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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 course allows those with experience in boarding school settings, who are keen to get involved with and develop skills in research, to write about a topic of significance to them. You will complete a number of modules enabling you to develop your understanding both of the research process as well as your topic of interest.  The culmination of the MA is a 12,000 to 15,000-word dissertation. You will also complete a literature review, which informs your dissertation, and you will learn about different research methods. You will be expected to read widely around the subject of Residential Education.  Following this course helps to develop your critical thinking and your ability to present a written argument.

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

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.

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 as per the link below:

English Language Requirements

Tuition Fee: £5,000

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.

Please use the ‘Apply' button 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.

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