Teaching, MA, University of Leeds

Course content

In your first year, you'll develop the key skills of spontaneous noticing and systemic observation in the classroom, and consider their importance in reflecting upon your teaching practice and as a basic tool of classroom research. After analysing your own classroom contexts, you'll consider three specific factors that may influence pupils' learning: diversity, behaviour and collaborative work with other teachers.

You'll build on this foundation in the following year when you'll deepen your understanding of how children learn and explore how a range of developmental factors can influence their learning, considering these issues in the context of your own day-to-day work as a teacher. You'll investigate key contemporary theories about children's learning, and evaluate such theories alongside current research, new teaching initiatives, and your own working knowledge of how children learn.

This knowledge will inform your dissertation, which makes up your final year. You'll conduct a small-scale research project that relates to your own interests in the field of education.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Noticing and Observing for Professional Practice and Learning 30 credits

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Promoting and Assessing Learning in the Classroom 30 credits

Year 3

Compulsory modules

• Dissertation in Teaching 60 credits

For more information on typical modules, read Teaching MA in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

We deliver this programme through eight Saturday schools over a two year period, and a range of online learning materials to inform your own private study. The Saturday schools use a mix of lectures and seminars, and offer you the opportunity to meet with other teachers to exchange experiences and ideas. You can also organise your dissertation supervision to be face-to-face, online or by telephone in the third year.

Assessment

We assess your progress for the first two years through the submission of a 6000 word report each year; each report will be partly informed by your responses to reading and school-based tasks that we set through the year. You also submit a dissertation of 12,000 words by the end of your final year.

Applying, fees and funding

Entry requirements

This degree is open to graduates with Qualified Teacher Status who are employed as teachers when they apply.

You should also have a successful track record of achievement in written assignments and practical teaching.

In addition you will need to hold a bachelor (hons) degree.

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information contact the School of Education admissions team.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

If English is not your first language, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course before you begin your studies. This can help if you:

• don't meet the English language requirements for your course or
• want to improve your understanding of academic language and practices in your area of study.

Our pre-sessional courses are designed with a progression route to the degree programme and are tailored to the subject area. For information and entry requirements, read Language for Education (6 weeks) and Language for Social Science and Arts: Education (10 weeks).

How to apply

We usually advise that you apply before the end of July where possible to allow plenty of time for the application process. If you're applying for any funding, you should also think about submitting your application at least a month before the deadline.

• Apply

This link takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.
 
If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Documents and information you need

• A copy of your degree certificate and transcript of your results, or a partial one if you're still studying.
• Evidence of your English language qualifications, if English is not your first language.
• A personal statement of 750-1000 words, explaining why you would be suited to the programme.
• Two references.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Fees

UK/EU: £5,000 (total)

International: £11,667 (total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Career opportunities

MA Teaching will help you develop your professional practice and gain confidence in the classroom. Developing your skills in educational research and analysis can lead to early promotion, and the programme also provides a pathway to study and research at doctoral level, either a PhD or the EdD.

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