MA Education (Evidence Based Practice)

Next start date

September 2026

Location

Online, part-time

Course duration

15 Months

Fees

£6,300

An in-depth course for teachers and school leaders looking to critically analyse, engage in and reflect on educational research and evaluate the implications.

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Course Overview

The MA in Education (Evidence Based Practice) provides a unique opportunity for students to build on the relationship between practice and research in Education. It not only allows students to engage with Educational Research, it provides an opportunity to evaluate the application of key topics in schools today.

As a student of this course, you will be able to develop critical reflection of your own practice and navigate the newest challenges in education. 

By completing this course, you will:

  • Develop a critical understanding of current issues related to education.
  • Be able to apply that understanding to your educational setting.
  • Have completed a piece of research that contributes to the wider debate.
  • Be able to develop your career in line with your research interests.
  • Have developed crucial leadership skills.

Throughout this course, you will complete a number of modules enabling you to develop your understanding of both the research process as well as your topic of interest relating to education. The second module will enable you to grapple with the discussions surrounding evidence based practice and you will be able to use this for your own work. During this time, you will also critically engage with scholarship, which informs your dissertation, and you will learn about different research methods. You will be expected to read widely around your subject area.

The course culminates in the production of a 12,000-15,000-word dissertation with a suitable research focus.

Course Content

Course Content

Module 1: Transformative Practice (30 credits)

This is an introductory unit to allow the students to reflect on their educational journey to this point and to engage with writing at academic level. In this module students will reflect on their development through critical evaluation of key documents relating to their teaching experience and the professional development they have encountered so far. Students will use this knowledge to begin to consider the implications of undertaking a Master’s programme and what this might mean for their own career.

 

Module 2: An Overview of Evidence Based Practice in Education (30 credits)

In this module students will engage with recent research trends that have gone on to influence classroom practice. This will link to some of the most recent educational theories and see how they have influenced shifts relating to teaching strategies with the goal of improving pupil attainment. This module will also serve as an introduction to different examples of educational research for Module 3 and also different methods of research methodology for Module 4.

 

Module 3: Research of literature on contemporary issues in Education (30 credits)

In this module students will research contemporary issues in Education and synthesise relevant literature that will inform the research project for Module 5. The module aims to develop meta analytical skills and academic synthesis of educational research and global learning about contemporary issues in Education.

 

Module 4: Principles of Educational Research - research methods and project design (30 credits)

This module aims to develop advanced skills of practitioner inquiry. Students will use this knowledge to devise their own investigation, often work-based, to explore an educational issue with a view to improving their own practice or that of others. Students will explore a range of research and inquiry methodologies as well ethics and reflect on appropriate research methods to present a project proposal. Students will also learn to consider and evaluate ethical implications that could arise during the project.

 

Module 5: Educational Research in Practice- Master’s Dissertation/ Research project (60 credits)

This module will involve students carrying out their own investigation into a relevant educational issue that they have assessed as being valid and important following on from their literature review and professional or academic interests. Study culminates in a substantial dissertation and will involve students theorising and presenting recommendations for future practice.

 

Course Delivery

Course Delivery

This is a 15-month course, delivered online and is designed to be taken part-time, alongside a role in a school or educational organisation. 

All aspects of the course will be delivered online so that students can access them from wherever they are in the world. 

You will be guided through each stage of the course:

  • An induction session will introduce you to how the course will run.
  • Every Master's student is allocated a supervisor to support your learning. 
  • You will have access to regular online study sessions throughout the course.
  • Our online learning platform, MOODLE, will provide easy access to all resources needed for successful completion of the course.
  • You will be given a week by week guide which will indicate what work is expected that week. This will either be:
    • a recorded film to watch
    • a reading
    • a podcast with accompanying literature
    • independent study towards a module
    • a Twilight session which will be live, but recorded and shared on Moodle. 

It is important to understand that you, as a Master’s student, will be expected to work independently and you are expected to fully engage with the guidance provided to complete the required modules.

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements

All applicants are required to have a bachelor’s degree and to be currently working at a school or another education organisation.

You will also need to have IELTS 6.5 (with 6.0 or above in each component) or equivalent English level qualification. To see what is accepted by the University, visit our FAQ page on Language Requirements.

Fees

Fees

Registration Fee: £300 (non-refundable)

Tuition Fee: £6,300

Fees are invoiced for in September, at the beginning of the course, and can be paid in termly installments or in one lump sum. Termly instalments can be arranged directly with the Finance department upon receipt of the invoice.

All fees are charged directly by the University of Buckingham, BISE will not add any additional charges for our services.

How To Apply

How To Apply

Click Apply Now below to apply online through Buckingham International School of Education. We will support you to complete your application before submitting it directly to the University of Buckingham.

If you have any queries, click Ask a Question and our admissions team members will endeavour to reply to your enquiry within 24 hours.

Our admissions staff are based in Mainland China and Hong Kong and our hours of business are 10am to 7pm (GMT+7), Mon-Fri.

Admissions for September 2026 intake will close on 31 July 2026.

FAQ's

Should I do the MA in Education or the MA in Education (Evidence-Based Practice)?

Both courses allow students to engage in critical academic research at the Master’s level and undertake a research project in their chosen area of interest, which will ultimately strengthen their teaching practice and benefit the field of education. However, the MA in Education (Evidence-based Practice) dives deeper into how research has influenced classroom practice. It includes an extra module titled “An Overview of Evidence Based Practice in Education”, in which students will discuss specific research that has influenced teaching strategies. The choice of course will depend on each student’s personal study goal. Given the extra study involved, the MA in Education (Evidence-based Practice) is a slightly longer course, 15 months as opposed to 1 year.

What supporting documentation do I need to provide to apply?

You will be required to provide supporting documentation to prove that you meet the entry requirements. Entry requirements for each course are listed on the individual course pages.

Here are some examples of what you might be asked to provide:

  • A copy of your Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree certificate.
  • For any degrees completed outside of the UK, you will need a 'Statement of Comparability' from ENIC.
  • If you are not from an English-speaking country or your academic degree was not delivered in English, you will be required to provide evidence of English Language proficiency. Doctorate applicants may be waived of this requirement at the discretion of the university.

For any questions, get in touch with our admissions team.

Do I have to work in a school to apply?

It varies from course to course. For the teaching qualifications, such as PGCE and iQTS, you do need to be working in a school for the duration of the course to be able to meet the requirements in terms of teaching hours and lesson observations. While we cannot provide teaching placements, applicants are welcome to apply for the course while they search for a teaching post. Schools are often happy to support new teacher's CPD. For degree courses, you do need to be working in a school or other education-related setting to be eligible to apply. This is because you will need to complete research for your thesis in your educational setting.