Postgraduate taught 

Education MSc: Online distance learning

Teacher with classroom

The world faces a growing need for quality teachers and curriculum leaders. This distance learning master’s from the University of Glasgow offers a choice of optional pathways, which are designed to provide the skills needed to support career development in this field. 

Online learning at the University of Glasgow allows you to experience the outstanding education we are known for without the need for relocation.

  • Duration: MSc in Education 30 months part‑time

Why this programme

Online MSc Education at the University of Glasgow

Top 50 in the world for Education

  • Earning your online master’s will help you to further your career in education. Our programme is built to help you expand upon your professional experiences and personal interests while deepening your understanding of education. Within an international online learning community, you'll analyse and discuss leading research, current practices and relevant policies in education.
  • This online education master’s programme equips graduates to provide the best opportunities for all students through insights into the learning process and the policies and practices involved in education. Glasgow’s online master’s in Education offers three pathways for specialisation: 
    • Adult Education: psychological and international perspectives in adult education
    • Curriculum, Assessment and Pedagogy
    • Inclusive and Special Education
  • Choose from our different study routes in order to tailor your studies to match your experiences and your career goals.
  • The University of Glasgow’s School of Education has been ranked within the top 50 in the world in the QS World University Rankings by subject 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019
  • The University of Glasgow's School of Education ranked 8th in the UK (Complete University Guide 2024).
  • You'll learn from lecturers at the forefront of educational research, as 90% of research by our School of Education is assessed as world-leading and internationally excellent – Research Excellence Framework 2021.
  • The University of Glasgow ranked 1st in the UK for Education by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.
  • As well as being able to tailor your learning to fit your lifestyle, studying on this programme also means you don't have to sacrifice your current career to pursue a new one.
  • Please note that this degree is not a teaching qualification.

The MSc Education programme will challenge your preconceived notions of education. Embrace the opportunity to learn from your professors and classmates; you won’t regret it." – Dawn Cunningham Hall, Online MSc Education Graduate

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Programme structure

The duration of this programme is 2.5 years - 6 years taken on a part-time basis. 

With this programme you can choose your own specialist pathway. After completing the core courses in years one and two, you will be able to undertake a further two optional courses (one in each year). If you wish to specialise your studies according to the pathways available, you would choose the specific courses relating to that subject area:

  • Adult Education
  • Curriculum, Assessment and Pedagogy
  • Inclusive and Special Education

Alternatively, you can tailor the programme to suit your career goals by opting for a general pathway. For this you will be able to choose from any of the optional courses available from the three different pathways. You will also complete a dissertation in year 3. This will reflect your research interests.

The University of Glasgow specially adapts programmes to the online format. You will attend interactive lectures, seminars and individual tutorials. You will also build important connections with fellow students by taking part in project and teamwork.

Our expert staff will assess your progression through each course in a variety of ways. This may include essays, discussions, blogs, online presentations, interactive quizzes, assignments or group work. Details of these assignments are found in your induction.

To discover more about the programme watch our programme overview webinar with the programme director or visit our articles section for more information.

For more detailed information on our courses, click the links below. 

Year 1

Take 2 x 20 credit core courses and 1 x 20 credit specialist pathway course

Core courses

Optional courses (select one)

Year 2

Take 2 x 20 credit core courses and 1 x 20 credit specialist pathway course

Core courses

Optional courses (select one, based on your chosen specialist pathway)

Year 3

1 x 60 credit dissertation

The MSc Education has sharpened my ability to think critically about educational theory, policy, and practice. This is essential in my Assistant Registrar role at a community college in British Columbia, Canada, as I collaborate with departments across the institution to effect positive change for our students.” – Dawn Cunningham Hall, Online MSc Education Graduate

Programme outcomes

  • Critically analyse educational policy, practice, theory and research in specific contexts and settings.
  • Critically reflect upon the practical application of educational policy, theory and research.
  • Identify and evaluate relevant academic material for use in assignments, discussion and debate.
  • Using a range of sources, assemble, analyse and critique current research relevant to your contexts and use this to identify areas for your own enquiries in assignments, discussion and debate.
  • Debate issues with peers from similar and different contexts.

Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract.

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Career prospects

The fact that our online MSc in Education offers three pathways enables you to tailor your studies to your unique experiences and career goals. These options are designed to provide students with the skills required to follow a choice of careers, including education counsellor, instructional coordinator and school principal.


The online education master’s opens up a raft of positions, from primary and secondary schooling to adult education and educational leadership. It is perfect for teachers and lecturers, pre-PhD or -EdD students and a range of other education professionals keen to start or further their careers. Current students work as teachers, lecturers, university administrators and support staff, heads of department, head teachers, assistant principals and directors. For more information, read our article on where an online MSc in Education can take you.

