Master of Education: Academic Practice
Build on your initial professional development related to learning and teaching in Higher Education through this two-year part-time opportunity to complete your Level 7 award focussing on further enhancement of, and specialism in, your teaching, learning and leadership practice.
Incredible for me, my career development and programme improvements
Insights, ideas and confidence for tutorials and my educational research
Our blended MEd Academic Practice programme is specifically designed to support the continuing professional development of Queen Mary staff involved in teaching and supporting learning by focus on one-to-one relational pedagogy of working with learners (students, colleagues), methodologies and practice of education research, and support to carry out and contribute to scholarship through a research project.
Keeping numbers small (20 in 2026/27), you will engage with like-minded colleagues and the Queen Mary Academy team in discussion of the nature and dynamics of teaching and learning through education theory and practice applied to your context. The three modules are delivered through a combination of online anytime activities and online live classes, plus in-person touch points (for example, induction), enabling flexible, accessible, facilitated study alongside your normal work in at Queen Mary as you use your own practice and workplace setting as a reflexive and research setting.
Structure
- Year 1: two compulsory modules: Semester A, QMA7003 Facilitating Change in HE, semester B, QMA7004 Methods and Methodology for Conducting Education Research
- Year 2: one compulsory module: Semester A & B, QMA7005 Education Research Project
Fee
The MEd Academic is an internal professional development programme for Queen Mary educators and there are no fees.
Eligibility
To be considered for the MEd Academic Practice you need to be:
- A Queen Mary employee involved in the teaching and support of student learning with a contract duration of at least two years (i.e. the duration of the programme)
- Hold an existing education qualification/recognition of one of the following: 120 Credit PGCAP (or equivalent qualification gained at another institution) within the past five years; Advance HE Fellowship achieved within the past five years; or, Advance HE Fellowship achieved more than five years ago, plus evidence of active scholarship within the last five years
- Involved in at least 60 hours of Higher Education practice in the support of learning whilst enrolled on the course. This might include, for example, teaching small groups, lecturing, supervising research students, academic advising, etc.
- And, you need to have your application supported by your Line Manager or Head of School/Institute
Please note: NHS staff, including those awarded honorary status by Queen Mary, are not eligible to apply for the MEd Academic Practice.
How will I engage: teaching, learning and assessment
You will participate in live scheduled workshops, designed to generate informed discussion around relevant topics, in which your input, experience, cocreation and leadership is encouraged. Queen Mary Academy educators are learning and teaching experts at the leading edge of higher education pedagogy who deliver, facilitate and support practice development throughout the university. Key dates 26~27.pdf
You will take an active role in your own learning by activities in QMPlus; reading widely; reflecting on and enhancing your knowledge, understanding and critical abilities; and applying this to your work context. This is supported through formative tasks, guided discussions, the module tasks, and tutorial conversations so that culmination through module assessment has practical and authentic utility for you in your role.
Attendance policy
You are expected to attend, engage with and prepare as instructed for all scheduled topics on the modules you take. While we encourage you to attend all scheduled live webinars, you will not be penalised if you cannot due to work commitments but you will need to watch the recording and complete asynchronous activities. Failure to engage in at least 80% of a module’s teaching and learning activities (synchronous and asynchronous) may result in your de-registration from the programme.
The Programme Lead and QMA team run short information workshops in Semester B of each academic year where you can find out more.
Information workshops in 2026/27 – book here
Wednesday 11th March, 12:00 – 13:00 (online via Teams)
Friday 10th April, 12:00 – 13:00 (online via Teams)
- Contact: MEd Academic Practice Programme Lead: Jo Trelfa, trelfa@qmul.ac.uk
- Contact: MEd Academic Practice Programme Administrator: Reena Varsani, r.varsani@qmul.ac.uk
- Discuss your interest in the MEd Academic Practice with your Line Manager or Head of School/ Institute (or equivalent) and ask them to complete this template Statement of Support to support your application.
- Complete the Application for the MEd Academic Practice, providing your details, answering the questions, and uploading the Statement of Support from your Line Manager/Head of School / Institute as well as proof of your eligibility (see ‘Eligibility’ above).
- Following notification of outcome, successful applicants will be asked by the Programme Administrator to complete a Mysis application by sending you the link, information and deadline. This is needed so that you can be formally enrolled onto the MEd Academic Practice and its modules.
Closing date for applications: Friday 12th June 2026
Confirmation of place: Places on this programme are capped at 20 for the 2026/27 academic year. Submitting an application does not guarantee your place on the programme. You will receive notification of outcome after Monday 29th June.
Strongly recommended for anyone interested in furthering their academic practice
