Why Complete a Master’s Degree Course in Education?

In order to pursue an MA in Education (M.Ed.), the candidate should at least have a 2:1 or a 2:2 Honours degree, but most will likely have a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) and a QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) on their CVs as well. This is, of course, due to the fact that the M.Ed. degree is typically (but not exclusively) pursued by teachers.

As it happens, that is precisely why the following question is a really valid one; if you already have your qualified teacher status, then what more can you stand to gain by completing a Master’s degree in Education? Let’s try and answer that because there is indeed a lot to gain from achieving the qualification.

Deeper, Specialised Knowledge About the Advanced Principles of Education

As a qualified, PGCE holding teacher, you should already have a sound fundamental knowledge regarding not just the principles of education, but also their applications across different teaching scenarios. Especially for experienced teachers, there isn’t much more that they need to know about fundamentals and application rules. That being said, the Master’s Degree course is about expanding the horizons of a teacher’s career and knowledge beyond the classroom.

The M.Ed. is a course for specialization just like any other M.A. program, with a special focus on the field of education in theory. Educational policymakers, school principals, and education board members generally have the degree. These programs generally focus on teaching how to improve the quality of education in any facility, as well as key leadership techniques, depending on your chosen specialization during the course.

No Breaks from Work Needed

It is not a feasible or practical option for teachers to carry out their teaching duties and attend University for a fulltime M.A. in Education at the same time. Fortunately, that is not a problem anymore, since a Masters in Education UK distance learning program can be completed from anywhere, thanks to a flexible schedule which has been designed specifically for busy teaching professionals.

You will be able to simultaneously gain higher education, while not losing out on the payor experience of holding onto your present job as a teacher. A major portion of your leisure time will still need to be dedicated to completing your M.Ed. Despite that, the distance learning program presents a much more practical opportunity in terms of time and money management.

During the course’s tenure, a professional will save hundreds of hours since they will not be wasted in commuting to and from the university regularly. Given that there will be no need for commuting at all, online M.Ed. courses offer a safer option as well in these times.

Is There a Significant Pay Bump?

There is a high possibility that a teacher will get paid more on completing their M.Ed. Even if their pay isn’t increased at the present institution, they will find more doors opening at other schools than before, along with the promise of better compensations all around. In spite of that, the pay bump may not be very significant if you do not plan to assume a leadership role.

On remaining in the same position as a secondary/high school teacher, you can expect the salary boost to be anywhere between 5% – 10%. Therefore, most teachers who complete their M.Ed. look to assume a higher role than the one that they are holding presently. For example, school principals earn £62,395 per year on an average, while education policy advisers in the Department of Education (UK) get paid close to £50,000 per year or more.

On top of everything we just went through, there is also an additional consideration to be made here. Although it is true that the MA in education is generally pursued by those who already have a PGCE and have completed their ITT (initial Teacher’s training), that isn’t necessarily a requirement. As long as you have a B.A. (Hons) degree (2:1/2:2), you can apply for an M.A. in Educational Studies.

Those that do not yet have a PGCE and/or a QTS may find that getting the qualified teacher status can become a lot easier when you already have a Master’s in Education. Keep in mind though, that completing an M.Ed. degree does not qualify you as a teacher. You will still need to complete the applicable QTS training if you wish to work as a teacher in UK schools. Since direct teaching is not the only option here, anyone willing to work in school policymaking at a public or a private level will find the qualification to be appropriately structured for their needs.