Educational Studies

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

Dissertation (60 credits)

An Introduction to Research Methods: Children, Young People and Education (20 credits)



Optional Modules

Epistemic Injustice: The Ethics of Knowing in Special Educational Needs/ Inclusion (20 credits)

Leadership: Theoretical Perspectives (20 credits)

Leadership for School Improvement and Change (20 credits)

Leadership in Practice (20 credits)

Fundamental elements of behaviour change (20 credits)

Behaviour Change in Education and Supervising Others (20 credits)

Understanding Children with ASD (20 credits)

Understanding Adults with ASD (20 credits)

Social Justice in Special Needs Education and Inclusion: A Capability Approach (20 credits)

Deconstructing Special Needs Education and Inclusion (20 credits)

E-learning: Concepts and Pract (20 credits)

Bilingualism, Literacy and Disciplinary Literacy Development (20 credits)

Behaviour Analysis for Effective Teaching (20 credits)

The Role of Education in Ethnically Plural Societies (20 credits)

Engaging difference in divided & multicultural societies: concepts & practices for educational conte (20 credits)

Education Policy & Society: analysing reform and ideology (20 credits)

Entrance requirements

Graduate

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



International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region at https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/your-country/



English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 6.0 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, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

Closing date for applications: Friday 26th June 2026 at 4pm



Late applications may be considered.



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.

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

1 year (Full Time), 3 years (Part Time).

Entry Year: Academic Year 2026/27

Career Prospects

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.