Saint Louis University

What you'll study

This specialist master’s focuses on advanced approaches to teaching and sustained professional learning. Core components typically include:

• Foundations of Teacher Education: contemporary theories of learning, adult learning principles, and the role of teacher development in school improvement.
• Specific Levels and Methods: modules tailored to particular stages (early years, primary/elementary, middle, secondary) or subject-method specialisms (literacy, mathematics, science, modern languages, special educational needs).
• Curriculum Design and Assessment: designing standards-aligned curriculum, formative and summative assessment strategies, data-informed instruction, and assessment for learning.
• Instructional Leadership and Coaching: models of mentoring, coaching cycles, facilitation of professional learning communities and leading instructional change.
• Research Methods and Action Research: qualitative and quantitative methods, practitioner enquiry and a capstone project or dissertation that connects research to classroom or school practice.
• Practicum/School-Based Project: sustained, supervised engagement in a school context focused on implementing and evaluating a professional development intervention or method-specific programme.

Courses are delivered through seminars, workshops, school-based practica and a culminating research project. Students can expect a balance of theoretical study and applied practice, with opportunities to specialise by age range or subject-method emphasis.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements include a recognised undergraduate degree and professional experience in education. Specific expectations are:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution; degrees in education are preferred, but related disciplines are considered where applicants have substantive teaching experience.
• Professional teaching qualification or current teaching experience is highly desirable, especially for programme strands focused on particular levels or methods.
• Reference letters (usually academic or professional) and a personal statement outlining professional goals and a proposed area of study.
• Evidence of ability to undertake graduate study; for some applicants this may include an interview or submission of a written sample.
• International applicants for whom English is not a first language must meet the university’s English-language requirement.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to a range of roles in schools, districts and education organisations. Common career pathways include:

• Instructional coach or mentor, leading classroom improvement and teacher support programmes.
• Professional development coordinator or director, designing and delivering continuous learning for staff.
• Curriculum developer or subject-method specialist within schools, trusts, local authorities or publishers.
• School leadership positions, such as assistant principal or head of department, where expertise in teacher development is central.
• Education consultant, trainer or policy adviser working with NGOs, inspectorates or consultancy firms.
• Further academic study or roles in teacher education at higher education institutions.

Why study at Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University brings a Jesuit educational tradition that emphasises ethical leadership, social justice and reflective practice—qualities that underpin effective professional development. Students benefit from a campus community that integrates scholarship with service, close mentorship from faculty who are active in research and school partnership work, and practical links to local schools and education agencies for applied learning.

The university’s programmes are designed for practising professionals, with flexible delivery options and a strong emphasis on practitioner research, enabling graduates to apply evidence-based change in their own settings. Access to university resources—academic libraries, research centres and alumni networks—supports ongoing professional growth and career mobility in education.