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MA Education with Placement Year

Why choose Herts?

  • Excellent reputation: Ranked 1st as best university provider for Teacher Training in the UK (NSS, 2020-21).
  • Fantastic local connections: Benefit from our strong partnerships with over 300 schools and training providers across Hertfordshire, London, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Cambridgeshire.
  • Employment prospects: Graduates often secure promotions with their current employer and many venture into research, advisory, or policy-making roles.
  • Entry requirements and key information
    • an honours degree (2:2 or higher) in a relevant subject such as Education, SEND, Childhood Studies, Social Sciences, Coaching, Mentoring or Counselling or other related fields. Other degree qualifications will be considered depending upon relevant professional experience in an educational context such as schools and colleges. Overseas awards need to be recognised as equivalent by NARIC  
    • English language GCSE Grade 4 (iGCSE Grade C) or above or equivalent  
    • a short personal statement (no more than 500 words) explaining why you are interested in education and any relevant experience (professional or voluntary) that might support your application  
    • a work or academic reference.  

    Applicants from non-majority English speaking countries must provide evidence of English language proficiency, equivalent to overall IELTS score 6.5 with a minimum of 6.5 minimum in Writing and 5.5 in all other bands.  

    For country specific qualifications, please visit our Your Country page.  

    If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-Sessional English  
    may help you to achieve this level.  

    More information about English Language qualifications is available on our International pages.  

    Many of our students join our Programme having already gained 'M-Level' or 'Level 7' credit from previous master’s level study – for example from a PGCE or accredited short course. Such credit in relevant subjects may be considered for accreditation through the APCL process and thereby exempt students from specific modules on our MA Programme.  

    Non-accredited masters level study in relevant subjects may be accredited through the APEL process. This must be completed prior to beginning study on the programme.  

    Institution code

    		 H36

    School of study

    		 School of Education

    Course length
  • Sandwich Placement, 2 Years
    		•

    Location
  • University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield
    		•
  • Employability

    Careers

    The MA Education with Placement Year award aspires to prepare graduates for successful careers in the field of education. This programme equips graduates with the skills to critique, influence and improve policy and practice in a range of educational contexts and can therefore transform careers. Graduates from this programme often secure promotions with their current employer or venture into research, advisory or policy-making roles. Some students gain positions in new education contexts, such as higher education and progress on to doctoral study.

About the course

On this exciting two-year course, you'll have a unique opportunity to study the latest educational research and gain professional work experience within an educational organisation or setting through a work placement.  

MA Education has Placement Year, a one-year course option and Advanced Research pathway. 

The work placement takes place in the second year of the course and is normally unpaid. During this year, you will be supported by our Placement Team to identify and apply for year-long placement opportunities that reflect the skills and knowledge you have gained. You will have access to contacts through our extensive network of partnership schools and local educational organisations however placement cannot be guaranteed.

Students on the MA Education (with Placement Year) who are unable to secure an appropriate work placement can transfer on to the Advanced Research pathway in the second year. We also have a one-year course available. 

Why choose this course?

This two-year course provides the ideal blend of research and practice, as well as the opportunity to gain valuable work experience that will enhance your employability.  

You will develop and deepen your knowledge and understanding of educational theory and practice through critical reflection, analysis and enquiry, benefiting from a supportive learning community and learning from lecturers and professionals from a range of educational settings. The course will equip you with skills in critical thinking, enquiry and research, report writing, presentation and communication as well as the application of theory to practice. 

This course offers: 

  • A rigorous, evidence-based and inclusive educational experience embedded in research and practice. We will employ interactive techniques to enable effective learning  
  • Guest lectures from specialists across all areas of education 
  • Opportunities to visit a range of educational settings, including special schools and alternative education provision 
  • Work experience or placement and networking opportunities in Hertfordshire and London thanks to the University’s excellent location. 
  • An exceptional student learning experience - we are proud to have ranked 10th for education and teaching in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES, 2024). 
  • Level 7
    ModuleCreditsCompulsory/optional
    Education Dissertation60 CreditsCompulsory
    Work Placement60 CreditsCompulsory
    Pedagogy and Practice30 CreditsCompulsory
    Preparing for Success in your Studies30 CreditsCompulsory
    Leadership in Education30 CreditsCompulsory
    Introduction to Educational Research30 CreditsCompulsory

    • Key staff

    Anthony Quinlan
    Programme Leader
    Find out more about Anthony Quinlan

    Dr Hilary Lee
    Programme Leader
    Find out more about Dr Hilary Lee

    Further course information

    Course fact sheets
    MA Education Download
    Programme specifications
    MA Education Download
    Additional information

    Sandwich placement or study abroad year

    n/a

    Applications open to international and EU students

    		 Yes

    Student experience

    At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible. We offer a range of support services including; student wellbeing, academic support, accommodation and childcare to ensure that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying and having fun.

    Find out about how we support our students

    You can also read our student blogs to find out about life at Herts.