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Whether you’re an experienced practitioner, thinking about teacher training, or looking to move into an education-related role, our postgraduate education courses 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 by studying a single course, or a diploma or masters degree in education by combining courses. Our education courses cover a range of professional specialisms such as e-learning, leadership and management, literacy development, research, or educational psychology.

You’ll be able to tailor your education qualification to your particular needs and interests, and to apply and evaluate new ideas and techniques in 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.

To study at a postgraduate level in this area you need to be able to work with learners, but not necessarily in a formal teaching situation

Browse this website and discover the wide variety of postgraduate courses in education.

Where to start in Education

If you are intending to pursue a masters degree in education, you are strongly advised to take Educational enquiry (E891) as your first course as it prepares you for the other courses at this level.

Taught Masters

  • Education
    This professional qualification is the ideal masters degree if you’re a teacher or work in the education advisory service, educational administration or an allied field.
  • Online and Distance Education
    Experts designed this MA using information technology that reinvents open learning – putting 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.

Spotlight on Education

What does 'inclusion' really mean?

What is ‘inclusion’, and why does it seem 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 courses 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 modular PGCE programme covering a range of subjects – ideal if you want to teach but can’t, for whatever reason, take the traditional full-time course.

Professional doctorate

The EdD doctorate is for professionals who already have a Masters degree in education (including Educational enquiry E891 or an equivalent) and who want to develop as researching professionals.

 

Your questions

We may have already answered it in our frequently asked questions.

Or contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90 +44(0) 845 366 60 35

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