MA MATHEMATICS EDUCATION

Mathematics is integral to so much in life. However, many people see themselves as lacking in mathematical ability and have little confidence in engaging with mathematics. The challenges to the teaching and learning of mathematics are therefore many – but so are the ways to explore and tackle them!

Our MA Mathematics Education (One Year – Full-Time; Two Years – Part-Time) is designed for graduates in mathematics – or in Mathematics-related disciplines – with an interest in the teaching and learning of mathematics. We also welcome applications from mathematics teachers at all educational levels.

You will learn about key Mathematics Education theories, about key findings from international studies that explore its improvement, and about the latest digital resources used in mathematics teaching. You will be trained in educational research methods and you will complete a research project on a mathematics education topic, with the support of specialists from UEA’s Research in Mathematics Education Group. 

About

You’ll gain a thorough understanding of mathematics education, whether you are a recent mathematics or other graduate, a mathematics teacher at any educational level, or an education professional with an interest in the teaching and learning of mathematics. You will discover the latest research and thinking in a field that is strongly influenced by a range of disciplines such as psychology, sociology, anthropology, philosophy and history.

Perhaps you are intrigued by how we can foster greater appreciation, competence and confidence in mathematics in all classrooms – and for all learners.

You might wish to explore the foundations of mathematics that we typically encounter in primary school.

Your interest could lie in the social and emotional barriers to mathematical learning for secondary pupils going through adolescence.

Or, maybe, you want to learn about how digital resources can enhance the teaching and learning of mathematics, from the primary classroom all the way through to the university lecture.

The course consists of three mathematics education modules, each dedicated to the key theories, main findings and foremost digital resources for mathematics teaching.  

You will also complete one module on educational research methods and one on critical reading, plus one optional module (for example, on quantitative research methods).

Finally, you will work on a dissertation project on a mathematics education topic of your own choosing under the supervision of a member of the Research in Mathematics Education (RME) Group, the vibrant community of mathematics educators at UEA that will welcome you to its activities throughout your studies.

Applicants with teaching experience are welcome on the course as is anyone considering a career in mathematics education. Our course is designed to allow a useful interchange of ideas between students with different – and often excitingly complementary – backgrounds. 

After the Course

You will have the opportunity to consider further studies at UEA, for example towards a doctorate in mathematics education (full-time or part-time). Opportunities to be involved in one of the research and development projects of the RME Group also arise regularly. Furthermore, you will be very welcome to return to UEA and the RME Group’s research projects later in your career! 

Career destinations

A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.

Examples of careers you could enter include:

• Further studies in Mathematics Education (e.g. PhD) 

• Mathematics teaching in schools (secondary, primary) 

• Positions in the Education sector with a Mathematics specialism such as: Ministries of Education; Education policy organisations (governmental or NGOs); Inspectorates (such as OFSTED) 

• Private sector positions where mathematics and / or its teaching are relevant (e.g. private schools and colleges, banking, accountancy, engineering)