Nottingham Trent University

What you'll study

The programme provides core postgraduate study in contemporary educational theory, research methods and professional practice, combined with a coherent specialist pathway that aligns to your career aims. Core study typically covers:

• Foundations of contemporary education – critical perspectives on policy, curriculum and pedagogy.
• Research design and methods – qualitative and quantitative approaches, ethics, and small-scale enquiry suitable for classroom or organisational settings.
• Professional enquiry or dissertation – an extended piece of independent research or practice-based project grounded in your specialist area.

Specialist pathways allow you to focus your modules and assessments on areas such as:

• Educational leadership and management (including distributed leadership, change management and school improvement)
• Special educational needs and inclusion (inclusive pedagogy, assessment and multi-agency working)
• Early years and childhood studies (curriculum, development and best practice for early years settings)
• International and comparative education (policy, development and cross-cultural practice)
• Adult, further and lifelong learning (curriculum design, professional development and quality assurance in FE)

Modules combine taught sessions, seminars and workshops with applied tasks, portfolios and an independent research or practice-based project. The programme is offered with flexible study patterns to accommodate part-time professional learners.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a UK undergraduate degree (or recognised equivalent) at a second-class level or above, or relevant professional qualifications, together with appropriate professional experience in education or a related sector. Equivalent experience and prior learning may be considered for applicants without a traditional degree.

Additional requirements may apply for particular specialist routes (for example, evidence of current employment in an educational setting, a professional reference, or a short statement outlining your proposed area of study and how it links to your professional development). Applicants whose first language is not English will need to meet the University's English language requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme progress into a range of education roles where advanced subject knowledge, leadership capability and research-informed practice are valued. Typical career destinations include:

• Subject or curriculum leader, heads of department and middle/senior leadership roles in schools
• Special educational needs coordinators (SENCo), inclusion officers and pastoral leads
• Early years managers and leaders in childcare and nursery settings
• Leaders and practitioners in further education, adult learning and vocational training
• Educational policy advisers, consultants, assessment and quality assurance roles
• Research posts, doctoral study and teaching roles in higher education

Because the programme emphasises practice-based enquiry and professional application, graduates are well placed to lead change within their organisations, pursue promotion, or move into specialist advisory and consultancy work.

Why study at Nottingham Trent University

Nottingham Trent University’s education provision is delivered by the Nottingham Institute of Education, which combines experienced practitioner tutors and research-active academics. The Institute maintains strong partnerships with schools, early years providers and further education settings across the region, offering opportunities for practice-focused projects and professional networking.

The University provides flexible study options suited to working professionals, supported by campus facilities, an extensive academic skills service and access to education research resources. The programme’s emphasis on applied enquiry and specialist pathways ensures study is directly relevant to career development and organisational impact.