Tips to Getting Your Master’s Degree in Education

What does a Master’s Degree in Education mean to you? In today’s context, education is undeniably important for a few reasons. First, it would help you land the right job, second, it gives you opportunities for career progression, and third, it will help you to earn enough to pay your bills, or maybe indulge in your lifestyle a little.  

In Singapore, if you are a working professional or an educator – chances are that the thought of higher education, like earning a Master’s – would have crossed your mind.  

So how would furthering your education be like for educators? Of course, one important consideration for anyone who is considering higher education is time and commitment. Are you able to take up the programme as a full-time student, or as a part-time student? Besides having to put in a lot of time and effort into the programme, it is also important to think about the educational qualifications you would require and the career progression after. 

In this guide, we explain to you what it means for you to earn a master’s degree, and how you can get to your end goal.  

What does a Master’s Degree in Education mean?  

A Master’s Degree in Education is a postgraduate programme for an existing educator or for those in the education sector who wish to enhance their existing knowledge in the field and wish to advance in their career.  

With the relevant experience and existing understanding of the industry, a Master’s Degree in Education will help develop insights and critical thinking and analysis towards educational issues and teaching. It will train and equip you with useful skills and prepare you to become an expert in the field.  

Depending on the school, a Master’s degree evaluates the student using a variety of methods, including essays, reports, presentations and dissertations. Some of the subjects which the programme might include: Adult Learning, Intercultural Educations, Research Methods in Education, and many more.   

Entry Requirement 

Besides having to possess a relevant Bachelor’s degree and experience in the education industry, some schools will require the applicant to meet their minimum English Language requirement for the programme. 

Academic and employer reference, together with a statement of purpose is required. Experienced educators without a degree or who does not meet the required grade, but has relevant experience in the field may also be considered on a case-by-case basis for some schools.  

Field of Specialisation  

One other important factor to think about before you further your education is the professional development and progression after completing the programme. For example, if you are a student taking the Master of Arts Education, you will be able to decide and choose between two pathways (based on your interest): Educational Research, or Education Leadership. The two pathways will provide different focus and specialisation for you. 

Here are some of the specialisations and roles you can also move into in Singapore with a master’s degree in education: 

• Administrative roles such as Principal 
• Corporate Trainer 
• Curriculum Developer 
• Early Childhood 
• Education Assessment and Consultant 
• High Ability Studies 
• Languages, including English, Chinese, Malay, Tamil
• Music 
• School or Career Counsellor 
• Special Education Teacher   

Benefits of Earning a Master’s Degree in Education 

Besides investing in mastering the art and science of teaching to improve your knowledge and skills to become better in areas such as teaching theories, curriculum delivery and classroom management skills, a master’s degree can help develop your specialty and establish yourself in a specific area of interest. 

A Master’s degree also gives you a higher income as it opens the door to career progression, including research, counselling, leadership, management and administrative roles.  

Master of Arts Education Studies Programme  

In Singapore, the Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS) partners with Bangor University in the United Kingdom (UK) to offer the Master of Arts Education Studies programme. Founded in 1884, Bangor University is dedicated to academic excellence and is one of the oldest and most prestigious degree awarding institutions in the United Kingdom.  

The programme is available in both the full-time and part-time format and is delivered using a wide variety of teaching methods; including lectures, seminars and tutorials. It offers two pathways: one for ‘Teachers and Lecturers’ and one for ‘Leaders and Managers’. Students who complete the programme will be awarded the Master of Arts Education Studies from Bangor University, UK. 

Advance your career and expand your options in education – find out more about the Master of Arts Education Studies by MDIS and Bangor University here.