Education (Learning and Teaching) MA
About This Programme
The MA in Education (Learning and Teaching) at the University of Birmingham Dubai is a two-year, part-time, research-driven programme for educators who already hold a teaching certification and work in education, and who want to deepen their pedagogical knowledge, develop specialist skills or explore new areas of education at master's level. It builds evidence-based practice and educational innovation, with advanced teaching strategies and research skills to improve classroom practice and student outcomes and to prepare for leadership in education. Students apply research, such as action research, to a chosen area of their own teaching, study curriculum design and implementation in their specialist subject, and examine their role in school improvement through teamwork and mentoring. Classes run on evenings and monthly Saturdays, with an international cohort, so that participants can keep working in education, as the course requires.
Course Highlights
- A flexible, research-driven master's for certified teachers working in education.
- Part-time, with evening classes and monthly Saturday sessions for working professionals.
- A research-focused community exploring current research and reflecting on professional practice, pedagogy and assessment, with an international cohort.
- Rigorous, critical analysis of research and practice across international educational contexts, with skills aligned to UK and UAE standards.
- Ranked 64th in the world for Education, as stated on the course page.
What You'll Study
Teaching is led by expert academics and school leaders through evening classes and monthly Saturday meetings designed around working professionals. The modules develop skills in effective curriculum design and collaborative leadership, with a strong emphasis on teamwork, mentoring and applying research, and challenge students to analyse evidence rigorously and critically. Teaching staff listed on the course page include Philip Anderson, Assistant Professor and a former secondary school teacher and head of department.
Course modules
The MA is 180 credits: 60 credits of recognised prior educational learning (an entry requirement) plus 120 credits studied over two years part-time, made up of two 20-credit compulsory modules, one optional module and a 60-credit dissertation. Learning, Teaching and Research applies research, such as action research, to an area of the student's own teaching, with tutor guidance; Curriculum Development and Research examines curriculum design and implementation in the student's specialist subject; the third semester looks at the student's role in school improvement through collaboration and mentoring.
- Prior Educational Learning60 credits
- Learning, teaching and research20 credits
- Curriculum development and research20 credits
- Dissertation60 credits
Students also take one optional module.
- Evaluation and Policy Analysis for Inclusive Education
Entry Requirements
Two references are needed: one academic (for example a previous university tutor) and one professional that confirms the applicant's current role in an educational setting and shows their motivation and ability to study. A personal statement of 500 to 700 words should cover motivation and commitment and experience in education, including any leadership programmes attended, master's credits already awarded, mentoring experience and involvement in school projects.
Careers
Graduates are prepared for careers such as school leadership, educational consultancy, curriculum development, instructional design, assessment design and specialist teaching in K-12, higher education and corporate learning, or for a PhD. The University says the qualification is valued for its research-driven practice, critical analysis and practical application, and that it is consistently one of the UK universities most targeted by leading graduate employers (top 2, High Fliers Research 2026). The Careers Network Dubai offers information, advice and guidance.
Accreditation & Professional Recognition
Accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and listed as Active on the Commission for Academic Accreditation register as the Master of Arts in Education (Learning and Teaching).
Programme Details
Award
Master of Arts (MA)
Start Date
September 2026 (applications closed; September 2027 details to follow)
Typical Offer
2:2 degree plus 60 postgraduate credits of prior learning
Duration
2 years part-time
Qualification
Masters
Subject Area
Education
Campus
Dubai
Study Pattern
Part time
Delivery Format
In person
Tuition Fee
AED 41,136/yr
AED 41,136 a year, part-time, for September 2026 entry, charged in each of the two years; the fee covers tuition, examinations and graduation, can be paid in full or in three instalments a year, and does not include visa or living costs. Applications for September 2026 entry to this programme are closed, and details for September 2027 entry will be published later. Applications are made online through the University of Birmingham Dubai Admissions portal, with no application fee; postgraduate applicants upload transcripts for study completed so far, their degree certificate if available, and a CV, alongside the references and personal statement this course requires. Decisions are usually made within 10 working days of all documents arriving. A non-returnable AED 5,000 deposit, deducted from tuition, is paid on accepting an offer. Scholarships of up to 30% are assessed from the application itself, with no separate form; University visa sponsorship is for full-time students.
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