The research emphasis of online MSc Education programme has given me a lens through which to evaluate processes and procedures and make data informed decisions. I have recently been accepted to the Research Ethics Board at my institution, where I will have opportunities to apply this knowledge and influence institutional research initiatives." – Dawn Cunningham Hall, Online MSc Education Graduate

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Fees & funding

MSc

UK / EU / International:

  • £15,000 (total cost)
  • You can pay in instalments of £1,667 per 20 credits

 

Fee information is subject to change and is for guidance only.

Additional fees

  • Fee for re-assessment of a dissertation (PGT programme): £370
  • Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed: £350
  • Registration/exam only fee: £170

Funding opportunities

UK Study Online Scholarship

The UK Study Online scholarship is open to UK, EU and international students taking online undergraduate and postgraduate courses. 

Please see UK Study Online for more details.

Postgraduate Student Loan (Scotland and EU)

Eligible full-time and part-time students, undertaking an eligible postgraduate course, can apply for a tuition fee loan up to a maximum of £7,000 towards their course. Eligible full-time postgraduate students can apply for a living-cost loan of up to £4,500.  

This support extends to online Masters or Postgraduate Diplomas, and not to the online Postgraduate Certificate courses.

For more information visit the SAAS website.

Postgraduate Tuition Fee Loans England only (PTFL)

If you’re an English student looking to study a taught Masters programme in Glasgow then you can apply for a student loan. Students from England are able to apply for a non-means tested Postgraduate Master’s Loan of up to £11,570 to help with course fees and living costs. You have to repay your Postgraduate Master’s Loan at the same time as any other student loans you have. You’ll be charged interest from the day you get the first payment.

If you’re studying by distance learning, you can also apply.

Alumni Discount

In response to the current unprecedented economic climate, the University is offering a 20% discount on all Postgraduate Research and full Postgraduate Taught Masters programmes to its alumni, commencing study in Academic session 2024/25. This includes University of Glasgow graduates and those who have completed a Study Abroad programme, International Summer School programme or the Erasmus Programme at the University of Glasgow. The discount applies to all full-time, part-time and online programmes. This discount can be awarded alongside most University scholarships.

Postgraduate Loans for Welsh Students

If you are a Welsh student looking to study a postgraduate programme* in Glasgow then you can apply for a student loan in exactly the same way as you would for a Welsh University.

* does not apply to Erasmus Mundus programmes

Postgraduate Master's Finance

If you’re starting a full-time or part-time Postgraduate Master’s course (taught or research based) from 1 August 2019, you can apply for Postgraduate Master's Finance and receive up to £17,000 as a combination of grant and loan:

  • a maximum grant of £6,885 and loan of £10,115 if your household income is £18,370 and below
  • a grant of £1,000 and loan of £16,000 if your household income is not taken into account or is above £59,200.

For more information visit Student Finance Wales

Postgraduate Doctoral Loan

If you’re starting a full-time or part-time postgraduate Doctoral course (such as a PhD) from 1 August 2019 you can apply for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan of up to £25,700.

For more information visit Student Finance Wales

Postgraduate Student Loan (NI)

If you are a Northern Irish student looking to study a taught Masters programme* in Glasgow then you can apply for a student loan in exactly the same way as you would for a University in Northern Ireland.

Northern Irish students are able to apply for non-means-tested tuition fee loans of up to £5,500, to help with the costs of funding.

For more information visit www.studentfinanceni.co.uk/types-of-finance/postgraduate .

* does not apply to Erasmus Mundus programmes

The scholarships above are specific to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database

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Entry requirements

To be accepted for this programme, you must have at least a 2:1 degree or equivalent from a recognised institution.

When submitting your application, please include:

  • A curriculum vitae
  • A supporting statement

Please note that this degree is not a teaching qualification.

Are you interested in confirming your eligibility and reserving your place on our online programme?
If you meet the above entry criteria and have studied in the UK, Canada, USA, Saudi Arabia or the UAE then we may be able to provide an offer in principle. Submit your degree certificate (or equivalent), including your final overall grade and a copy of your CV to our team here for a check. A member of our team will provide feedback or an offer in principle within 48 hours.*

What is an offer in principle? An offer in principle is an initial offer, letting you know that based on the information you’ve supplied, we think you’re eligible and would love to support you in submitting an application. It is not a formal offer of admission to this university. A formal offer may have conditions attached.

*Terms and conditions apply which will be specified in any offer in principle you receive.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)

  • 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Common equivalent English language qualifications

TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome)

  • 79; with Reading 13; Listening 12; Speaking 18; Writing 21
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements , this includes TOEFL mybest.

Pearsons PTE Academic

  • 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) 

  • 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Oxford English Test

  • Oxford ELLT 7
  • R&L: OIDI level no less than 6 with Reading: 21-24 Listening: 15-17
  • W&S: OIDI level no less than 6.

