Professional Practice in Education

Professional practice in education is a degree-level qualification aimed at practitioners already working in educational settings, providing a framework for reflecting on and developing professional expertise through part-time, flexible study. It is designed for people who are engaged in educational practice in some capacity, whether in schools, colleges, early years settings, community education, training, or other contexts, and who want to develop their professional understanding and academic skills alongside their work. The programme combines theoretical engagement with education as a discipline with a focus on applying that understanding to real professional contexts.

At the University of Brighton, this part-time programme is specifically suited to working professionals who cannot study full time. Brighton has a strong tradition in professional and applied education, and the programme is designed to be flexible and supportive for students who are balancing study with employment and other commitments. You will engage with theories of learning, professional identity, educational policy, and the practice of reflection and inquiry in professional settings, developing both academic capabilities and the professional confidence that comes from thinking rigorously about your own practice.

The absence of a fixed tariff or duration reflects the flexible nature of the programme, which is designed to meet practitioners where they are.

Graduates from this programme go on to develop more senior or specialist roles within their educational settings, or to pursue further study at postgraduate level in education, educational leadership, or related fields. The degree is also a foundation for those who want to move into teacher education, curriculum development, research, or advisory roles within the education system. For people who are already committed to education as a profession, this kind of practice-focused degree provides a structured and intellectually rigorous way to develop expertise and professional standing.