Master of Education in Primary Education

Overall Course Description:

The Master of Education in Primary Education is a comprehensive postgraduate qualification designed for individuals aspiring to become warranted professional educators for young learners. The programme equips learners with the advanced knowledge, practical skills, and professional experience required to teach effectively within primary education settings.

Building on learners’ prior academic qualifications and professional experience, the programme develops expertise in Pedagogical and Subject Content Knowledge, Educational Context Knowledge, and Educational Research and Inquiry. These areas are complemented by 300 hours of supervised Teaching Practice, divided into two placements of 150 hours each, enabling learners to apply educational theory in authentic classroom environments.

The programme also explores educational philosophy, leadership, inclusive education, equity and social justice, digital and blended learning, and research methodologies, preparing graduates to create positive, inclusive, and evidence-informed learning environments. Throughout the course, learners are encouraged to become reflective, inquisitive, and collaborative practitioners committed to promoting democracy, inclusion, and lifelong learning.

On successful completion of the programme and following the required period of professional teaching practice, graduates become eligible to apply for a teacher’s warrant, enabling them to teach in primary schools and pursue a rewarding career within the education sector. The qualification also provides a strong foundation for further academic study and professional development in education.

Target Audience:

The Master of Education in Primary Education is designed for individuals who aspire to become warranted professional educators for young learners and who wish to develop advanced knowledge, practical teaching skills, and professional competence within primary education. The programme is intended for learners who meet the entry requirements and are committed to pursuing a career in teaching or advancing within the education sector.

This programme is particularly suitable for:

• Graduates seeking a teaching career who hold a relevant first-cycle degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) and wish to obtain the qualifications required to teach in primary education.
• Career changers who are passionate about education and wish to transition into the teaching profession.
• Education support professionals, including learning support educators, teaching assistants, and childcare practitioners, who want to progress towards becoming classroom teachers.
• Aspiring educational leaders and researchers who intend to pursue further academic study, educational leadership roles, or research within the field of education.

The programme is also ideal for learners who are committed to inclusive and reflective teaching practices and who wish to contribute to the educational development and wellbeing of children through evidence-informed, student-centred teaching. By combining advanced pedagogical knowledge with extensive teaching practice and educational research, the programme prepares graduates to become reflective, inquisitive, and collaborative educators who can positively influence learning in contemporary primary classrooms.

Programme Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the Master of Education in Primary Education, graduates will be equipped to apply advanced pedagogical knowledge, subject-specific expertise, educational research, and reflective practice to deliver high-quality teaching within primary education settings. They will be able to design, implement, and evaluate inclusive learning experiences that respond to the diverse academic, social, emotional, and developmental needs of learners while integrating innovative teaching approaches, digital technologies, and evidence-based educational practices.

Graduates will also develop the professional competence to:

1. Apply advanced pedagogical theories and subject content knowledge to design, deliver, and evaluate effective learning experiences that promote meaningful learning and student achievement.
2. Design and implement inclusive curricula, differentiated teaching strategies, and assessment practices that support learners with diverse educational needs and promote equity and social justice.
3. Critically evaluate educational research, policies, curriculum frameworks, and contemporary educational practices to inform evidence-based decision-making within primary education.
4. Integrate digital technologies, including emerging educational technologies and artificial intelligence, to enhance teaching, learning, assessment, and student engagement.
5. Create safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments through effective classroom management, positive behaviour support, and learner-centred pedagogical approaches.
6. Demonstrate leadership, collaboration, and professional responsibility by working effectively with colleagues, families, multidisciplinary professionals, and the wider school community to enhance educational outcomes.
7. Apply critical reflection and lifelong learning principles to evaluate and continuously improve professional teaching practice and educational effectiveness.
8. Conduct independent educational research and apply research findings to contribute to innovation, curriculum development, and the advancement of primary education.
9. Uphold ethical, democratic, and inclusive values while promoting learner wellbeing, diversity, equality, and social responsibility in educational settings.
10. Demonstrate the professional knowledge, practical competence, and reflective capability required to meet the standards expected of warranted primary school educators.

Module Learning Outcomes

D.1 – Pedagogical and Subject Content Knowledge: PSCK00 General Principles – 6 ECTS | MQF Level 7

This module teaches learners the fundamental pedagogical and subject content knowledge needed for effective primary school teaching. Learners investigate contemporary theories of teaching and learning, curriculum design, lesson planning, assessment strategies, and classroom management, all while developing the professional skills needed to create inclusive, engaging, and learner-centred educational experiences. The module also encourages reflective practice, ethical professionalism, and the efficient use of educational resources to support high-quality teaching across the primary school curriculum.

