MA Advanced Education Practice
- Entry year:
- 2027/28
- Start date:
- September
- Study mode:
- Part-time
- Course duration:
- 2 years
- Campus:
- Mount Pleasant
Why study this course with LJMU?
Designed for in-service educators seeking career progression and recognition of professional development.
- Taught in-person and online, timed outside of working hours to suit those in full-time employment
- The online learning applies cutting-edge approaches and content aligned with the research expertise of the teaching team
- Practice-focussed modules are reflective and based on real-world educational challenges, enabling you to follow your own interests in the field of education, develop your practice and inform curriculum and policy in your workplace
- The final module supports you to undertake a substantial innovation project focused on educational practice
- Taught by experienced staff from the School of Education who are active researchers at the Liverpool Institute for Research in Education
- Designed to prepared you for future progression into leadership and management roles in education
About this course
The MA Advanced Education Practice is a two-year, part-time programme designed to support educators by deepening expertise and advancing careers. It builds on LJMU’s successful PGCE and CPD provision, offering a clear progression route for alumni and external candidates alike.
The course includes five modules:
- Critical Reflection in Education and Evidence-based Education (PGCert level)
- Professional Development in Education (including option modules) and Educational Research (PGDip level)
- A final Innovation Project (MA level), offering the opportunity to conduct practice-focused research in your own educational setting
This structure supports you to reflect on and enhance your professional practice while gaining a master’s qualification that is both rigorous and relevant.
Course modules
Discover the building blocks of your programme
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Core modules
Critical Reflection in Education
30 credits
30 credits
This module explores advanced theories and models of reflection and reflexivity in education, examining their application to professional practice, leadership, and mentoring. Students will critically analyse their own professional identity, values, and roles, and investigate the impact of reflective practice on teaching, learning, and assessment in diverse educational contexts.
Evidence-based Education
30 credits
30 credits
This module explores foundational and advanced theories, principles, and pedagogical approaches in education, with a particular focus on evidence-based practice and inclusive pedagogy. Students will critically examine educational research, policy, and practice, investigating issues of access, equity, diversity, and social justice in teaching and learning.
Educational Research
30 credits
30 credits
This module is delivered as part of a Masters programme aimed at education practitioners. It provides a grounding in theory, research and practice for educators with an interest in developing their capabilities for critical reflection on and investigation of aspects of educational practice. It also aims to develop their understanding of wider research approaches and their ability to produce a research proposal for an appropriate Level 7 60-credit Innovation Project.
Innovation Project
60 credits
60 credits
The module is a core activity for all students and provides a grounding in theory, research and practice. It provides an opportunity to develop an innovation as a physical or digital prototype learning resource (artefact), negotiated with the supervisors and of relevance to the educational context. This will be largely independent, but with regular individual support from the supervisor.
Optional modules
Professional Development in Education
30 credits
30 credits
This module explores the principles and practices of professional development in educational contexts, focusing on the identification and critical review of development opportunities relevant to individual practice. Students will engage in reflective analysis of quality within their own professional roles, considering standards, frameworks, and evidence for improvement.
Technology Enhanced Learning
30 credits
30 credits
Through reflective analysis, students will evaluate the quality and impact of TEL within their own professional practice, exploring issues such as accessibility, inclusivity, and learner engagement. The module emphasises the use of research, feedback, and self-assessment to inform continuous improvement and innovation in technology-supported education.
Educational Leadership
30 credits
30 credits
Your Learning Experience
An insight into teaching on your course
The programme is delivered in a blended format, combining online learning with in-person sessions, designed to suit in-work professionals.
Modules are taught by experienced staff from LJMU’s School of Education, all of whom have expertise in curriculum design, policy, and educational research.
The course does not include placements, but students are encouraged to apply their learning directly to their current professional contexts.
How learning is monitored on your programme
To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.
Assessment is primarily conducted through a coursework model, including reflective essays, research proposals, and project reports: there are no formal exams.
Course tutors
The MA Advanced Education Practice is designed to empower educators to lead change in their own settings. It recognises the value of professional experience and provides a flexible, research-informed pathway to career advancement.
Postgraduate research opportunities
At LJMU, you can take the next step in your academic journey with a PhD or MPhil, available on a full-time or part-time basis. International students also have the option to study remotely.
- PhD duration: Up to 4 years full-time, or up to 7 years part-time
- Funding options: Choose between funded projects (with supervisors already in place) or self-funded study
Our Doctoral Academy is here to support you every step of the way—from your first enquiry through to successful completion—working closely with Schools, Faculties, and Professional Services.
For more details on postgraduate research and full details on how to apply, visit the Doctoral Academy website.
Career paths
Further your career prospects
LJMU has an excellent employability record with 97% of our postgraduates in work or further study fifteen months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2025). Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
This MA is ideal for:
- Newly qualified teachers / Early Career Teachers (ECTs) seeking to enhance their credentials
- Experienced educators aiming for leadership or specialist roles
- Professionals working in schools, colleges, or educational support services
- Graduates will be well-positioned for roles in middle and senior leadership, curriculum development, and educational consultancy. The course also supports progression to doctoral study.
Tuition fees and funding
- Part-time per year:
- £4,310
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as library membership and student IT support with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources including programme-appropriate software and on campus wifi.
Financial Support
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages. The University offers a range of financial support for students. You'll find all the information you need on our specialist financial support pages including details of the Student Support Fund and other activities to support with the cost of living.
Additional Costs
In addition to fees, students should also keep in mind the cost of:
- Accommodation
- Travel costs and field trips unless paid for by LJMU
- Stationery, IT equipment, professional body membership and graduation gown hire
- Part-time per year:
- £9,115
International Scholarships and payment plans
Liverpool John Moores University is committed to supporting international students by providing a range of scholarships and flexible payment plans to help students manage their tuition fees.
Scholarships
LJMU provides a variety of postgraduate scholarships to support international students. Scholarships are available to self-funded students who have accepted their offer and met all the conditions outlined in their offer letter. Students must also demonstrate that they can cover living costs, travel, and other expenses associated to studying at the university. Postgraduate scholarships include tuition fee reductions and are often offered in partnership with external funding organisations such as the British Council and Chevening.
All self-funded international students are eligible for an automatic scholarship worth up to £4,000. For more details and to view our full list of scholarships, visit the international scholarship webpages.
Deposit
All students must pay a £5,000 deposit before they can receive their CAS letter.
For more information view our deposit page.
Tuition Fee Payment Plan
After paying their £5,000 deposit, students have the option to pay their fees in full or in three equal instalments minus any internal scholarships and discounts. There are two payment options available for international students. You can either pay your tuition fees in full before enrolment or opt for a payment plan. With the payment plan, you can pay your fees in three instalments after making your £5,000 deposit. The first instalment is due before enrolment.
All payments should be made through Flywire. Full details can be found in the How to Pay Guide.
Entry requirements
You will need:
Qualification requirements
Undergraduate degree
Additional requirements
-
Relevant work experience
Students need to have current experience of voluntary or paid work in an educational setting to enable reflection on practice and application of field work research. This could be a non-school setting such as Museum, Gallery, Zoo as long as the purpose of the organisation is explicitly educational.
Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
How to apply
Securing your place at LJMU
To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.
The MA Advanced Education Practice offers advanced entry for students who have completed a PGCE at LJMU within the last 5 years. The PGCE counts as 60 credits (2 modules) towards this masters programme.
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The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.