With the world opening up again after the COVID-19 pandemic and colleges worldwide welcoming students once more, you might have been considering a return to formal education. For those who already have a bachelor’s degree, progressing to a master’s is the next logical step – but this raises the question of what subject they should study at the postgraduate level. It’s a highly personal decision, but if you’re still unsure, why not consider moving into the rewarding field of education?
With this question in mind, the following article goes into more detail about studying for an MA in education and the potential benefits you can enjoy by doing so. If you like the sound of this exciting prospect, there’s also some information at the end to help you get started on your application – so keep reading!
Who Is An MA In Education Suitable For?
A master’s degree in education is a great option for anyone who is passionate about the topic. Each program will have its own entry requirements, but as a general rule, you will need to already have a bachelor’s degree to enroll. However, this doesn’t necessarily have to be in education; a degree in another subject coupled with relevant work experience can also make you eligible.
As such, this type of program can be suitable for both experienced educators who are searching for a new challenge and those new to the sector who have a keen interest in education. The admissions team will also be looking for people who are interested in leadership and management in the education industry, which can relate to a wide variety of educational settings.
What Is Studying For An MA In Education Like?
When you enroll for a master’s degree in education, you’ll follow a rich and engaging curriculum that examines the international theory, research, policy, and practice in education. The exact modules you study will vary depending on the specific course you choose, but you can anticipate covering topics such as:
- Introduction to educational inquiry
- Understanding education: global perspectives
- Understanding learning: global perspectives
- Education leadership
- Leading and managing education changes
- Special needs education: learning, teaching, and assessment
- Research methods in education
- Web-based learning and teaching
- Applying learning technologies
- Social justice education
- Perspectives on literacy learning
- Mental health and wellbeing in education
- The experience of outdoor learning
- Coaching and mentoring in the professional context
Most programs have a mixture of core courses that are compulsory for all students and optional courses you can choose from a list to make up the rest of your credit requirements, which enables you to craft a curriculum that matches your passions, skillset, and career aspirations. In most universities, you can also pick between taking your master’s on a full-time or part-time basis, or you can even choose to do an MA education online program instead if you want more flexibility and sovereignty throughout your studies.
In addition to the taught modules, you will normally be required to write a dissertation towards the end of your MA. This is a lengthy piece of writing on a topic of your choice and gives you a wonderful opportunity to take a deep dive into an area of education that you are passionate about. Many students find their dissertation to be one of the most challenging yet stimulating parts of the program, so be sure to choose a topic that genuinely interests you!
What Are The Benefits Of Having A Master’ Degree In Education?
You can anticipate enjoying a wide range of benefits when you study for a master’s degree in education. To begin with, it’s a fascinating topic to explore; centered around an understanding of learning as a complex and dynamic process, it teaches you to examine educational theories critically and then apply them practically, develop an understanding of the regulations and policies that shape education, and also how to improve your skills as a researcher.
As well as all the subject-specific knowledge that you’ll gain, and education MA is also a great chance to work on a number of more general transferable skills. These include valuable abilities such as critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, communication, analytical thinking, organization, and time management. Such skills are bound to come in useful no matter what career you progress to and also in your personal life, too.
In addition, doing a postgraduate qualification of any kind can be a wonderful chance to meet like-minded friends and build up a network of professional contacts. This is true regardless of whether you enroll on an online course or a program that’s based on campus.
Attending graduate school is also a valuable opportunity to learn more about your future career options, as the different modules and specializations can help you better understand where your passions and talents lie. While no qualification can guarantee you a job or make you a millionaire, getting a postgraduate degree can be a useful talking point in interviews. You can use your experiences to highlight your dedication to the field of education and your professional development, which are excellent topics to discuss with potential employers.
Finally, doing a master’s is a key stepping stone to a doctoral qualification if that’s a pathway you’re considering. In fact, many students find that their master’s dissertation transforms into a project they can develop into a Ph.D. thesis!
How Do You Apply For An MA In Education?
If reading this article has persuaded you that a master’s degree in education is the way to go, it’s time to look at how you can make that dream a reality. First, start off by investigating the selection of courses that are out there. When doing so, one of the most important factors to consider is the specific list of modules, as you want to choose a program that enables you to study the topics that interest you the most.
Additionally, for the majority of applications, you’ll need to submit certificates and transcripts from your undergraduate studies, as well as a couple of academic or professional references. These should be people who can vouch for your ability to successfully complete the course.
Lastly, the most important section is normally your personal statement. This is where you discuss your reasons for wanting to take the degree, why you’ve chosen that program and college in particular, and your career aspirations in education. You want to show the university’s admissions team that you’ve researched the education MA thoroughly and that you have the skills, experience, and passion needed to graduate with flying colors. Finally, be sure to proofread your work carefully before hitting the submit button!
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