How to engage with Masters learning

There are different ways to engage with Masters learning - the case studies in our final section may be useful as a first step.

It is worth taking some time to reflect on the following:

• What has interested you in Masters learning?
• Is your interest directly linked to something you are working on in school?
• Is there a specific topic you would like to know more about or a particular area you want to focus on?
• If you want to work towards an accredited Masters qualification as part of your career-long professional learning you might want to start with where, when and how you could study. Begin with a note of some of your interests and investigate what the universities have to offer.

When do Masters programmes start?

Starting times vary from one point per year to open enrolment when you can start at any point.

Can I study online or do I need to travel to a university?

It depends on the programme. Some courses are fully online, some face-to-face and many are blended, a combination of both. During session 2020-21, all university programmes are online.

How many hours a week will I need to study?

If you are studying for a 20-credit module at Level 11, then you are expected to do 200 hours of studying while you are working on the module. If it is a 30 credit module at Level 11, then you are expected to do 300 hours of study. Most modules run over a three to four month period, so you will need to study for between 12 and 18 hours per week.

Do I have to be in work to study Masters?

It depends on the programme - some courses require you to be in work to carry out action research or a professional enquiry as part of the degree.

Do I have to be in a Scottish school?

No, some degrees are suitable for educators who are not working in a Scottish school.

How long does it take to gain a Masters?

It usually takes between three and five years to complete a part-time Masters degree. A full-time Masters degree takes one year.

Do I need to sign up for a full Masters degree at the beginning?

Not always. Universities offer a range of postgraduate certificates, diplomas and degrees. In some universities you can sign up for a certificate or diploma, other universities ask you to sign up for a Masters but you can leave with a certificate or diploma if you don't want to complete the whole degree.

Can I take time off from studying?

Yes. You can choose to 'suspend your studies' or take 'leave of absence'. This usually involves writing an email to explain why you want to have a break. Each university has rules about how much time you can take off.

What happens if I don’t finish my Masters degree?

You will be given a postgraduate certificate or diploma, depending on the number of credits you have passed. To get a postgraduate certificate you must have passed 60 credits, 120 credits for a diploma and 180 for a degree.

I started studying for a Masters but had to stop, can I use that learning now to continue my Masters?

A Masters degree usually requires 180 credits in related and connected programmes of study as advised by the relevant university and it is common practice for universities to allow for credits awarded following the completion of a course to retain their currency for five years. The learning outcomes being transferred must match those in any named degree, for example a Masters with 'Leadership' in the title. This shared policy allows for students, where appropriate, to draw together related awards and build towards a qualification.

Can Masters credits from a PGDE or ITE programme contribute to a Masters?

Credits achieved through ITE can usually link into a learning and teaching Masters programme at the university that awarded them. If educational professionals wish to engage in postgraduate study in a different university the individual would need to discuss the potential transfer of these credits.

Can I get credit for work I have done in school?

You may be able to make a claim for prior learning about research and development you have undertaken in your classroom in the last five years. This is something you should ask about once you have decided which university you would like to study with and before you make an application.

Can I get credit for work I hold professional recognition for?

You can use the work you put forward for professional recognition to make a claim for prior learning.

What happens if I want to change universities?

Each university in the Scottish Framework for Masters in Education partnership recognises a set of common SCQF descriptors at Level 11 for 20 or 30 credits which you can transfer between programmes. However, individuals need to discuss the potential transfer of these credits due to the specific requirements of a named Masters degree prior to completing your application.