Course information

The MA in Residential Education is a one-year, part-time course for those working in or with an interest in boarding schools. It is offered in partnership with the Boarding Schools' Association.

This the most popular Masters courses of its type in the UK. We take students from all round the world. They appreciate the opportunity to follow their own interests while being given clear guidance about the requirements of a serious level 7 academic qualification.

This course allows those with experience in boarding, who are keen to research, to write about a topic of interest to them. The heart of the MA is a 12,000-15,000 word dissertation. You will do a literature review, which informs your dissertation, and you will learn about different research methods. You will be expected to read widely.

Applicants may be from state or independent boarding schools in the UK or abroad.

Why should I do this MA?

1.    Professionals do not stop learning at any stage in their working lives.  Doctors and lawyers, for example, have to have regular refresher courses.  In the same way teachers can benefit from the MA framework as it gives them an opportunity to discover recent research in education and to challenge their own best practice

2.    This is a unique form of professional development for those that work in boarding schools

3.    Not only will you learn about recent research relating to boarding, but you will also learn how to do your own research.

4.    This is a more economical way to complete an MA compared to courses offered by other universities

5.    Gaining a Master’s in Education can be an excellent form of professional development and can help you in developing your own career as a qualification that is taken seriously by employers

6.    You can complete this course through distance learning and still receive individual support from an experienced tutor

7.    Once agreed, it is a chance to pursue your own area of interest within boarding and to discover the latest work in this area

8.    You will find the course intellectually stimulating and challenging

Course content

•      Establishing your research focus
•      Discovering relevant literature and how to write a literature review
•      What is expected of Level 7 academic writing?
•      How to navigate the topic of research methodology
•      Planning your dissertation
•      Ethical considerations when researching

“The course is really well structured and so interesting. Thoroughly recommend this. A brilliant course which will challenge, stretch and inspire.”

Every Master’s student is allocated a supervisor. You will regularly communicate for example via Teams, Email or another online meeting platform with your supervisor at times that are suitable for you both, to support each module. You will also have access to regular online study sessions throughout the course. There is an induction session early on to introduce you to how the course will run, then there are twilight sessions UK time, during the year to support you with each module and with additional sessions to aid with the completion of the dissertation. The majority of these are optional in terms of attendance as we know that many people struggle to be available at certain times. However, all these sessions are recorded and can be watched after the live event. This means that as you progress through the course you end up having access to library of videos to support you to a successful outcome. It is important to understand that you as a Master’s student, will be expected to work independently and to use the guidance provided to complete the required modules.

Entry requirements

All applicants are required to have a bachelor' s degree and to be currently employed at a residential 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 Level 7 PGCE will be asked to produce a portfolio of evidence of their work of up to 7000 words (further advice will be given).

*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 with the scores accepted by the University.

Fees

Registration Fee: £300 (non-refundable)

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.

Staff whose school is a member of the Boarding Schools’ Association are eligible for a 25% discount on course fees. To ensure the discount is applied please inform us the BSA partnership during your application.

How to apply

Please visit here to apply.

Before we can accept you onto this programme, you will need to supply:

• a copy of your PGCE certificate and transcript or BSA Diploma to show credit level if applicable
• a copy of your passport photo page (and visa/work permit where necessary)
• a head and shoulder style photo for your University identity card.

Closing date for applications: 24 July 2024