Education
Learn how to lead educational change and create inclusive communities. Our School of Education has a range of full-time and part-time programmes to help you to progress in your career. As a renowned centre of excellence for teaching and research, we cover a wide range of areas in educational practice and policy. Our philosophy, pedagogy and programmes are rooted in research and the values of social justice.
Why choose our programmes?
- Gain a globally recognised teaching certificate that’s taught, assessed and accredited by a top UK university.
- Develop as a teaching professional while studying in the UAE.
- Be in high demand with employers, building a wide range of professional skills linked to UK and UAE standards.
- You can progress to an MA in Educational Leadership, or MA in Learning and Teaching, or Inclusion and Special Educational Needs.
- Work with experienced tutors and educators.
- Develop a global approach to education.
- Study programmes rated (Outstanding), by the Independant Schools Inspectorate (ISI).
- Learn on programmes approved by the KHDA at a university accredited by the Ministry of Education.
64th
We were ranked 64th in the world
(QS World University rankings by subject 2024)
Graduate career destinations have included:
- Teaching at the primary, secondary and higher education levels.
- Roles such as inclusion specialists and learning support assistants.
- Leadership, management and administrative roles in educational institutions and companies.
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (International) (PGCEi) – 1 year full-time
What will you study?
Our PGCEi is a 60-credit, M-level professional development programme. If you’re working in education and keen to develop your skills, this is the course for you.
Through reflection and collaboration on global perspectives in education, the course involves an action research project based on your own educational area. Subjects such as sustainable practices, social justice in education, digital pedagogies and internationalisation of curricula in relation to emerging education research are all part of the programme. This means you’ll build a strong knowledge of emerging issues in education, along with the chance to pursue further academic study and professional development. Better still, you can fit your studies around your current education role.
How will you be taught?
You’ll study a range of modules, including Education, Curriculum Design, Planning and Social Justice (20 credits), Pedagogy, Learning and Assessment (20 credits) and Educational Research: Action Research (20 credits).
You’ll also develop your own specialist areas of expertise by researching learning theories and associated pedagogy, curriculum design and other practical assignments. The course offers a flexible, blended approach to learning through in-person workshops and seminars, plus digital resources and further support from your tutor.
Our PGCEi puts a strong focus on connecting research to practice. This includes studying key theories in relation to your own experience, along with a range of innovative approaches to pedagogy. The course won’t give you Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), but it does offer a path towards a teaching qualification, should you want to pursue the Assessment Only (AO) route. Giving you an e-portfolio of teaching experiences, the course acts as excellent preparation.
Postgraduate Certificate in Education: Primary (5-11 years) with iqts – 1 year full-time
What will you study?
Become a teacher across the entire 5–11 age range. Our Primary Education programme is a full-time, one-year postgraduate course taught on our campus, with placements in our partner schools.
Learning to plan, teach and develop your classroom skills within the primary age range, you’ll develop a strong subject knowledge in English, Maths and Science. You’ll also study whole-school issues such as supporting classroom behaviour.
The programme has two parts:
Part 1: Study on our Dubai campus, developing your theoretical and practical knowledge of taught subjects and whole-school issues within the primary school curriculum. We cover Professional Studies, English, Mathematics and Science.
Part 2: 120 days of teaching practice across two school placements. You’ll gradually build your teaching experience, working towards meeting the iQTS teacher standards by the end of the programme.
How will you l be taught?
During your school placements, you’ll put theory into practice and continue learning by observing experienced teachers. You’ll also get a taste for team-teaching with peers and teachers, plus supported solo teaching within classes. As you progress, you’ll build increasing confidence and expertise in a range of learning activities, resources and technology. With its excellent, proven track record, the course is rigorous and challenging, fully preparing you for a successful teaching career.
Postgraduate Certificate in Education: Secondary with iQTS – 1 year full-time
What will you study?
Become a teacher in one of four areas of need mathematics, sciences, humanities or modern languages. Our Secondary Education programme is a full-time one-year postgraduate course taught on our campus with placements in partner schools. Learning to plan, teach and develop your classroom skills within a secondary subject you’ll develop strong pedagogy and curriculum knowledge. You will study whole school issues and develop professionally as an educator.
The programme has two parts: Part 1: Study on our Dubai campus, developing your theoretical and practical knowledge of taught subjects and whole-school issues within your subject specialism. Based on your undergraduate or previous graduate studies you can choose mathematics, science, humanities or language.
Part 2: 120 days of teaching practicum in a school placement. You will gradually build your teaching knowledge through hands-on experience in classrooms with expert mentors.
How will you be taught?
During your school placements you’ll put theory into practice and continue learning by observing experienced teachers. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn from expert practitioners and University tutors to develop your knowledge and understanding of subject specific specialisms. Over the course of the year you will increase your confidence, resources and expertise.
*Opening 2025-26 | Subject to accreditation by the UAE Ministry of Education
Postgraduate Certificate in Inclusion and Special Educational Needs – 1 year full-time
What will you study?
