Education - Leadership and Learning MA: Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, this course is still for you. Our Education – Leadership and Learning MA is intended for a wide scope of professionals within schools and the wider education sector. Whether you work in the public sector, training, museum education, charity, advisory, governance or another educational role, you’ll benefit from the depth of learning and breadth of modules that we offer.  

Plus, the leadership and research skills that are an integral part of the programme are transferrable and widely applicable across a number of wider job roles, at all experience levels.  

Northumbria is a top-25 university for Education in the UK (The Complete University Guide, 2022 and The Guardian University Guide, 2022) so you can be assured you’ll be learning from some of the best tutors in the sector.  

For teachers, having an MA in Education is a great way to advance your career. The leadership skills and advanced teaching practices taught on our modules, such as curriculum development, educational assessment and leading learning and change, will prepare you to take on head of year, head of department or other senior positions. You’ll also study relevant topics such as inclusion and technology in teaching – very attractive knowledge to have in the teaching profession.  

The programme is designed for a wide range of professionals. So, for non-school based teachers or practitioners, you will also gain a host of career-valuable skills, develop a thorough grounding in the latest themes and concerns within the education sector and improve your practice.  

Regardless, you’ll study part-time, without having to take time away from your career. You can also start applying your growing knowledge in your existing role, as all our learning outcomes are designed for real-world situations.   

The UK education system is considered one of the best in the world, and Northumbria University has been involved in teacher training for over 100 years. Achieving a Masters qualification from a UK institution like ours is recognised as an achievement around the world. 

Our course’s emphasis on contemporary educational issues, research, policy and practice is relevant and useful no matter where you live or teach. Plus, as an online programme, you can study it from anywhere in the world, while being fully supported throughout by tutors, your MA peers and our Student Success Advisors.  

NB this course is taught in English and there are English language requirements for eligibility.  

Inclusion, diversity, and Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) teaching are very important topics in the education profession, around the globe, today. That’s why we’ve designed a whole 20-credit module focused on this topic: ‘Inclusion: Leading Practice in an Educational Environment’.  

As a part-time distance learning programme, you’ll study this MA for a minimum of two years. Our 20-credit modules take place over a 10-week teaching period, plus an extra week for assessment. However, if you need to take a break during your course for any reason, the flexible course design will allow you to pause your studies and return when you’re ready.  

Please note that any breaks in study will affect the date of your graduation. 

The course is designed to be studied completely online - there will be no need to come to campus.   

As a distance learning student, you will have access to quality teaching and research facilities, just as you would on campus, while being free to study whenever and wherever you want. However, if you do wish to visit the campus at Northumbria University to make use of our facilities, you’ll be welcome. 

There’s no difference between the qualification you receive on our distance learning course and any equivalent qualification you might study on campus. You’ll be taught by the same tutors with years of experience in the sector, who also teach on our on-campus courses. They’ll help you to gain the skills you need to lead and make a difference in education. 

For each module, you’ll have regular virtual assessments to help you keep on track. The format of these will vary but they will all be submitted through Blackboard Ultra, our eLearning portal. The course will combine academic theory with real-world practice, so you’ll be able to tailor your projects and assessments to your current role or any future one you’re aspiring to. This means you’ll be able to apply your new knowledge in everyday working life, even before graduation. 

The recommended study time for this course is 15-20 hours a week, so it's ideal for busy working professionals. Plus, our distance learning delivery and flexible learning model means you’ll be able to balance your studies alongside any existing commitments – no need for a career break or to disrupt your personal life. 

It is vital that you have regular internet access throughout your course to access Blackboard Ultra, our e-learning portal. This platform contains your online learning materials, in-course communication tools, advice and support services.  

The recommended computer operating systems are: 

• Windows 7 or newer 
• Mac OSX 10.6 or newer 
• Linux – chromeOS 
• Mobile – iOS 7 or newer/Android 4.2 or newer

You’ll be part of a supportive, engaging community. During each module you’ll be to attend interactive webinars and participate in virtual discussion boards with tutors and other students. Throughout, your tutors will be available to assist you with your studies and any academic questions. However, you’ll also be assigned a Student Success Advisor who will be there to support you from day one to graduation. Whether you need pastoral guidance, help meeting deadlines, or advice about fees, they’ll be on hand at every step. 

Applying for our Masters is easy and quick, and you can apply online on our course page for our intakes in January, April, July or October. A personal Enrolment Advisor will be with you at every step of the way, in case you have any questions about your application. 

During the process, you’ll need to upload some important documents onto our online applicant portal including: 

• A copy of your degree certificate or transcript (if this was awarded in a language other than English, you’ll need an official translation too) 
• A photocopy of your driving licence, passport or other proof of identity 
• A 500 word personal statement (this could cover why you wish to do the course, what you think you could bring to it and why you would like to study with Northumbria University) 
• Proof of your English Language proficiency if English is your second language  

After receiving your application, our Admissions Team will aim to respond to you as soon as possible. 

The full course fee for 2022/23 is £7,950 (6x 20-credit modules at £XXX + 1x Systematic Appraisal at £1,XXXX)* for UK, EU and International students. You’ll be able to pay your fees in module-by-module instalments, spreading the cost out over the duration of your course. 

For more information about this, plus any financial support you may be entitled to, please contact our Enrolment Team on (+44) 191 276 4874 or at dlstudentenquiries@northumbria.ac.uk. 

*Please note, fees correct for academic year 2022/2023 but may change for new intakes, starting in subsequent academic years.