digital learning and IT
You will need regular access to a laptop or computer capable of accessing the internet and running software such as a word processor and Microsoft Teams. Microsoft 365 is provided as part of your studies. You will also need a reliable internet connection. The amount you spend will depend on the equipment and internet service you choose.
Required · Per placement · Placements
You will need to pay for travel to and from your placements. Placement locations vary, and a placement arranged by the University may require additional travelling time. The amount you spend will depend on the placement location and your chosen method of transport.
You may be eligible for financial assistance towards some placement travel or subsistence costs. Any assistance available will depend on the scheme and eligibility criteria in place at the time of your placement.
Cost varies depending on the placement location and your chosen method of transport
Required · Per placement · Travel and accommodation
Approximately £30 to £50
Required · Throughout the course · Travel and accommodation
Costs can be several hundred pounds and may occasionally exceed £1,000 per year
Required · Per year · Travel and accommodation
Cost varies depending on where you live and how often you need to attend
Required · Throughout the course · Travel and accommodation
Part-time students are usually employed by their sponsoring placement. You will need to pay for travel to and from the University and, if required, accommodation for academic blocks and required campus attendance.
Costs vary and may be up to approximately £300
Required · Per placement · Travel and accommodation
You need to complete at least 400 hours of vocational placement for BASRaT accreditation. Where possible, term-time placements are local and within reach by public transport, but some may be further away, not reachable by public transport, or need overnight accommodation. Your Placement Coordinator will discuss these with you.
Cost depends on what you already own
Required · Throughout the course · Clothing and uniform
You'll spend a lot of time in the field, so you'll need weatherproof clothing, including a waterproof coat and trousers, sturdy walking boots, a rucksack (ideally with a waterproof cover) and plenty of warm outdoor layers. You may also want a flask and lunchbox for days out in the field.
Cost depends on what you already own
Required · Throughout the course · Clothing and uniform
Essential kit includes a waterproof jacket and trousers, walking boots, well-fitted wellington boots, a warm hat and gloves, a day rucksack (ideally with a waterproof cover) and other outdoor clothing such as thermals, fleeces, walking trousers and socks. You may also want a flask, water bottle, lunchbox and your own binoculars for field trips. Many outdoor shops in Ambleside offer student discounts, so you may prefer to buy some items after you arrive.
Cost depends on what you already own
Required · One-off · Clothing and uniform
You'll need clothing and footwear suitable for walking in an upland environment in Cumbria, whatever the weather.
Cost varies depending on your placement and attendance requirements
Conditional · Variable · Travel and accommodation
You may need to pay for travel to placement and to the University campus, including parking, and for accommodation at placement or on campus if required.
Cost of a new enhanced DBS check
Conditional · Variable · Checks, clearances and health requirements
You will need to pay for any additional DBS checks, for example if you lose your certificate, if you suspend your studies for a year or more, or if a placement provider asks for a new check because your certificate is more than a year old.
Approximately £35 to £90
Required · One-off · Clothing and uniform
You will do a lot of standing and walking on placement, so you will need a comfortable pair of black, sensible shoes and black socks.
Cost varies
Required · One-off · Clothing and uniform
You will need a blue or black thigh-length coat to cover your uniform when you are required to wear it, for example on community placements.
Approximately £10
Required · One-off · Equipment
If you buy a fob watch (nurse's watch), choose one with a silicone cover that is easy to keep clean. Some placements may require one.
Cost depends on what you already own
Conditional · Throughout the course · Clothing and uniform
Some placements expect you to wear smart casual clothing appropriate for a professional working environment rather than a uniform.
Approximately £120 to £300, depending on your course
Required · One-off · Clothing and uniform
You will need appropriate trainers and University sports kit for practical sessions and placement. Kit includes a polo shirt, Dri-FIT t-shirt, long-sleeve top, shorts and straight or slim-fit tracksuit bottoms. You will receive information about buying it before your course starts. On some courses this budget also covers equipment such as a model skeleton or portable massage plinth.
Cost depends on what you already own
Required · One-off · Clothing and uniform
You will practise clinical skills on each other in university sessions, so you will need loose, comfortable clothing that keeps you covered, such as tracksuit or jogging bottoms or shorts, a plain polo shirt, t-shirt or vest top, and trainers or shoes with non-slip soles.
Cost depends on the items needed
Conditional · Variable · Clothing and uniform
Your placement uniform is provided. If you need additional or replacement items, you may have to pay for them, depending on the reason they are needed.
Approximately £20 to £40 or more
Required · Throughout the course · Clothing and uniform
You need to buy your own placement footwear. Sensible, plain black, comfortable and supportive flat shoes are suggested, and your placement Trust's uniform policy will give further guidance. You may need to replace them during your course, and you may want separate footwear for the theatre environment.
Approximately £200 to £300
Required · Throughout the course · Clothing and uniform
Uniform tunics and trousers are provided by the University. You will need plain black socks, plain black cardigans or jackets, plain black flat shoes and a fob watch for clinical practice.
