BSA Master’s, Buckingham University

Name: BSA Master’s, Buckingham University
Start: 2025-07-30T09:00:00+01:00
End: 2025-07-30T17:30:00+01:00
Location: Virtual – Zoom

Wednesday 30 July, 9:00 am - 5:30 pm

The Closing date for September 2025 applications is 30 July 2025

Course outline

The MA in Residential Education is a one-year, part-time course for those working in or with an interest in boarding schools. It is offered in partnership with the Boarding Schools’ Association. This course allows those with experience in boarding, who are keen to research, to write about a topic of interest to them. The heart of the MA is a 12,000-15,000 word dissertation. You will do a literature review, which informs your dissertation, and you will learn about different research methods. You will be expected to read widely. To take this MA you only need to spend one day away from your school. The course starts in September. Applicants may be from state or independent boarding schools in the UK or abroad.

Why should I do this MA?

Professionals do not stop learning at any stage in their working lives. Doctors and lawyers, for example, have to have regular refresher courses. In the same way teachers can benefit from the MA framework as it gives them an opportunity to discover recent research in education and to challenge their own best practice
This is a unique form of professional development for those that work in boarding schools
Not only will you learn about recent research relating to boarding, but you will also learn how to do your own research.
This is a more economical way to complete an MA compared to courses offered by other universities
Gaining a Master’s in Education can be an excellent form of professional development and can help you in developing your own career as a qualification that is taken seriously by employers
You can complete this course through distance learning and still receive individual support from an experienced tutor
Once agreed, it is a chance to pursue your own area of interest within boarding and to discover the latest work in this area
You will find the course intellectually stimulating and challenging

Course content

The course requires attendance on a fully online one-day training session and this day covers the following topics:

Establishing your research focus
Discovering relevant literature and how to write a literature review
What is expected of Level 7 academic writing?
How to navigate the topic of research methodology
Planning your dissertation
Ethical considerations when researching

Entry Requirements

For entry onto the MA most candidates will have a PGCE. For some this may be a PGCE with 60 Master’s credits at level 7 from Buckingham or an alternative university. For candidates with a level 6 PGCE or BSA Diploma, an additional module of study will be provided. For those candidates without a PGCE, alternative entry requirements exist and can be discussed further with the School of Education team.

How to apply

Please click here: MA in Residential Education (fully online) | University of Buckingham and select the Apply Now button at the bottom of the link page or contact The School of Education on +44 (0)1280 820222 or email education@buckingham.ac.uk. or you can contact Hellen Holland Masters & EdD Admissions – Education MA-EDU@buckingham.ac.uk

To apply you will need to supply:

a copy of your PGCE certificate and transcript or BSA Diploma to show credit level if applicable
If no PGCE or Diploma is available, then you will be required to put together a professional portfolio – discuss this with the School of Education team
copy of passport photo page (and visa/work permit where necessary)
head and shoulder style photo for your university identity card

The Closing date for September 2025 applications is 30 July 2025

Terms and conditions for prospective students

When you accept an offer of a place on the course at the University a legal contract is formed between you and the University on the basis of the terms and conditions outlined in your offer letter. Your offer letter and the terms and conditions contain important information which you should read carefully before accepting any offer. READ THE ADMISSIONS TERMS AND CONDITIONS > >

Fees (2025 intake)

BSA Master&#8217;s, Buckingham University

UK	EU	International
£3,900/ year	£3,900/ year	£3,900/ year

Applicants must also pay a non-refundable £300 registration fee.

Fees are invoiced for in September, at the beginning of the course, and can be paid in termly instalments or in one lump sum. Termly instalments can be arranged directly with the Finance department upon receipt of the invoice.

Staff whose school is a member of the Boarding Schools’ Association are eligible for a 25% discount on course fees. To ensure the discount is applied please select BSA from the partnership box on your application form.

Accommodation

As there is no requirement to attend the University of Buckingham while on this fully online course, accommodation is not provided.

Student Loan

The MA in Residential Education course does not qualify for a UK government student loan.

If you wish to apply for a fees loan, then you should take the MA in Education (evidence-based practice) course; you could apply your residential education experience and interests when researching for your modules and dissertation.