Help us grow the inclusive mission in the UAE. The course offers a postgraduate certificate for teachers, school leaders, education policy leaders and others working with children with disabilities in the UAE, UK and around the world. When you graduate, you’ll be able to apply your broad knowledge of inclusion and special education needs as a KHDA Leader of Provision, inclusion specialist, governor and champion.
The ISEN programme covers a wide range of topics, including cross-cultural disability theory, inclusive policy and evaluation, plus inclusive classroom practices. Critically reflecting on their practice, you’ll become an advocate of inclusion, able to create whole-school inclusion movements. The international nature of this degree is ideal for global citizens in the UAE, who live, work and move through multiple cultures.
How will you be taught?
As part of the ISEN PGCert programme, you’ll take three 20-credit modules over the course of one year. You’ll study:
- Cross-Cultural Issues in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities;
- Inclusion: Individual and Group Differences;
- Evaluation and Policy Analysis for Inclusive Education.
The course is designed for working professionals, the programme will see you learn from globally recognised experts on inclusion and special educational needs. You’ll also work on assignments and projects to support your current practice. When you graduate, you’ll also have the chance to progress to our MA Education (Inclusion and Special Educational Needs).
Note: This course does not certify you as a qualified Teacher. However, in combination with a PGCE 1-year course, you can work towards your MA Education in Inclusion and Special Educational Needs.
Interested in standalone ISEN modules?
MA Education (Inclusion and SEN) – 3 year part-time
Have you completed any of our 1 year programmes?
You’ll be automatically accredited for year one and can join us directly in year two.
What will you study?
Become a versatile professional with a holistic understanding of inclusion for persons and students with disabilities. Our graduates become advocates, leaders and practitioners throughout the education world, right around the globe.
Diving deep into the foundations of disability studies and inclusion, you’ll also choose an area of disability to focus on. This will give you both an overall and specialist knowledge.
First, you’ll study foundation courses in Cross-Cultural Issues in SEND, Inclusion – Individual and Group Differences and Policy Analysis for Inclusive Education. Then, you’ll tailor your MA to your area of specialist interest, building on your knowledge of whole-school inclusion.
In your final year, you’ll complete a Masters dissertation. We’ll give you all the training you need to conduct a critical piece of research, helping you deepen your specialist knowledge. As an area of growth and investment within the region, it’s your chance to contribute to an exciting time for inclusive education.
Don’t think twice about joining the University of Birmingham Dubai, go for it! The academics are extremely flexible and supportive, they really want you to achieve. You won’t find such support anywhere else.
Rabia PGCert Inclusion and Special Educational Needs Education programmes
MA Education (Leadership) – 2 years, part-time
Have you completed any of our 1 year programmes?
You’ll be automatically accredited for year one and can join us directly in year two.
What will you study?
Make a real difference as a leader within schools. Combining inclusive, values-driven leadership with an emphasis on research, the programme will give you the skills to drive learning and improvement. Quite simply, you’ll become a leader of socially inclusive change within education.
- Our MA Educational Leadership course involves three 20-credit modules over the course of one year. You’ll study:
- Understanding School Improvement: A rigorous, theoretical and evidence-informed view of the effects of teaching and school organisation on students’ learning.
- Leadership for School Improvement: Focusing on the qualities and skills that will help you be more effective in management teams and the leadership of your school, college or area of responsibility.
- Educational Policy and Improving Schools: Learn how to critically review current debates in education policy and the implications of alternative stances for school improvement and professional practice.
Requires a PGCE (60 credits) or equivalent prior learning at a postgraduate level.
MA Education (Learning and Teaching) – 2 years, part-time
Have you completed any of our 1 year programmes?
You’ll be automatically accredited for year one and can join us directly in year two.
What will you study?
Giving you all the initial teacher training you need to establish yourself in the profession, this programme is ideal for both early career and experienced educators.
In the course, we focus on three key areas of professional practice - managing students’ learning, understanding what makes pedagogy effective, plus understanding teamwork and mentoring in education.
You’ll study three 20-credit modules over the course of one year, including:
Learning, Teaching and Research: Investigate and research your teaching in relation to important issues in the classroom. Common topics include how best to manage behaviour, rewards and sanctions, mixed-ability classes, set, streamed and banded classes, plus working in an international setting.
Curriculum Development and Research: Identify, investigate and improve an aspect of your professional practice as a qualified teacher. This module will normally focus on your work as a subject teacher, including how you create lessons and opportunities for learners to study the subject most effectively.
Teamwork and Mentoring: Focus on the theory of coaching and mentoring in schools, while gaining practical experience. You’ll use your knowledge to develop your own coaching practice, learning how to choose coaching stances based on context, apply cognitive coaching skills and enhance your own reflective practices.
Requires a PGCE (60 credits) or equivalent prior learning at a postgraduate level.
"We are delighted to be collaborating with some exceptional schools across the UAE to support our PGCE students during their school experience placement on the programme. With an experienced mentor designated to each student within the partner school, you will learn from experienced practitioners in a supportive and nurturing environment. The combination of focused, research-based teaching at the University and innovative school experience ensures that our PGCE students flourish into self-reflective practitioners."
Sanam Yaqub School Partnership Strategies Manager, University of Birmingham Dubai