The PTI has worked in partnership with the University of Cambridge since the charity was created in 2006. Many of our academic speakers are drawn from its faculties, so that teachers get the best quality subject knowledge enhancement. These academics also advise us on the design of our courses. A university committee oversees the partnership, and our trustees include a Cambridge representative.

Inspired by the PTI's model of bringing together subject knowledge and teaching expertise, the university's Institute of Continuing Education initiated a Master's degree in Advanced Subject Teaching (MSt) to help English and History teachers develop their subject knowledge and enhance their professional and academic standing.

Master of Studies in Advanced Subject Teaching

This unique postgraduate degree has been designed by the University of Cambridge Institute of Continuing Education in association with the Faculties of Education, English and History and The PTI. It will provide a two-year, part-time route to a full University of Cambridge Master’s degree. This MSt is unique in focusing on subject knowledge as well as pedagogy.

Hear testimonials from previous students.

The course has been designed to be accessible to teachers both in the UK and world-wide. Teaching and supervision by Cambridge academics will be offered through a combination of residential teaching in Cambridge (three concentrated teaching blocks in the first year and one in the second year) and online tuition. Successful applicants will become members of a Cambridge College where they will be members of the wider graduate community as well as enjoying full access to the facilities of the University.


What will I be studying?


When you embark on this innovative programme, you will choose an aspect of your subject which you would like to explore further or perhaps tackle for the first time. You will then study it both academically and pedagogically, so that your new knowledge and skills can be put to effective use in the classroom. It is an important aim of the programme that you should focus on areas of the curriculum that are under-represented in schools, not least because teachers themselves may be less familiar with them. We hope that successful graduates of this MSt will go on to make major contributions to syllabus development not only in their schools, but also at national and international level.


Year 1


The first year consists of three taught modules, and you will be expected to produce an assignment (varying between 3,000-6,000 words) for each: 

Pre-course and induction (online)

Module 1: The history and development of the subject (residential 25-27 August 2017 and online)

Module 2: The development of new subject knowledge (residential 27-29 October 2017 and online)

Module 3: From academic to classroom-based research (residential 9-11 February 2018 and online)


Year 2


Module 4: Being a teacher-researcher (residential 8-10 June 2018 and online)

In the second year, you will undertake a research project on a topic of your own choice, culminating in a 15,000 to 18,000-word dissertation.


What can I go on to do?


The MSt is a research degree, and successful completion of the MSt at a high grade may allow you to progress to a EdD or PhD either at the University of Cambridge or another institution.


Location


Teaching will take place at Madingley Hall.


How to apply


To apply and for further information, including fees and bursary information, please visit the University of Cambridge Institute of Continuing Education website.