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MEd vs MA Education: What is the difference?

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MEd vs MA education: Quick summary

  • Neither qualification is more advanced than the other: MA Education and MEd Education are both master's degrees at the same academic level (Level 7).
  • An MA Education explores education through research and theory, and encourages professionals to apply their learning to educational contexts.
  • An MEd traditionally has a stronger professional-practice orientation than an MA, though every programme can differ slightly.
  • MA programmes are widely offered in the UK, whereas an MEd is familiar in North America and other international contexts.
  • Some MA education degrees offer studies in specialist areas. For example, Walbrook offers four unique MA education programmes for you to explore.

MA or MEd Education: does the title matter?

If you work in the education sector and are looking to progress further in your career, postgraduate study can be valuable in building up your skills and knowledge. You've likely come across both MA and MEd titles in education courses, and might be wondering whether it matters which option you choose. Course provider websites and job adverts often use both terms, so it can be confusing when trying to understand the difference between each.

Our clear guide takes you through the key differences between each title and what this means in a UK context. By the end of the article, you'll also have an idea of which option may be best for you, helping you make an informed decision.

What is an MA Education?

An MA Education is a Master of Arts degree; a postgraduate qualification in the arts, humanities, or social sciences tradition. It is a taught master's degree with a large research component, and involves critical enquiry. You'll be encouraged to think deeply about current global education systems and different perspectives, and exercise sound judgement. An MA Education can also be an excellent way to practise applying your own learning to an educational setting, and using research responsibly.

The programme typically takes a critical and scholarly approach to topics such as educational philosophy, policy and reform. You’ll also develop academic research skills and have the chance to explore specialist areas such as inclusion or early years.

In the UK, the MA is a very popular title for postgraduate higher education degrees such as Walbrook's MA programmes. It is widely available in the UK, and many universities and online providers offering a master's in education award an MA.

The programme isn't just relevant to a primary or secondary school setting, but is also relevant to career opportunities in multi-academy trusts (MATs), further education, and higher education. It can also be helpful if you're looking to progress into early years settings, or even local authority advisory roles.

Do you want to progress to a head teacher role? Read our full head teacher salary guide for tips on what to expect.

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What does an MA Education typically involve?

Types of assessments in an Education MA go beyond just traditional essays, and you can also expect to complete reflective portfolios, applied projects, and a final dissertation. Though course content can differ depending on the provider, modules you can expect to complete could include:

  • Education policy and systems
  • Leadership and management
  • Research methods and critical enquiry
  • Curriculum theory
  • Inclusion and diversity.

In an MA Education, you'll also be asked to apply your own learnings to practical settings, and use your own educational research to address real problems of practice. This allows you to gain a deeper understanding of education today while also applying this knowledge to an educational context.

If you're already working in education, there are flexible ways to fit an MA around your career as a working professional. A lot of MA programmes are available online or part-time, with most taking around one to two years to complete depending on what works best for your commitments.

An MA Education programme encourages students to engage deeply with research, theory, policy, and contemporary educational challenges. They then apply their learning to the settings, communities, and questions that matter in their own work.

Robert WhiteAcademic Lead for Education

  • What is an MEd Education?

    An MEd stands for a "Master of Education" course, which is a postgraduate degree qualification that originated in professional development for educators. It can sometimes be confused with a teaching qualification, but it does not replace a PGCE, QTS, or other teacher training route.

    MEd programmes typically include applied teaching methodology, practice in a classroom setting, and professional reflection. While the MA is widely offered in the UK, the MEd is especially familiar in North America and other international contexts. It is traditionally positioned as a professional, practitioner-facing qualification, though you might find some programmes are also theoretically and research-informed.

  • What does an MEd Education typically involve?

    So, what can you expect from an MEd Education course? The MEd programme traditionally tends to place an emphasis on teaching practices and improving classroom techniques. Assessment often involves reflective portfolios, performance-based assessments, and action-research projects alongside essays.

    Entry requirements may specify that applicants already work in an education setting or are current teachers, though this varies by provider. The final project often centres on a practitioner enquiry: investigating a real challenge in the applicant's own professional context.

The key differences between an MA and MEd Education

Below is a clear guide to the main differences between an MA Education and an MEd Education:

MA vs MEd programmes
MA Education MEd Education 

Primary focus

Explores education through theory, research and policy, with learning applied to professional contexts. It typically has a critical orientation.

Traditionally has a stronger focus on professional practice, classroom technique and pedagogy. However, some programmes can include research-led assessments.

Tradition

Arts/humanities academic tradition.

Traditionally has a stronger professional-practice orientation.

UK availability

Very common and widely offered in the UK.

It is more familiar in North America and other international contexts.

Entry requirements

Undergraduate degree; no teaching qualification typically required.

Often requires existing education experience.

Research component

Strong emphasis on critical enquiry and dissertation as well as applied practice.

Traditionally has an action-research and reflective practice orientation.

Possible career outcomes

Can support progression towards leadership, management, specialist and advisory roles.

Broadly similar; teaching methodology roles.

Which postgraduate education degree is more common in the UK?

The MA is a postgraduate education qualification that is widely offered across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Many UK universities, online providers and institutions offer education master's degrees as MAs, although MEd programmes can be available from some UK institutions. UK academic tradition awards MAs across arts, humanities, and social science disciplines, and education tends to sit within this tradition.

So, if you are looking for a postgraduate education qualification in the UK, you will likely mainly come across MA programmes.

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MA vs Med Education: Are entry requirements different?

