MA /MSc Professional Practice (Specialism)

The University of Bolton’s innovative and dynamic MA/MSc Professional Practice (Specialism) allows you to shape your master’s degree to your individual passions and goals. Combining focused study in one or two specialisms of your choice with essential training to develop the high-level transferable skills needed for career success, you can personalise your studies, extend your expertise and become the master of your future career development.

Key Features

• All classes are planned to allow part-time students to continue with their employment whilst studying, so working professionals can undertake the programme. The part-time course would be completed in 24 months.
• Teaching and supervision are delivered by dedicated staff chosen for their expertise and experience in fields relevant to your areas of study and professional development needs.
• We offer an engaging programme of visiting speakers and practitioners that gives you opportunities to network with and learn from industry professionals.
• We'll offer you opportunities for interdisciplinary work and collaboration.
• Your studies will culminate in your Professional Dissertation, an independent and substantial piece of research that will further your knowledge and practice. This will demonstrate your mastery of an aspect of your field, showcasing your expert knowledge to employers as well as forming an ideal preparation for doctoral-level studies should you to wish to pursue a PhD.

What can I do with this qualification?

This is a career-focused master’s degree that will support you to develop advanced knowledge and skills in your chosen field(s) of study. During the course, we’ll also guide you to make clear plans as to how you will use your expertise to progress your career in your chosen professional arena. This qualification also forms the basis for doctoral studies if you wish to pursue a career in academia or research and development.

As a graduate of this master’s degree, you'll be well prepared to seek employment or promotion, or become self-employed using the enterprise and innovation skills you’ve developed as part of the course. You'll possess the knowledge needed to submit financial/budget applications or business plans and to prepare and launch various projects. How you use your skills will depend on your chosen area(s) of study and your personal interests and ambitions. However, you can rest assured that you'll have the confidence, knowledge and skills to drive forward in your career or enterprise development.

Teaching & assessment

Our team of academic and professional staff will use a variety of teaching and learning strategies to help you gain and develop appropriate concepts, knowledge and skills. You can expect practice-based enquiry, self-directed study, lectures, seminars, tutorials, presentations and work-based learning. Scheduled sessions will be held in the evening, allowing full-time and part-time students to study together and offering opportunities for those working in professional/industrial environments to present live case studies.