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Whether you’re an experienced practitioner in an education setting, thinking about teacher training or looking to move into an education-related role, our postgraduate education modules and qualifications offer a flexible way of gaining career credentials that help to establish you as a leader in your field. We have a long and successful track record in education and education technology – the OU-pioneered ‘supported open learning’ – and we are the world leader in this specialist area.
As a practitioner working within education, you know that there is constant change and development in the curriculum, and in the delivery or organisation of education. And you will want to be confident that you have the knowledge, skills and expertise to rise to its challenges. The Open University offers a flexible way of maintaining your professional development to improve your practice and advance your career or interests. You can get a certificate, a diploma or a masters degree. Our education qualifications cover a range of professional specialisms including leadership and management, applied linguistics, equality and diversity, and online and distance education.
Through undertaking individualised research projects, you will tailor your qualification to your particular needs and interests, and apply and evaluate new ideas and techniques to your professional practice. By extending your knowledge and skills in this way, OU study will give you a solid foundation on which to progress a worthwhile career in a wide range of educational settings.
If you are interested in teacher training, please see our Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), or our Professional Diploma in Education (PGDE) if you are in Scotland.
Where to start in Education
To study the Masters degree in Education you need to be working with, or have access to, learners, but not necessarily in a formal teaching situation. This is not however a requirement for studying the MA in Online and Distance Education.
If you are intending to study for the Masters degree in Education, you are strongly advised to take Educational enquiry (E891) as your first module. If you are intending to study for the MA in Online and Distance Education, you are strongly advised to take Technology-enhanced learning: practices and debates (H800) as your first module.
Taught Masters
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Education
This professional MA or MEd is the ideal for those working in both formal and informal educational settings, including schools, youth clubs and support services. -
Online and Distance Education
This MA reinvents open learning and has been designed by our experts to put you at the forefront of theory and practice in online and distance education.
Courses in Education
See the list of all our individual courses in Education.
Research degrees
For information about postgraduate research degrees, visit the Research Degrees Prospectus.
Undergraduate options
See the list of undergraduate courses and qualifications in Education.
Postgraduate
International students
If you want to study for a qualification and you are living outside the UK and Republic of Ireland, visit our international prospectus.
Spotlight on Education
What does 'inclusion' really mean?
It seems to mean different things to different people. Some parents or carers are very pleased with the support offered to a child ‘with special educational needs’; but others are less happy. Two of our postgraduate modules address the debates and dilemmas that exist in this area (Difficulties in literacy development (E801) and Critical issues in equity, diversity and educational practice (E805)), and will help you form your own opinion.
Thinking about teacher training?
The OU offers a Postgraduate Certificate in Education in six secondary subjects, rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted and ETINI in 2010–2011. Designated as a part-time course, you can complete it in 12 to 24 months – ideal if a traditional full-time PGCE doesn’t offer enough flexibility. Based at home, you’ll study the theory of teaching and learning, which you’ll apply in practice during placements in a local partner school.
Applied Linguistics
Designed by experts in linguistics, the modules Investigating language in action (E854) and Language, literacy and learning in the contemporary world (E852) provide a specialist applied linguistics pathway leading to a Masters degree in Education (Applied Linguistics). This qualification could enhance your career potential if you are an EFL/ ESOL teacher, teach English in a non-English speaking country, support EAL students in primary/secondary schools or teach EAP in higher or further education.
Your questions
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