Approximately £15
Required · One-off · Clothing and uniform
A laboratory coat is required for practical activities.
Cost varies
Optional · Variable · Clothing and uniform
You may choose to purchase CSI-branded polo shirts or softshell jackets.
Cost varies by union, for example about £10 a year
Recommended · Per year · Professional membership and registration
Membership of a union, such as UNISON or the Royal College of Nursing, is strongly recommended.
Cost varies
Optional · Variable · Professional membership and registration
You may wish to subscribe to nursing journals such as Nursing Times or Nursing Standard. You will need to fund any monthly or annual subscription yourself.
£92 per year (2025/26 fee)
Required · Per year · Professional membership and registration
Student membership of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) is needed for your course. The fee is subject to an annual increase.
£26
Optional · Per year · Professional membership and registration
You may choose to join the British Psychological Society (BPS) as a student member.
Currently £5
Recommended · Per year · Professional membership and registration
Membership of the Student Law Society is optional but recommended.
Around £25
Optional · Per year · Other
You can choose to attend the annual Law Ball.
Cost depends on what you already own
Required · Throughout the course · Clothing and uniform
Placements require sensible, professional clothing and footwear appropriate to the setting.
Cost depends on what you already own
Required · Throughout the course · Clothing and uniform
You will need suitable clothing for teaching and taking part in PE sessions.
Approximately £40 in total
Required · One-off · Equipment
You will need to buy an adult stethoscope, an 8-inch plastic goniometer and a tape measure.
Up to £60
Required · One-off · Equipment
You will need a stethoscope. The programme team recommends a dual-head model.
Cost depends on the equipment you already have
Required · Throughout the course · Digital learning and IT
Parts of this course are taught online, so as well as a laptop or computer you will need a webcam, microphone and speakers or headset, and an internet connection good enough for live video calls.
Approximately £250 to £750 per conference, including fees, travel and accommodation
Optional · Variable · Other
You may choose to attend conferences that are not part of your course. Costs depend on the length of the event, the venue and the accommodation you choose. Many conferences are free for students.
Approximately £50 to £150, including fees, travel and accommodation
Optional · Variable · Other
You may choose to attend conferences that are not part of your course. Costs depend on the length of the event, the venue and the accommodation you choose. Many conferences are free for students.
Approximately £50 to £150, including fees, travel and accommodation
Optional · Variable · Other
You may choose to attend a conference that is not part of your course. Costs depend on whether it is a one-day event or you stay overnight, the venue and the accommodation you choose.
Conditional · One-off · Placements · Year 2
In Year 2 you can arrange a four-week elective placement within the UK. You will need to fund this yourself, and the cost depends on the location.
Usually £30 to £60 per hour
Required · Variable · Other
While you are in supervised practice you need regular clinical supervision with an approved supervisor: at least 90 minutes each calendar month, with more if you exceed 12 hours of client sessions in a month. On the MA and PgD this runs from shortly before supervised practice begins (around March or April of Year 1) until it ends.
Usually £30 to £50 per hour
Required · Variable · Other
You must complete at least 10 hours of personal counselling or psychotherapy during the course.
Approximately £50 to £70 a year
Conditional · Per year · Other
If the insurance at your supervised practice setting does not cover you, you will need to arrange and pay for your own professional indemnity insurance while you are in supervised practice.
Cost varies
Required · Throughout the course · Other
You will need to pay for travel to and from your supervised practice setting, and for audio recording and playback equipment.
Approximately £250 (2025/26)
Required · One-off · Field trips · Year 1
The Year 1 training residential is a core part of the course and attendance is required. You are responsible for your own travel to the venue; students often car-share to keep costs down.
Approximately £60 to £100
Optional · One-off · Travel and accommodation · Year 1
If it is available to your year group, you may choose to study alongside prisoners from a local prison. You will need to pay for travel for 6 to 10 trips; students usually car-share to keep costs down.
Approximately £400 to £600
Optional · One-off · Other · Year 1
You can choose to take BPS-accredited psychometric training in ability and personality testing, at around a third of the usual cost. It is separate from your degree.
Cost varies depending on where you travel from
Required · Throughout the course · Travel and accommodation
You will need to arrange and pay for your own travel to the Ambleside campus, in-person sessions and field or site visits.
No cost to you
Information only · Not applicable · Field trips
The institute pays for field trips and provides any personal protective equipment (PPE) you need.
Cost varies
Conditional · Per trip · Field trips
Cost varies
Optional · Variable · Professional membership and registration
Cost varies depending on your placement location and travel arrangements
Required · Per placement · Travel and accommodation
Lancaster is the Red Rose heartland, a student haven full of history and culture. With iconic stone architecture, parkland, and a caring community, this is the place to get involved. The campus houses top-quality facilities tailored to the needs of life-savers, world changers, and future leaders.
Find out moreAn Open Day is your opportunity to explore one of 5 campuses, meet your lecturers, and find out how the University of Cumbria could become your new home.
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