D.2 – Pedagogical and Subject Content Knowledge: PSCK01 Mathematics – 2 ECTS | MQF Level 7

This module helps learners develop the pedagogical and subject-specific knowledge needed to effectively teach mathematics in primary school. Students investigate mathematical concepts, problem-solving methods, and evidence-based teaching strategies while creating engaging learning experiences that promote numeracy, reasoning, and conceptual understanding. The module also improves learners’ ability to assess mathematical learning and tailor instruction to different learner needs.

D.3 – Pedagogical and Subject Content Knowledge: PSCK02 English – 2 ECTS | MQF Level 7

This module provides learners with the knowledge and pedagogical skills needed to effectively teach English in primary education. Learners investigate language acquisition, literacy development, and contemporary approaches to language teaching while creating learning experiences that improve learners’ listening, speaking, reading, and writing abilities. The module emphasises differentiated instruction, effective assessment practices, and the use of engaging teaching resources to promote communication and literacy development.

D.4 – Pedagogical and Subject Content Knowledge: PSCK03 National Language (Maltese / Native Language) – 2 ECTS | MQF Level 7

This module enhances learners’ understanding of first-language teaching and the pedagogical approaches required to promote language proficiency in primary education. Learners investigate strategies for oral communication, reading, writing, and literacy development while creating inclusive learning experiences that address diverse linguistic needs. The module also promotes reflective practice and the efficient use of authentic resources to improve language learning.

D.5 – Pedagogical and Subject Content Knowledge: PSCK04 Science – 2 ECTS | MQF Level 7

This module provides learners with the pedagogical and subject-specific knowledge necessary to effectively teach science in primary school. Students investigate inquiry-based learning, scientific investigation, and modern approaches to science education while creating engaging learning experiences that foster scientific literacy, curiosity, and critical thinking. The module also teaches students how to create practical learning opportunities, use appropriate teaching resources, and assess their scientific understanding through meaningful and inclusive classroom activities.

D.6 – Pedagogical and Subject Content Knowledge: PSCK05 Social Studies and Art – 2 ECTS | MQF Level 7

This module helps learners understand the interdisciplinary nature of social studies and art in the primary curriculum. Learners investigate strategies for fostering creativity, cultural awareness, citizenship, and historical and geographical understanding while creating learning experiences that promote critical thinking, self-expression, and active participation. The module also promotes the integration of artistic and social learning across the curriculum by using engaging, learner-centred teaching strategies.

D.7 – Pedagogical and Subject Content Knowledge: PSCK06 Physical Exercise – 2 ECTS | MQF Level 7

This module increases learners’ understanding of physical education and movement-based learning in primary school. Learners investigate the significance of physical activity for children’s overall development and well-being while creating inclusive learning experiences that encourage physical literacy, teamwork, coordination, and healthy lifestyles. The module also improves learners’ ability to plan safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate physical activities that encourage active participation from all students.

D.8 – Pedagogical and Subject Content Knowledge: PSCK07 Religion/Ethics – 2 ECTS | MQF Level 7

This module investigates the role of religious and ethical education in promoting students’ personal, moral, and social development. Learners investigate current approaches to teaching religion and ethics while creating inclusive learning experiences that encourage critical reflection, respect, empathy, and responsible citizenship. The module encourages students to foster open dialogue, ethical decision-making, and respect for diverse beliefs in inclusive primary classroom settings.

D.9 – Educational Context Skills: ECS01 Teaching Practice I – 10 ECTS | MQF Level 7

This module offers learners their first supervised professional teaching experience in a primary school setting. Learners apply pedagogical theory in real-world classroom settings while gradually improving their lesson planning, classroom management, teaching, assessment, and reflective practice skills with the help of experienced mentors. Through observation, professional feedback, and direct teaching experience, students begin to demonstrate the skills required of a professional primary educator.

D.10 – Educational Context Knowledge: ECK01 Philosophy of Education – 2 ECTS | MQF Level 7

This module introduces students to the philosophical foundations of education and their impact on current teaching and learning. Learners critically examine major educational philosophies, values, and ethical principles, examining their implications for curriculum design, classroom practice, and professional decision-making. The module encourages reflective practice and helps students develop an informed educational philosophy that supports inclusive and learner-centred teaching.

