Benefits of Having a Master’s Degree in Education

back view of masters degree students sitting a lecture room

A master’s degree in education is a great way to take your career to the next level and further your knowledge as an educator. UWS ranked as the number one university for teacher education in the UK in 2020, and their one-year Master of Education program offers a highly reputable degree recognised worldwide. The London-based program appeals to students around the UK as well as internationally as it looks at global developments in education and provides students with countless opportunities to learn about how education differs around the world. 

The Master of Education program is divided into three parts; the postgraduate certificate, postgraduate diploma and master’s dissertation. Both the certificate and diploma consist of three modules with one required module, and students get to choose their other modules based on their interests and the focus of their career. The program allows students to build on their existing knowledge and skills and prepares them to take on new responsibilities and roles within the education field. Whether a student has been teaching for 20 years or only working in the field for a few years, they’ll explore topics like inclusive practice, pedagogy, and leadership and teamwork development. 

What can I do with a Master's degree in Education?

A master’s in education is the perfect way for qualified teachers or individuals with experience in education to take their careers to the next level. There are countless benefits to earning your master’s degree in education: 

What Benefits Can I Get?

Teach Abroad

The UWS Master of Education program has a global focus looking at both national and global perspectives on education and is specifically designed for international students looking to further their careers. Similarly, for teachers already qualified to teach in the UK, a master’s degree in education makes you eligible to teach in many countries around the world, such as the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, where there is no shortage of teaching jobs available. A master’s degree in education can help you stand out from other applicants and also sets you up for success in higher-level positions in any one of these settings. 

Higher Level Positions

Earning your master’s degree in education opens up countless pathways to higher level and management positions, whether that is within a school setting or with an education-focused charity or organisation. Typically, students who graduate from the UWS Master of Education program are able to quickly work their way up to headteacher, principal, and head of department positions using the knowledge and skills they developed throughout their program. Additionally, graduates can find jobs relating to education with education authorities, governments, city councils and non-profits. All of these organisations can greatly benefit from having employees with a deep understanding of education, how the needs of different students vary and how to advocate for and address those needs. 

Become a Better Teacher

Even if you aren’t looking for a new role or management position, a master’s in education can help you become an even better teacher. A master’s degree will build off the skills you already have as well as introduce new topics and techniques that can be applied in the classroom and further your knowledge and understanding. With a master’s degree, students also have the opportunity to focus on a certain topic, such as inclusion or leadership, which can allow them to hone their skills to a particular interest or specialise in what they teach. A master’s degree in education is one of the most valuable investments you can make in yourself as well as in your teaching career. 

Earn More

Often those with advanced degrees can earn more than those without as a result of their qualifications. So, in addition to investing in yourself, your degree is an investment in your future, and you can see the returns of the investment almost instantly. There are also schools around the world that offer a number of additional perks for educators who have completed their master’s degree, such as department leadership roles, the opportunity to mentor new teachers or covering relocation fees to move educators with master’s degrees to higher need areas. 

Gain Access to Further Qualifications

Depending on your interests and career goals, a master’s degree in education can be a stepping stone to further qualifications such as a PhD or doctorate in education or other higher level and specialised teaching qualifications. This is especially important for research-based roles or roles in higher education but can be valuable at any level. Qualifications are a way to set yourself apart from other educators as well as showcase your passion for what you do. Additional qualifications are also a fantastic way to stay up to date with the latest trends and techniques long after you’ve completed your master’s degree to continue furthering your career. 

Make a Difference

With a master’s degree in education, there are countless ways that you can make a difference in the lives of others. Your degree provides you with a unique perspective on the world as well as the skills to address many of the challenges faced within education. Teachers are known for the impact they can have on a student’s life, but even if you don’t pursue teaching, you can still have a massive effect on someone’s life. UWS Master of Education graduates can serve as mentors or coaches for future or less experienced educators sharing the knowledge they’ve gained throughout their career as well as through the program. The degree also sets students up for careers in local government or education authorities where they can use their skills to advocate for underrepresented individuals and inclusive learning spaces. While many think that a master’s degree in education is only beneficial for those in the classroom, this couldn’t be further from the truth. The knowledge and experience you gain over the course of the program is valuable in numerous professional settings and can help with everything from connecting with others and maintaining good relationships to achieving a better understanding of diverse populations and the world around you. 

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