Trinity College Tests

  • Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests.

University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses

  • Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.

Alternatives to English Language qualification

  • Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
    • students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have complete their degree in that majority-English speaking country and within the last 6 years
  • Undergraduate 2+2 degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
    • students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country and within the last 6 years

For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.

Pre-sessional courses

The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

 

For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office using our enquiry form

Computer requirements for studying online

Broadband internet connection

  • 3 mbps or higher

Internet Browsers

Our online learning platform Moodle is compatible with any standards compliant web browser. This includes:

Desktop:

  • Chrome
  • Firefox
  • Safari
  • Edge
  • Internet Explorer

Mobile:

  • MobileSafari
  • Google Chrome

For the best experience and optimum security, we recommend that you keep your browser up to date. 

Javascript needs to be enabled within your browser

Please note: legacy browsers with known compatibility issues with Moodle 3.3 are:

  • Internet Explorer 10 and below
  • Safari 7 and below

Computer specifications

  • Processor: 2GHz
  • Operating system (minimum):
    • Microsoft Windows Vista service pack 1
    • Windows 7
    • Mac OS X v10.4.11+
  • Memory: 3GB of RAM or more
  • Hard disk: 300GB
  • Sound card and microphone
  • Speakers or headphones
  • Monitor and video card with 1024x768 display or higher

Mobile device specifications

  • iOS: latest (Apple Safari & Google Chrome)
  • Android: 4.4+ with latest Google Chrome

Other software

  • Adobe Acrobat Reader
  • Media player e.g. Windows Media Player or VLC
  • Word processing software (that outputs to the following file types for marking online: .doc, .docx, .html, .txt, .rft, .pdf, .ppt, .pptx, .pps, .hwp)
  • Anti-virus software

Advised hardware / software

  • Microsoft Office 2010
  • Headset (ideally with a USB connector)
  • Webcam
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How to apply

To apply for a postgraduate taught degree you must apply online. We cannot accept applications any other way.

Please check you meet the Entry requirements for this programme before you begin your application.

Documents

As part of your online application, you also need to submit the following supporting documents:

  • A copy (or copies) of your official degree certificate(s) (if you have already completed your degree)
  • A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained
  • Official English translations of the certificate(s) and transcript(s)
  • One reference letter on headed paper
  • An English language certificate/evidence of your English language ability may be required
  • Any additional documents required for this programme (see Entry requirements for this programme)
  • A copy of the photo page of your passport (non-EU students only)

You have 42 days to submit your application once you begin the process.

You may save and return to your application as many times as you wish to update information, complete sections or upload supporting documents such as your final transcript or your language test.

For more information about submitting documents or other topics related to applying to a postgraduate taught programme, check Frequently Asked Questions

Guidance notes for using the online application

These notes are intended to help you complete the online application form accurately; they are also available within the help section of the online application form. 

If you experience any difficulties accessing the online application, you should visit the Application Troubleshooting/FAQs page.

Please ensure all documents are correctly named and are uploaded before you submit your application to prevent any delays with your file.

All documentation must be attached to your online application, but please remember your student recruitment coordinator is here to support you by reviewing it before you upload it, so feel free to send them over to your student recruitment coordinator before you submit your application. 

  • Name and Date of birth: must appear exactly as they do on your passport. Please take time to check the spelling and lay-out.
  • Contact Details: Correspondence address. All contact relevant to your application will be sent to this address including the offer letter(s). If your address changes, please contact us as soon as possible. 
  • Choice of course: Please select carefully the course you want to study. As your application will be sent to the admissions committee for each course you select it is important to consider at this stage why you are interested in the course and that it is reflected in your application.
  • Proposed date of entry: Please state your preferred start date including the month and the year. Online taught masters degrees begin in January, April and September. 
  • Education and Qualifications: Please complete this section as fully as possible indicating any relevant Higher Education qualifications starting with the most recent. Complete the name of the Institution (s) as it appears on the degree certificate or transcript. It is important to upload official copies of your transcripts and certificates for your full academic history, from Undergraduate onwards. For example, if you have a bachelors and a masters degree, you must send documents from both degrees. 
  • English Language Proficiency: Please state the date of any English language test taken (or to be taken) and the award date (or expected award date if known).
  • Employment and Experience: Please complete this section as fully as possible with all employments relevant to your course. Additional details may be attached in your personal statement/proposal where appropriate.

Reference: Please provide one reference. This should typically be an academic reference but in cases where this is not possible then a reference from a current employer may be accepted instead. Certain programmes, such as the MBA programme, may also accept an employer reference. If you already have a copy of a reference on letter headed paper then please upload this to your application. If you do not already have a reference to upload then please enter your referee’s name and contact details on the online application and we will contact your referee directly.

 

Application deadlines

April 2024

  • All applicants: 2 April 2024
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