An MA Education degree is a highly versatile and valuable qualification that can open up a wide range of career paths in the field of education. Whether you're looking to work in a traditional classroom setting, pursue a leadership role, or explore a more specialised area of education, an MA Education degree provides the skills and knowledge you need. Below, we look at just some of the roles where a postgraduate qualification in education may help you succeed.
By Grant Longstaff. Published 17 February 2023.
School Leader
If career progression within a primary or secondary school is something which appeals to you, the skills you gain throughout an MA in education will help you achieve this. With an MA Education degree, you can become a headteacher, deputy head, or school governor, where you'll be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day running of a school and making strategic decisions to improve outcomes for students.
Private Tutor
Regardless of whether you’re coming from a background in education, or have experience of business and the corporate world, private tutoring could be for you. Unlike school teachers, private tutors don’t necessarily require any formal qualifications, however a masters degree can provide the essential skills needed for effective tutoring. You can work with a range of age groups (from young children through to adults), across a variety of subjects, and one of the many positives of becoming a tutor is the flexible approach to work. There are also tutoring agencies who can help you find work.
Academic Researcher
An MA Education degree can also provide a strong foundation for pursuing a career in academic research. You could work on research projects focused on areas such as teaching methods, educational technology, or curriculum development.
Instructional Coordinator or Education Officer
Instructional Coordinators are responsible for reviewing and monitoring existing curriculums, designing new teaching resources and strategies and organising and participating in teacher training programs. Often, instructional coordinators will work within the private sector or for a charity, using their skills to strain and support education providers. For example, a renewable energy company might provide a learning package to schools to promote the importance of STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects. If you work in a progressive field and have an interest in education, this role could be for you.
Policy Maker
If you're interested in shaping the future of education, you might consider a career in education policy. With an MA Education degree, you'll have the skills and knowledge needed to work in government organizations, non-profits, or research institutes, where you'll contribute to policy decisions that impact education at all levels.
Further or Higher Education Lecturer
If you have deep knowledge and experience in a particular subject or field, and want to move into further or higher education, a masters in education could support your employment opportunities. The course will help bridge the gap between your expertise, and how to design and deliver effective lectures, classes and courses to the next generation of experts.
Training and Development Officer Trainer
Training and development officers are responsible for teaching and learning in a corporate environment. You’ll work within your organisation to train new starters, identify gaps in knowledge and develop a program of continuing professional development (CPD) for existing employees. If you have a background in the business world and want to share your expertise and experience with others, consider a role in training and development.
Museum Education Officer
Museum education officers are responsible for the creation and delivery of engaging and educational materials in a museum or gallery environment. Your work will likely target both children and adults. There are museums covering a wide variety of subjects, so if you have background knowledge or experience in a specialist area and want to share it with others you might find this role particularly rewarding. The Group for Education in Museums (GEM) offer support to museum educators, provide online resources and post job listings.
Careers Adviser
Careers advisers offer information, advice and guidance on education, training, and employment. You may work with a range of ages, either through one-to-one sessions or group workshops to help them take positive steps towards their goals. You could work in a range of environments, from schools, colleges and universities to local authorities, probation offices and charities. Many employers will offer on the job training, leading to professional qualifications. For more information on becoming a careers adviser take a look at the Career Development Institute (CDI) website.
Remember, the jobs listed above are only a selection of where an education masters could take you. The knowledge and skills you gain, the drive to constantly reflect and develop your practice, and countless techniques to overcome challenges, will make you a desirable candidate for many positions.
Find out more about our MA Education and MA Higher Education Administration, Management and Leadership, and start your teaching journey today.