In most cases, entry requirements for both are broadly similar. But you may find some key differences between each:

  • MEd requirements

    MEd requirements differ slightly, as they normally require applicants to be currently working in education or to hold a teaching qualification and prior teaching experience. However, this can be less consistently the case in the UK for some providers.

  • MA requirements

    Though it isn't always required, an undergraduate degree is the standard requirement for admission to an MA Education. This can vary by provider, as some institutions may accept you if you have more than two years of relevant work experience rather than a degree. A benefit of this option is that a teaching qualification is not typically required, making it more accessible if you don't have practical teaching experience.

    At Walbrook, our MA Education programmes are open to people from many backgrounds. You can apply with an undergraduate degree, whether you already work in education or are looking to change careers. If you don't have a degree, you can also apply with at least two years of relevant professional experience.

Do the career opportunities following an MA or MEd differ?

For most UK education professionals, both qualifications can lead to comparable roles. Employers are generally more interested in your experience, the programme content, and your chosen specialism than whether your qualification is titled MA or MEd. If you have a particular career goal, such as educational leadership, early years, special educational needs, or curriculum development, look closely at whether the content in your modules supports this.

Though career outcomes for both programmes can overlap, the choice often comes down to how you want to study and the skills you want to develop for your future. An MEd traditionally places greater emphasis on professional teaching practice. On the other hand, an MA places a strong emphasis on critical enquiry, asking you to examine educational theory, policy, leadership and research. It encourages you to engage critically with your learning and apply this to an education setting.

Developing your leadership skills can prepare you for progressing into more senior roles. Read our guide What are the top traits and qualities of good leaders? for more tips.

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MA vs MEd: which option should you choose?

It can be tricky to choose which route to go down, especially if you're comparing a variety of different courses. Don't limit yourself to looking only at one type of title. Here are some of our tips on what to consider when choosing your programme:

  • Look at the module content

    The best thing to focus on is the actual course content, as this will have the most impact on your outcome. Two programmes can share a title and qualification but vary considerably in content, delivery, and assessment strategies.

  • Consider the necessary qualifications

    If you are a career changer without a formal teaching background, an MA Education can be a perfect option as it doesn't often require teaching experience. An MEd, however, does often require this, so this is something to bear in mind.

    When applying for either, keep in mind that neither programme awards Qualified Teaching Status (QTS). If this is the goal, there are other routes to go down, such as some PGCE programmes or a School Direct route, though bear in mind that a PGCE does not always automatically confer a QTS. What a programme such as the MA Education will do is provide you with the confidence, knowledge and skills to become a leader in education or a senior educator.

  • Research the availability of each

    If you are based in the UK and want maximum choice of provider, an MA programme could be the most suitable choice for you as it is widely available. However, if you are considering programmes in the US, Australia, or Canada, you likely have a wider range of MEd courses to choose from that match your needs.

    Similarly, if a specific UK provider you are interested in offers an MEd with content that matches your goals, the MEd route may be the best option.

    Are you interested in going into an early years leadership role? Read our guide to early years education careers.

Studying an MA Education in the UK: what to look for

Where do you start with choosing the right MA Education course for you, and what should you look for in a provider? Here is our advice for choosing the right route:

Consider your career goals

Firstly, consider whether the specialism aligns with the route you're passionate about pursuing. Does the programme align with your professional context and goals? For example, if your main interest is early years, consider a course with content that specialises in this.

Or, perhaps your aim is to become an educational leader, school principal or consultant, making an MA that specialises in educational leadership more suitable for your career path. Special education is a particularly popular path that many students go down, and you can find many MA courses that specialise in inclusion and special education alongside many other policies.

Walbrook's four online MA Education programmes are ideal if you're looking to progress into academic leadership and specialist education roles, as they provide skills that could help your progression into these positions.

An MA Education degree can support progression towards management and senior roles further down the line. Read our article on master's in education jobs for inspiration on where your career path could lead.

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Review entry requirements

It's helpful to check whether an undergraduate bachelor's degree is required for your programme, as well as any other academic qualifications. Some providers will also accept applicants who don't have a degree, but have at least two years' relevant professional experience in education.

Check the flexibility and cost of the course

Think about your schedule and what would best suit your lifestyle. Is the programme you have in mind fully online, blended, or campus-based? Online delivery may suit you if you cannot commit to fixed attendance and additional travel time.

Consider that programmes can also vary in price and structure. While some allow modular study with clear per-module fees, others require full-year enrolment. Walbrook's MA Education programmes are fully online, offered full or part-time, and structured in eight-week module blocks, providing maximum flexibility.

Student working on a laptop and notepad in home environment

Prepare for educational leadership with a Walbrook MA

Designed for working professionals with busy lifestyles, you'll enjoy a fully online delivery with the Walbrook MA Education programme. Study either full or part-time, with eight-week module blocks. You can also complete your master's in as little as a year.

With a 24/7 Careers Hub available from day one of study, you'll enjoy advice, tools and resources whenever and wherever you are. Our programmes are all created in London by educators advising UNESCO, ministries, and global organisations.

Choose from our four programmes to start your journey:

MA Education

MA Educational Leadership

MA Special and Inclusive Education

MA Early Childhood Education

For more on what to expect in your course, read our MA education study guide.

Few master's degrees in education ask the big questions: what education is for, who it serves, and how it could be reimagined to expand human potential. Walbrook's MA programmes do just that.

Headshot-Prof-Robert-White-Quote
Robert WhiteAcademic Lead for Education at Walbrook

MEd Education vs MA Education: FAQs

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