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Postgraduate Study

 

This popular course offers a flexible blended learning approach for full or part-time education practitioners at different stages in their careers who are interested in developing and transforming their practice. Education practitioner is construed as a broad term to encompass not just teachers in school settings, but teachers in other educational contexts and professionals whose work is located in education settings such as counsellors, those who work with school assessment etc.

The course aims to foster:

  • Knowledgeable practitioners who have an advanced understanding of practices, processes, and outcomes of teaching and learning;
  • Open-minded practitioners who will challenge practice through critically analysing multiples sources of evidence and developing appropriate arguments for change;
  • Innovative practitioners who will transform their practice on the basis of their learning;
  • Influencing practitioners who will develop the practical, organisational and communicative /presentational skills and agency to persuade others.

This will be achieved through:

  • Appropriate course content, pedagogical approach and assessment procedures;
  • Access to outstanding research facilities;
  • The opportunity to work closely with specialists in their field;
  • A supportive, stimulating environment with excellent supervision;
  • A strong community of like-minded students who will provide mutual support.

These elements, knowledge, open mind, innovation and influence feature in all aspects of the course design, content, pedagogy and assessment. Through the key modules on reflexive practice, innovation in education, and influencing education practice and policy you will engage with debates surrounding education and practice and undertake relevant practical activities. The approach is collaborative, interactive and contextualised. You will also be exploring in depth an area of professional interest to you within a community of enquiry and will undertake a small-scale practical enquiry that aims to transform practice.

Students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate understanding of relevant and ethical professional practice, policies, theories and process of change
  • Critically analyse multiple sources of evidence
  • Reflect on the challenges and affordances of professional practice and opportunities for change
  • Develop a coherent argument supported by policies, theories and practices
  • Demonstrate the communication and leadership skills required for effecting change
  • Engage others through communication and leadership

The educational aims are:

  • to examine the theoretical frameworks used in the study of education and its constituent disciplines;
  • provide training in research methods appropriate to education;
  • advance students’ capacity for professional reflection and judgment;
  • cater to a range of specialists interested within the field of education or one of its constituent disciplines

Learning outcomes

By the end of the programme, students will have:

  • understanding of research techniques, and knowledge of the literature applicable to their specific educational domain;
  • demonstrated originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field;
  • shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies;
  • demonstrated self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research.

Continuing

Continuation to the Doctoral from Masters programmes within the Faculty of Education is not automatic, and students wishing to do so must submit a Doctoral application by the usual deadline.


Open Days

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

  • Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.

  • Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.

This popular course offers a flexible blended learning approach for full or part time education practitioners at different stages in their career who are interested in developing and transforming their practice. Education practitioner is construed as a broad term to encompass not just teachers in school settings, but teachers in other educational contexts and professionals whose work is located in education settings such as counsellors, those who work with school assessment etc.

The course aims to foster:

  • Knowledgeable practitioners who have an advanced understanding of practices, processes, and outcomes of teaching and learning;
  • Open-minded practitioners who will challenge practice through critically analysing multiples sources of evidence and developing appropriate arguments for change;
  • Innovative practitioners who will transform their practice on the basis of their learning;
  • Influencing practitioners who will develop the practical, organisational and communicative/presentational skills and agency to persuade others.

This will be achieved through:

  • Appropriate course content, pedagogical approach and assessment procedures;
  • Access to outstanding research facilities;
  • The opportunity to work closely with specialists in their field;
  • A supportive, stimulating environment with excellent supervision;
  • A strong community of like-minded students who will provide mutual support.

These elements, knowledge, open mind, innovation and influence feature in all aspects of the course design, content, pedagogy and assessment. Through the key modules on reflexive practice, innovation in education, and influencing education practice and policy you will engage with debates surrounding education and practice and undertake relevant practical activities. The approach is collaborative, interactive and contextualised. You will also be exploring in depth an area of professional interest to you within a community of enquiry and will undertake a small-scale practical enquiry that aims to transform practice.

Students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate understanding of relevant and ethical professional practice, policies, theories and process of change
  • Critically analyse multiple sources of evidence
  • Reflect on the challenges and affordances of professional practice and opportunities for change
  • Develop a coherent argument supported by policies, theories and practices
  • Demonstrate the communication and leadership skills required for effecting change
  • Engage others through communication and leadership

The educational aims are:

  • to examine the theoretical frameworks used in the study of education and its constituent disciplines;
  • provide training in research methods appropriate to education;
  • advance students’ capacity for professional reflection and judgment;
  • cater to a range of specialists interested within the field of education or one of its constituent disciplines

Learning outcomes

By the end of the programme, students will have:

  • understanding of research techniques, and knowledge of the literature applicable to their specific educational domain;
  • demonstrated originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field;
  • shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies;
  • demonstrated self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research.

Continuing

Continuation to the Doctoral from Masters programmes within the Faculty of Education is not automatic, and students wishing to do so must submit a Doctoral application by the usual deadline.


Open Days

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

  • Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.

  • Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.

This PGCE-MEd course adopts a broad definition of the term "second language education". It considers issues relating to the teaching and learning of languages in schools and communities as well as issues relating to the teaching of English as a second, foreign, or additional language across the world. A special feature of the course is its broad-based training which enables students to combine linguistic and social analysis in their research.

The course aims to combine in-depth critical understanding of the main currents of conceptual thinking in second language education with practical training in conducting L2 empirical research. The aims of the course are as follows:

  • to examine the theoretical frameworks used in the study of education and its constituent disciplines;
  • provide training in research methods appropriate to education;
  • advance students’ capacity for professional reflection and judgment;
  • cater to a range of specialists interested within the field of education or one of its constituent disciplines.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the programme, students will have:

  • an understanding of research techniques, and a thorough knowledge of the literature applicable to their specific educational domain;
  • demonstrated originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field;
  • shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies;
  • demonstrated self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research.

Continuing

Continuation to the PhD from Masters programmes within the Faculty of Education is not automatic, and students wishing to do so must submit a PhD application by the usual deadline.


Open Days

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

  • Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.

  • Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.

Course closed for this cycle: Education (Research in Second Language Education) is no longer accepting applications for this cycle. It is expected to re-open for new applications in early September.

This pathway in Research in Second Language Education course adopts a broad definition of the term "second language education". It considers issues relating to the teaching and learning of languages in schools and communities as well as issues relating to the teaching of English as a second, foreign, or additional language across the world. A special feature of the course is its broad-based training which enables students to combine linguistic and social analysis in their research.

The course aims to combine in-depth critical understanding of the main currents of conceptual thinking in second language education with practical training in conducting L2 empirical research.

The main aims of the course are as follows:

  • to examine the theoretical frameworks used in the study of education and its constituent disciplines;
  • provide training in research methods appropriate to education;
  • advance students’ capacity for professional reflection and judgment;
  • cater to a range of specialists interested within the field of education or one of its constituent disciplines.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the programme, students will have:

  • an understanding of research techniques, and a thorough knowledge of the literature applicable to their specific educational domain;
  • demonstrated originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field;
  • shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies;
  • demonstrated self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research.

Continuing

Continuation to the PhD from Masters programmes within the Faculty of Education is not automatic, and students wishing to do so must submit a PhD application by the usual deadline.


Open Days

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

  • Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.

  • Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.

The main educational aims are:

  • to examine the theoretical frameworks used in the study of education and its constituent disciplines;
  • provide training in research methods appropriate to education;
  • advance students’ capacity for professional reflection and judgement;
  • cater to a range of specialists interested within the field of education or one of its constituent disciplines.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the programme, students will have:

  • an understanding of research techniques, and a thorough knowledge of the literature applicable to their specific educational domain;
  • demonstrated originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field;
  • shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies;
  • demonstrated self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research.

Continuing

Continuation to the PhD from Masters programmes within the Faculty of Education is not automatic, and students wishing to do so must submit a PhD application by the usual deadline.


Open Days

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

  • Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.

  • Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.

Course closed for this cycle: Education (Psychology and Education) full time is no longer accepting applications for this cycle. It is expected to re-open for new applications in early September.

The main educational aims are:

  • to examine the theoretical frameworks used in the study of education and its constituent disciplines;
  • provide training in research methods appropriate to education;
  • advance students’ capacity for professional reflection and judgement;
  • cater to a range of specialists interested within the field of education or one of its constituent disciplines.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the programme, students will have:

  • an understanding of research techniques, and a thorough knowledge of the literature applicable to their specific educational domain;
  • demonstrated originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field;
  • shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies;
  • demonstrated self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research.

Continuing

Continuation to the PhD from Masters programmes within the Faculty of Education is not automatic, and students wishing to do so must submit a PhD application by the usual deadline.


Open Days

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

  • Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.

  • Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.

The part-time Primary Education route is intended for education professionals, policy makers and researchers at any stage of their career. Many students have relevant international experience and interests. We aim to fuse research and theoretical understanding about primary or elementary education with current priorities in policy and practice.

On the Primary Education Masters course you will have the opportunity to:

  • enhance your educational understanding and practice through critical reflection, study and research;
  • critically engage with the best quality national and international educational research that has relevance to primary education;
  • carry out an individual and collaborative critical enquiry into significant educational issues and practice; and
  • develop your thinking in order to contribute to informed policy and practice analysis and improvement in the primary phase and your own work setting.

The educational aims are:

  • to examine the theoretical frameworks used in the study of education and its constituent disciplines;
  • provide training in research methods appropriate to education;
  • advance students' capacity for professional reflection and judgement;
  • cater for a range of specialists interested within the field of education or one of its constituent disciplines.

Course modules:

  • Critical perspectives on primary education policy and practice
  • Creative approaches to the curriculum
  • Pedagogy, talk and learning
  • The school and communities

(Note: Pairs of modules run on a rolling programme. In 2025-2026 the course modules will be the bottom two on the above list and in 2026-2027, the top two modules.)

