MA Education (Mentoring)

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Mentoring Theory (30 credits)

The first of the four modules introduces students to a range of theories relating to mentoring in education. One aim is to respond to the findings of the Carter Review (2015) into mentoring in ITT. This suggests that more attention should be given to the quality of training for mentors working in schools. Ofsted recommends that this training needs to be rigorous, in that it should go beyond the ‘structure and nature of the course’ and should look to develop the skills of mentoring. Another aim is to combine the practical needs of mentoring in education with a wide range of scholarship on this topic.

Module 2: A Research-Based Approach to Mentoring (30 credits)

This module builds upon the first module and focuses on existing research to understand how theory is implemented into practice. Building upon the theory and models explored in the previous module, these topics aim to synthesise theory with their own experience. This module focused on developing further the skills required for effective mentoring.

Module 3 Critical reflections on Mentoring (30 credits)

This module enables students to critically reflect on their own practice and critically engage with research in light of their own experience and context. This brings together the review of mentoring standards with the intellectual rigour of Master’s level writing. This module focuses on an extended assignment with guidance to develop appropriate evaluative skills.

Module 4: The Wider Context of Mentoring (30 credits)

The final module brings together the preceding modules and develops the implications of topics already raised, for example, dealing with difficult situations by examining complexity. There is also an opportunity to evaluate different research models of effective mentoring and place this in a wider context. The arguments surrounding mentoring and coaching are considered. The role of mentoring in an educational context is evaluated and the implications for leadership are discussed. Comparisons are also made between mentoring in education with different examples of mentoring. What can education learn from different contexts, e.g., business, psychology?

Module 5: Education Research Dissertation (60 credits)

All Master's students will be able to develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of a particular area of interest in the context of educational research. Through completing this module, students gain firstly, knowledge of the research process itself and are able to evaluate other research projects in a specific field. Once this has been undertaken, then secondly, students devise and carry out their own small-scale research project with guidance from the university and specifically their supervisor. Students engage with the topic of research methodology and, through this process, develop their own critical skills as reflective practitioners. This module introduces students to some of the complexities and challenges of engaging in educational research.

Course Delivery

This is an 18-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.

All students will be required to:

• Devise their own small-scale research project with guidance from the University and your supervisor. 
• Write a dissertation of 12,000 – 15,000 words.

Entry Requirements

All applicants are required to have a bachelor’s degree and to be currently working as a mentor in an educational context.

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

Registration Fee: £300 (non-refundable)

Tuition Fee: £5,200

Fees are invoiced for in January, at the beginning of the course, and can be paid in termly installments or in one lump sum. Termly installments 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

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 January 2026 intake will close on 30 November 2025.