Pathway structure and selecting courses

Before commencing your studies, you must select which option courses you would like to take in the 2026-27 academic year. You will select your option courses for Semester 1 and Semester 2 using the form for your pathway below.

Some specialist pathways have priority places on courses that are available as options for others, so it may be worthwhile to apply to switch to a specialist pathway if you come with a strong preference in a particular specialist area. 

Remember to complete your optional course choice form by 2 September. You can learn more about the option courses on offer by exploring the Degree Programme Table or watching the videos below. If you still have questions, you can also book a 10-minute consultation with a programme staff member about the options.

You can find information about sets of compulsory courses and available option courses in the Degree Programme Tables.

• MSc Education (General)
• MSc Education (Child and Adolescent Psychology)
• MSc Education (Early Childhood Practice and Froebel)
• MSc Education (Philosophy of Education)
• MSc Education (Research)

Below you can find a brief video introduction to most of our available options courses. If a video is not available the link will take you to the course description.

We cannot guarantee that you will be allocated a space on your selected course. Course choices are subject to approval by Course Organisers and Programme Directors and are dependent on course capacity. Course choices may be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. We will do our best to allocate all students their preferences. Course Organisers are subject to change.

Full-time students are required to complete the programme in one year. You need to select 120 credits for taught courses. For most pathways, you will be automatically enrolled on your programme and pathway compulsory courses. On some pathways, you have a choice between sets of compulsory courses.

To indicate your preferences, please fill in the form for your pathway below by Monday 2 September. Students will be enrolled on their courses after this deadline.

If you would like to take a full-year course, or have any questions regarding the option course selection process, contact our Student Advisers at SESO@ed.ac.uk

Available courses by programme