It will take between two years and 63 months, from the point of registration. To gain the full master’s degree, you must complete six modules of 20 credits each, plus a dissertation which is worth 60 credits. It is possible to take study breaks during the maximum time allowed and you have 12 months to complete your dissertation.
How long does it take to complete the MA as a part-time student?
Will I be able to study around my full-time job?
Yes. We recognise that many of our part-time students work full-time in educational settings. Many of the modules are taught in the late afternoon and early evening so that you are able to attend outside of regular working hours.
How much work does each module entail?
We recommend that part-time students complete one 20-credit module per term. Modules are offered to full-time and part-time students studying together in the autumn and spring terms, and then to part-time students only in the summer term. Each 20-credit module constitutes around 250 hours of study, including face-to-face teaching, tutor-directed activities (such as reading related articles) and independent study. Face-to-face classes are usually 2.5 hours and held weekly over a course of 10 weeks within a term.
Can I follow a specialism if I am part-time?
Yes. All students are enrolled in the MA Education and can then choose modules to follow their chosen pathway, registering their desired specialism once they have started their dissertation.
Do master’s-level credits from a PGCE count towards the MA?
If you hold master’s-level credits from a relevant qualification, such as a PGCE, within the last five years, you may be eligible to import these credits to the MA. This is automatic if these come from a University of Reading programme. Normally, a maximum of 60 credits can be imported.
What is it like studying for the MA and is there support available?
All modules are carefully constructed to enable students to develop and progress in their academic studies. Lecturers are friendly and approachable, and seminars are highly interactive; you are frequently able to draw from and reflect upon your own professional experience in the MA. Through our Academic Tutor system, you are assigned a member of academic staff at the start of your postgraduate journey, who will check in with you regularly to monitor your progress. In addition, specific academic support is provided via both the Library and Student Support Services, including provision for speakers of languages other than English.
What are some of the practical elements of studying that I need to be aware of? Can I park on campus? How do I use the Library?
Teaching is based on the London Road campus and, after 16:30, you are able to park on the University campus. We are located close to the centre of Reading, a 20-minute walk from the station.
Many of the reading materials you will need are available online via the University Library’s website. If you need to visit the Library in person, it is open 24 hours a day in the week and 11:00 –17:00 at the weekend during term-time. In addition, there is a Learning Hub containing many teaching-related materials on the London Road campus. For more information on Library support, please visit the Library website.