D.11 – Educational Context Knowledge: ECK02 Sociology of Education – 2 ECTS | MQF Level 7

This module investigates the relationship between education and society, allowing students to discover how social, cultural, political, and economic factors influence educational experiences and student outcomes. Learners critically evaluate issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice while developing strategies to promote equitable learning opportunities and positive educational experiences for all learners in modern primary education.

D.12 – Educational Context Knowledge: ECK03 Psychology of Education – 2 ECTS | MQF Level 7

This module helps learners understand the psychological theories that underpin child development, learning, and behaviour. Learners investigate cognitive, emotional, and social development while looking at how psychological principles influence effective teaching, motivation, assessment, and classroom management. The module helps learners create responsive and supportive learning environments that promote student well-being and academic achievement.

D.13 – Educational Context Knowledge: ECK04 Leadership Theories, Laws and Regulations – 2 ECTS | MQF Level 7

This module enhances learners’ understanding of educational leadership, governance, and the legal frameworks that govern educational practices. Learners will critically examine leadership theories, educational legislation, policy, and professional responsibilities, as well as the importance of ethical leadership, accountability, and collaborative practice in promoting effective school improvement and high-quality educational provision.

D.14 – Educational Context Knowledge: ECK05 Inclusive Learning Experiences, Equity and Social Justice – 2 ECTS | MQF Level 7

This module provides students with the knowledge and professional skills needed to create inclusive learning environments that acknowledge and respond to learner diversity. Learners critically examine principles of equity, inclusion, and social justice while developing strategies to remove learning barriers, promote participation, and ensure that all students have meaningful opportunities to succeed in primary school.

D.15 – Educational Context Knowledge: ECK06 Blended and Online Teaching, Learning & Assessment – 2 ECTS | MQF Level 7

This module prepares students to effectively integrate digital technologies into contemporary educational practice. Learners investigate blended and online learning environments, digital assessment methods, and technology-enhanced pedagogies while honing the skills needed to create engaging, accessible, and inclusive educational experiences. The module also looks at responsible digital practice, online collaboration, and the effective use of educational technologies to help learners engage and succeed.

D.16 – Educational Context Skills: ECS03 Educational Research and Inquiry – 8 ECTS | MQF Level 7

This module helps learners gain the research knowledge and inquiry skills needed for evidence-informed educational practice. Learners investigate qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research approaches while learning how to formulate research questions, review literature, create ethical research proposals, and analyse research results. The module prepares students to conduct independent educational research that contributes to professional knowledge and the ongoing improvement of teaching and learning in primary education.

D.17 – Educational Context Skills: ECS02 Teaching Practice II – 10 ECTS | MQF Level 7

Building on Teaching Practice. This module enables students to demonstrate greater independence, confidence, and professional competence in primary classroom settings. Learners plan, deliver, and evaluate lesson sequences, use differentiated teaching strategies, monitor student progress, and critically reflect on their professional practice. With mentor feedback and classroom observation, learners consolidate the competencies required for entry into the teaching profession.

D.18 – Dissertation – 30 ECTS | MQF Level 7

The dissertation allows students to conduct independent research on a significant issue in primary education. Working under academic supervision, students identify a research problem, critically evaluate relevant literature, employ appropriate research methodologies, and present evidence-based findings in a substantial dissertation. This capstone module allows students to demonstrate advanced critical thinking, academic writing, research skills, and the ability to make meaningful contributions to educational knowledge and professional practice.

Programme Structure

Hours of Total Learning:

The Master of Education in Primary Education comprises a total of 90 ECTS, equivalent to 2,250 Total Learning Hours, delivered at MQF Level 7.

The programme is available on both a full-time and part-time basis:

• Full-time: Completed over 2 academic years (18 months / 75 weeks). Learners receive approximately 450 contact hours, with scheduled lectures, tutorials and supervised teaching practice delivered across the programme.
• Part-time: Completed over 3 academic years (36 months). Learners also complete 450 contact hours, spread over the duration of the programme through weekly lectures, tutorials, supervised teaching practice and dissertation supervision.

Teaching and learning activities include lectures, tutorials, supervised teaching practice, independent study, guided research, preparation of assignments, assessment activities and completion of the dissertation, ensuring learners achieve the required 2,250 Total Learning Hours for successful completion of the programme.

Overall Programme

Breakdown by Module