Learning outcomes

By the end of the programme, students will have:

  • an understanding of research techniques, and a thorough knowledge of the literature applicable to their specific educational domain;
  • demonstrated originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field;
  • shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies;
  • demonstrated self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research.

Continuing

Continuation to the PhD from Masters programmes within the Faculty of Education is not automatic, and students wishing to do so must submit a PhD application by the usual deadline.


Open Days

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

  • Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.

  • Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.

The part-time Primary Education route is intended for education professionals, policymakers and researchers at any stage of their career. Many students have relevant international experience and interests. We aim to fuse research and theoretical understandings about primary or elementary education with current priorities in policy and practice.

To apply to finish your Masters through the PGCEM route you will have already completed the Postgraduate Certificate Education (PGCE) at the Faculty of Education. You will then join the Primary Education route for your second year of study. On the Primary Education Masters course you will have the opportunity:

  • to enhance your educational understanding and practice through critical reflection, study and research;

  • critically engage with the best quality national and international educational research that has relevance to primary education;

  • carry out an individual and collaborative critical enquiry into significant educational issues and practice; and

  • develop your thinking in order to contribute to informed policy and practice analysis and improvement in the primary phase and your own work setting.

The education aims are:

  • to examine the theoretical frameworks used in the study of education and its constituent disciplines;

  • provide training in research methods appropriate to education;

  • advance students’ capacity for professional reflection and judgment;

  • cater to a range of specialists interested within the field of education or one of its constituent disciplines.

Course modules:

  • Critical perspectives on primary education policy and practice

  • Creative approaches to the curriculum

  • Pedagogy, talk and learning

  • The school and communities

Note: Pairs of modules run on a rolling programme. In 2026-2027 the course modules will be the top two modules.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the programme, students will have:

  • an understanding of research techniques, and a thorough knowledge of the literature applicable to their specific educational domain;
  • demonstrated originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field;
  • shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies;
  • demonstrated self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research.

Continuing

Continuation to the PhD from Masters programmes within the Faculty of Education is not automatic. If you wish to continue to the PhD you must submit a separate PhD application by the relevant PhD deadline.


Open Days

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

  • Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.

  • Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.

The Mathematics Education route is for anyone with a research or professional interest in mathematics education at any level of education (primary, secondary, or tertiary), wanting to undertake advanced study in a world-class setting. The Mathematics Education route is taught by a specialist team, and its student cohort is drawn primarily from UK-based professionals who continue in their full-time posts while taking the course part-time

The Mathematics Education route develops students' understanding of a number of important issues in the field of mathematics education. Students learn to interpret and critically engage with ideas and debates in mathematics education research in three ways:

  • through taught sessions in mathematics education;
  • through work on course assignments under the supervision of a member of the teaching team; and
  • through participation in seminars led by students on the route and in project workshops.

The course introduces students to research skills and specialist knowledge. Its main aims are:

  • to examine the theoretical frameworks used in the study of education and its constituent disciplines;
  • provide training in research methods appropriate to education;
  • advance students’ capacity for professional reflection and judgment;
  • cater for a range of specialists interested within the field of education or one of its constituent disciplines.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will have:

  • an understanding of research techniques, and a knowledge of the literature applicable to their specific educational domain;
  • demonstrated originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field;
  • shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies;
  • demonstrated self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research.

Continuing

Continuation to the PhD from Masters programmes within the Faculty of Education is not automatic, and students wishing to do so must submit a PhD application by the usual deadline.


Open Days

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

  • Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.

  • Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.

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The PGCE-MEd Mathematics Education route is for anyone with a research or professional interest in mathematics education at any level of education (primary, secondary, or tertiary), wanting to undertake advanced study in a world-class setting. The Mathematics Education route is taught by a specialist team, and it is ideal for researchers, teachers, school leaders, and other professionals looking to take the next step in their career in Mathematics Education. Many of our students are working professionals who continue in full-time posts while studying.

The Mathematics Education route develops students' understanding of a number of important issues in the field of mathematics education. Students learn to interpret and critically engage with ideas and debates in mathematics education research in three ways:

  • through taught sessions in mathematics education;
  • through work on course assignments under the supervision of a member of the teaching team; and
  • through participation in seminars led by students on the course and in project workshops.

The course introduces students to research skills and specialist knowledge. Its main aims are to:

  • examine the theoretical frameworks used in the study of education and its constituent disciplines;
  • provide training in research methods appropriate to education;
  • advance students’ capacity for professional reflection and judgment;
  • cater for a range of specialists interested within the field of education or one of its constituent disciplines.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will have:

  • an understanding of research techniques, and a thorough knowledge of the literature applicable to their specific educational domain;
  • demonstrated originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field;
  • shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies;
  • demonstrated self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research.

Continuing

Continuation to the PhD from Masters programmes within the Faculty of Education is not automatic, and students wishing to do so must submit a PhD application by the usual deadline.


Open Days

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

  • Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.

  • Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.