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MEd | Postgraduate Taught

Education Studies - January intake

Entry year
Academic Year - Start Jan 2026
Entry requirements
2.2
Attendance
1 year (Full-time)
Places available
50 (Full Time)

This programme offers teachers and educational professionals opportunities to learn across a range of areas within the broad field of education.

Education professionals in the twenty-first century are expected to have strong knowledge and skills in core areas as well as an ability to move flexibly in and out of a variety of specialist areas. This Educational Studies programme is designed to meet these diverse needs by offering students the opportunity to select modules from a wide range of topics including: learning and teaching, assessment, educational leadership, inclusion and special educational needs.

The programme offers students an opportunity to familiarise themselves with current research on these topics. In addition, students are encouraged to consider and reflect on the practical implications of theoretical perspectives and research findings.

The MEd in Educational Studies is open to teachers in primary-, secondary- and tertiary-level institutions as well as to professionals in other fields of education.

On completion of the modules students will be able to:
- demonstrate a broad-based knowledge and understanding of educational research, policy, practice and theory covered by the modules of their choice
- analyse and critically apply examples of the research literature in the chosen modules (and, where appropriate, skills)
- reflect critically on their own personal practice.

Core Modules

An Introduction to Research Methods: Young People and Education (20 credits)
Independent Research Module (IRM) (60 credits)

Optional Modules
E-learning: Concepts and Pract (20 credits)
Behaviour Analysis for Effective Teaching (20 credits)
Leadership: Theoretical Perspectives (20 credits)
Leadership in Practice (20 credits)
Engaging difference in divided & multicultural societies: concepts & practices for educational conte (20 credits)
Leadership for School Improvement and Change (20 credits)
The Role of Education in Ethnically Plural Societies (20 credits)
Behaviour Change in Education and Supervising Others (20 credits)
Education Policy & Society: analysing reform and ideology (20 credits)
Social Justice in Special Needs Education and Inclusion: A Capability Approach (20 credits)
Epistemic Injustice: The Ethics of Knowing in Special Educational Needs/ Inclusion (20 credits)
Deconstructing Special Needs Education and Inclusion (20 credits)
Fundamental elements of behaviour change (20 credits)
Bilingualism, Literacy and Disciplinary Literacy Development (20 credits)

Over 83% of research submitted by colleagues based in the Education Unit of Assessment was judged to be ‘World Leading’ or ‘Internationally Excellent' by a peer review panel (REF2021).

Education Studies - January intake highlights

Internationally Renowned Experts

The core discipline of Education at Queen’s is one of the leading areas for educational research in the UK and Ireland.

Student Experience

The diversity of topics is particularly appreciated by students who want to learn across a range of topics, rather than focusing on one specialist subject.

Students who have completed a PGCE, within the last 10 years are eligible to credit transfer. The credit transfer application must be submitted at the same time as the online programme application as retrospective applications are not accepted.
https://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/AcademicStudentAffairs/AcademicAffairs/GeneralRegulations/Admissions/PriorLearning/ProceduresforRecognitionofPriorLearningRPL/

Flexible exit qualifications (PgCert, PgDip) are available and individual course modules can also be taken as short courses.

Student Testimonials

Course Structure

Students will normally take three taught modules in spring semester (60 CATS), followed by an independent research module in the summer semester (60 CATS). The programme will then be completed with a further three taught modules in the autumn semester (60 CATS).

Successful completion of a module requires a minimum attendance of 70% at all planned teaching sessions.

Students will have the opportunity to resit failed modules once, at the next available opportunity—usually at the end of the following semester.

Students who do not pass all modules by the end of a semester will be given academic advice on how best to manage their workload. In particular, students who have failed all taught modules in a semester will normally be advised to defer all or some of their resits in order to ensure a manageable and balanced academic load. Opportunities to resit or defer assessments will be discussed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account individual progress and circumstances.

Progression after each semester will be determined by the Board of Examiners at the relevant stages.

The MEd programme includes exit pathways at both Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate level. A Postgraduate Diploma can be awarded for successfully completing a minimum of 120 CATS but less than 180 CATS of any modules on the programme. A Postgraduate Certificate can be awarded for successfully completing a minimum of 60 CATS but less than 120 CATS of any modules on the programme.

People teaching you

Programme Director and Reader

SSESW

Lecturer

SSESW

Teaching Times

The majority of sessions are in the evenings. Attendance at weekend workshops is occasionally required.

Learning and Teaching

Learning opportunities available on this course are outlined below:

Learning and Teaching Introduction

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Assessment

Assessments associated with this course are outlined below:

  • There are no written examinations. Modules are assessed by coursework. Modules with an online element use a variety of assessment methods, e.g. multiple choice tests and contributions to an online forum.

Facilities

The School is situated across a suite of three buildings in Belfast's Queen's Quarter. We provide student and staff common rooms, computer suites and designated study spaces.
Explore the teaching and social spaces in our School through our 360 Virtual Tour:
https://youtu.be/PJeiF24bjxE

The Graduate School
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSfCd4Ycb70

What our academics say

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Modules

Modules

The information provided in this Course Finder reflects the module details for the current year of study (2025/26). Please note that modules are subject to annual review and changes may occur in response to various factors, including student feedback and academic developments. Prospective students will be notified of any significant changes to module offerings before the start of the new academic year.

Entrance requirements

Graduate

Normally a strong 2.2 Honours degree or above or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in any subject discipline.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.

The University's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy provides guidance on the assessment of experiential learning (RPEL). Please visit http://go.qub.ac.uk/RPLpolicy for more information.
http://go.qub.ac.uk/RPLpolicy

International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.

English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. *Taken within the last 2 years.

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, Queen's University Belfast International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

  • Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
  • Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

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Careers

Career Prospects

Introduction

Graduates from this degree have found the skills and knowledge learned to be beneficial in their workplace by improving their professional practice. In the case of teachers this has meant the development of research-informed practice and the ability to lead professional development within their schools.

Furthermore, a higher degree can enhance employment prospects to help secure future promotion. Having deepened their knowledge in a specific area, other students have chosen to continue academic study to doctoral level.

Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes help our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.

Prizes and Awards

The Northern Ireland Centre for Educational Research (NICER) offers two awards to support teacher researchers working on classroom-based projects aimed at improving teaching and learning (eligibility criteria apply).

Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1 £7,300
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 £7,300
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 £9,250
EU Other 3 £21,500
International £21,500

1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees.

Additional course costs

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

How do I fund my study?

The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information.

A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas (excluding Initial Teacher Education/PGCE, where undergraduate student finance is available). Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.

More information on funding options and financial assistance - please check this link regularly, even after you have submitted an application, as new scholarships may become available to you.

International Scholarships

Information on scholarships for international students, is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/international-scholarships.

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Apply

How to Apply

Apply using our online Queen's Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Apply now

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

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