Career options with an MA Education degree can include school leadership, educational research, policy, learning design, higher education, corporate training and specialist advisory roles. Whether you're looking to work in a traditional classroom setting, pursue a leadership role, or explore a more specialised area of education, an MA Education degree provides the skills and knowledge you need. Below, we look at just some of the roles where a postgraduate qualification in education may help you succeed.

By Editorial Team. Published 17 February 2023. Last updated 26 October 2026.

School Leader

An MA Education can support progression into educational leadership by developing skills in strategy, evidence-based decision-making and the management of teaching and learning. Our MA in Education could support you in becoming a headteacher, deputy head, or school governor, where you'll be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day running of a school and making strategic decisions to improve outcomes for students.

Private Tutor

The research, communication and curriculum-planning skills developed through postgraduate study can help tutors create structured and effective learning experiences for their students. Unlike school teachers, private tutors don’t necessarily require any formal qualifications, however a masters degree can provide the essential skills needed for effective tutoring. You can work with a range of age groups (from young children through to adults), across a variety of subjects, and one of the many positives of becoming a tutor is the flexible approach to work. There are also tutoring agencies who can help you find work.

Academic Researcher

Graduates may contribute to research in universities, charities, policy organisations or education-focused institutes, using evidence to explore and improve teaching and learning. You could work on research projects focused on areas such as teaching methods, educational technology, or curriculum development.

Instructional Coordinator or Education Officer

Instructional Coordinators are responsible for reviewing and monitoring existing curriculums, designing new teaching resources and strategies and organising and participating in teacher training programs. Often, instructional coordinators will work within the private sector or for a charity, using their skills to strain and support education providers. For example, a renewable energy company might provide a learning package to schools to promote the importance of STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects. These roles combine curriculum development, educational evaluation and staff training, making them suitable for graduates interested in improving how learning is designed and delivered.

Policy Maker

If you're interested in shaping the future of education, you might consider a career in education policy. With an MA Education degree, you'll have the skills and knowledge needed to work in government organizations, non-profits, or research institutes, where you'll contribute to policy decisions that impact education at all levels. Education policy roles may involve analysing research, evaluating programmes and advising on decisions that affect schools, universities, learners and teaching professionals.

Further or Higher Education Lecturer

An MA Education can strengthen your understanding of pedagogy, assessment and curriculum design, although teaching roles may also require relevant subject expertise and professional experience. The course will help bridge the gap between your expertise, and how to design and deliver effective lectures, classes and courses to the next generation of experts.

Training and Development Officer Trainer

This career allows education graduates to apply learning theory outside traditional classrooms by designing workplace training, professional development and employee learning programmes. You’ll work within your organisation to train new starters, identify gaps in knowledge and develop a program of continuing professional development (CPD) for existing employees. If you have a background in the business world and want to share your expertise and experience with others, consider a role in training and development.

Museum Education Officer

Museum education officers are responsible for the creation and delivery of engaging and educational materials in a museum or gallery environment. The role can involve developing workshops, learning resources, outreach activities and exhibitions that make collections accessible to different audiences and your work will likely target both children and adults. There are museums covering a wide variety of subjects, so if you have background knowledge or experience in a specialist area and want to share it with others you might find this role particularly rewarding. The Group for Education in Museums (GEM) offers support to museum educators, provides online resources and posts job listings.

Careers Adviser

Careers advisers offer information, advice and guidance on education, training, and employment. You may work with a range of ages, either through one-to-one sessions or group workshops to help them take positive steps towards their goals. You could work in a range of environments, from schools, colleges and universities to local authorities, probation offices and charities. Many employers will offer on the job training, leading to professional qualifications. For more information on becoming a careers adviser take a look at the Career Development Institute (CDI) website. in addition, an understanding of education systems, learner needs and professional development can be particularly useful when helping people make informed study and career decisions.

Learning Designer

Learning designers may work across universities, training providers, businesses and educational technology companies, creating face-to-face, blended and online learning. You may create a framework on how people learn in higher education, digital education or corporate courses. You'll also use psychological and educational principles to make sure that courses are easily memorable, interactive and achieve specific learning objectives. When you create new courses you might work closely with Subject Matter Expert (SMEs) to break down dense or technical content into digestible modules.

Online Learning Manager

Online Learning Manager or E-Learning Manager typically works in corporate learning and development departments, educational institutions, or ed-tech companies. The role may include managing digital learning platforms, coordinating online course development and ensuring that virtual learning is accessible, engaging and effective. The position involves lots of collaboration with instructional designers, IT support, subject matters experts and senior management. It can be a fast pacing environment especially during launching new programs or responding to urgent training needs.

International Education Consultant

An International Education Consultant takes up the responsibility of providing expert guidance, advice and support to international students, parents and sometimes international institutions regarding academic planning and educational pathways. International education consultants may also advise on course selection, admissions processes, academic progression and the differences between education systems. The role can be very independent or as part of specialised agencies offering more personalised and in-depth support. This can include helping international students to select the right course, setting realistic academic goals and developing the strategies to improve their performance.

Remember, the jobs listed above are only a selection of where an education masters could take you. The career path you choose will depend on your previous experience, professional goals and specialist interests, but an MA Education can develop transferable skills that are relevant across schools, universities, businesses, public bodies and educational organisations.

Find out more about our MA Education and MA Higher Education Leadership and Management, and start your teaching journey today.