MA in Residential Education

Course Content

The MA in Residential Education consists of 3 core modules studied over the course of one year. Module 1 is only for those who have 30 Level 6 credits at postgraduate level. 

Module 1: Transformative Practice (30 credits)

This is a bridging unit designed to give students who only have 30 level 6 credits at PG level enough level 7 credits to complete the full MA. In this module, students will reflect on their development through critical evaluation of key documents relating to their professional learning to date, as well as the effectiveness of target setting. Students will use this knowledge to present a plan for their continued professional development.

Module 2: Research of literature on contemporary issues in Residential Education (30 credits)

In this module, students will research contemporary issues in Residential Education and synthesise relevant literature that will inform the research project for module 4. The module aims to develop meta-analytical skills and academic synthesis of educational research and global learning about contemporary issues in Residential Education.

Module 3: 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 as 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 4: Residential Educational Research in Practice- Master’s Dissertation/ Research project (60 credits)

This module will involve students carrying out their own investigation into a relevant residential 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 presenting recommendations for future practice.

Course Delivery

This course is designed to be taken part-time, alongside a role in a school. 

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.

The course duration is either 12 or 15 months depending on the student's academic credentials. For more details, see the Entry Requirements tab.

Entry Requirements

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

In addition, the candidate must have either:

• Route 1* – PGCE with 60 Master’s credits at level 7 from The University of Buckingham or another university (if completed within ten years of the proposed start date of the course) OR
• Route 2* – PGCE at level 6 or BSA Diploma (which is a helpful route into Master’s study) an additional module (a bridging unit) of study will be provided.

Candidates with a degree but no PGCE will be asked to produce a portfolio of evidence of their work of up to 7000 words (further advice will be provided).

*For candidates on route 1, the course duration is 1 year. For candidates on route 2, the course duration is 15 months.

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: £5,300

Fees are invoiced for in September, at the beginning of the course, and can be paid in termly instalments 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

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.