MA Mathematics Education
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Arts
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Mathematics is integral to so much in life. However, many see themselves as lacking 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!
If you’re intrigued by how we can foster a greater appreciation, competency and confidence in mathematics for all learners, then our MA Mathematics Education course is for you!
We welcome applications from graduates in Mathematics and Mathematics-related disciplines and from mathematics educators at all levels.
On our course, you’ll learn about key theories, findings and applications of mathematics education research and about foremost digital resources for mathematics and science teaching.
You’ll acquire professional learning experience. You’ll also work on a dissertation project under the supervision of a member of the Research in Mathematics Education (RME) Group – the vibrant, and very welcoming, community of mathematics educators here at UEA.
Study and Modules
Structure
This course is designed to welcome you into Mathematics Education as a research discipline in the Social Sciences. It focuses particularly on how Mathematics Education research can inform and change practice and policy on the teaching and learning of mathematics.
You’ll first learn about key theories that underpin research in Mathematics Education. We cover a range of theories that originate in developmental psychology, sociocultural theory, sociology, discourse analysis, anthropology and neuroscience and allow insights into the many facets of mathematics and its pedagogy. To learn how to use these theories to prepare for your own Mathematics Education research project, you’ll trial their application in data samples from mathematics classrooms across educational levels and from your own prior experiences.
In tandem, you’ll be introduced to how these theories have been used in milestone studies in Mathematics Education. Crucially, you learn about key findings and applications that have emerged from these studies. The selected studies are from around the world and concern primary, secondary and university mathematics and uses of mathematics in the workplace and everyday life. You’ll also explore how these theories and research findings apply directly to what you can observe and experience in professional settings.
You’ll also learn about critical reading of academic and other works, and you’ll explore techniques of criticality that you can apply in your own reading and writing.
As your studies progress, you’ll continue learning about milestone works in Mathematics and Science Education, particularly those with a focus on the use of digital resources in the pedagogy of mathematics and science. Again, the focus will span educational levels, contexts and curriculum topics.
You’ll also continue to build your research skills through learning about educational research methods: you’ll be introduced to the key research techniques you’ll need to design, execute and write up your dissertation research project. To assist you further in this direction, you’ll also select one optional module from a range on offer.
Finally, for your Mathematics Education dissertation, you’ll design and work on a research project under the supervision of a member of the Research in Mathematics Education (RME) Group. While the topic can be of your own choosing, you’ll be welcome to consider topics aligned with the current projects of the RME Group.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 60)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll engage with key elements of theory and practice in mathematics education and current educational research methods. You’ll also get to grips with reading, writing and presentation skills, with a focus on academic texts and other sources relevant to mathematics education, including online resources.
UEA library has an impressive range of online and hard copy resources, and engaging with them will be an essential element of your learning experience. Apart from key academic texts, the library also holds extensive mathematics teaching resources and materials that you’ll be invited to explore, especially when looking for examples and applications of mathematics teaching. You’ll also become familiar with a wide array of media and other electronic resources pertinent to mathematics education.
You’ll have opportunities to interact with the teaching team throughout the period of your studies. This will include group and individual tutorials, in which you’ll discuss the work you’re doing in preparation for your assignments and dissertation.
You’ll also be welcome to the events and activities of the RME Group including group meetings and informal exchanges with the post-graduate researchers and academic visitors of the group. You’ll also be invited to the School’s regular research seminars.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed through written assignments and a dissertation.
Your assignments will involve reading and reviewing key texts in mathematics education as well as writing research-informed accounts of your experiences of learning and teaching mathematics. You’ll also review texts on educational research methods.
For your dissertation, you’ll design a small-scale study in mathematics education for which you’ll collect and analyse data in the light of the key mathematics education theories and research findings that you’ll have learned about in the core modules.
Employability
After the Course
You’ll 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'll be very welcome to return to UEA and the RME Group’s research projects later in your career!
Careers
Example of careers that 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, industry, banking, accountancy, engineering)
Discover more on our Careers webpages and read some of our graduates’ stories.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2
Degree Subject
Mathematics / Mathematics Education
- Additional Entry Requirements
Teaching experience in Mathematics is welcome but not essential.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
UK Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Degree Subject
Mathematics / Mathematics Education
- Additional Entry Requirements
Teaching experience in Mathematics is welcome but not essential.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
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- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2025/26 are:
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UK Students: £10,675
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International Students: £22,700
We estimate living expenses at £1,136 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here.
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of additional course-related costs.
How to Apply
How to apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form.
Further information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.