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Online education degrees


Whether education is your next vocational destination or you want to fast-track your current career prospects, our diverse degrees in education can fuel your ambitions.

Our portfolio covers everything from working with children in early years education to language teaching, educational leadership and medical and healthcare education.

Crucially, every course is conveniently available to study online — so you can continue to work and instantly apply what you learn to your current role.

ARU has been named as one of the UK's leading universities for Sports Science and Education courses in the 2024 Guardian League Table, as well as Times Higher Education’s University of the Year 2023.


Online education degrees for ambitious educators

Whether you're looking to climb the career ladder or enrich your existing role, we've got you covered.
Depending on your aspirations, experience and prior learning, we have online degrees available to study at Foundation, Honours and Master's degree level.

Scroll down if you'd like to see our education courses or visit our about us page if you'd like to know more about distance learning with ARU. If you have any questions then please do not hesitate to get in touch.


96% of our Alumni would recommend studying with ARU Distance Learning*


Our undergraduate education courses

Our undergraduate education courses are ranked 7th in the country by the Guardian League Table 2024

Gold standard education - we've also received a Gold award – the highest possible rating in a UK-wide review of teaching, learning and student support. A reflection of the outstanding education we offer to our students. Teaching Excellence Framework 2023.


Early Years and Education FdA

This foundation degree is designed to advance your Early Years teaching and care career. It's ideal if you currently work with children and are dedicated to playing an important role in their development. The degree also provides you with a platform to top-up to a full Bachelor degree or continue to a teaching degree in order to fulfil your career ambitions.


Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons)

Develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to support a rewarding career in shaping early childhood learning and development. This course also provides the opportunity to work towards the Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner competencies as a separate award.


Early Childhood Studies (top-up) BA (Hons)

Our Early Childhood Studies (top-up) degree allows you to transform your existing qualification to a full bachelor's degree in just one year. The course strengthens and broadens your existing skill base to make you more effective within your role and boost your career prospects in the Early Childhood sector.


Montessori Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons)

Our online Montessori Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons) is ideal if you're passionate about making a positive impact on young children's learning and want to develop your understanding of Montessori pedagogy. You'll develop the skills, knowledge and teaching strategies to make a real difference as a competent Montessori teacher.

Our postgraduate education courses


Applied Linguistics and TESOL MA

This Master's degree is ideal if you're involved in any aspect of foreign language teaching and want to further your career. You'll learn the latest linguistics theories and be able to apply them to your classroom practice, while sharpening your research, analytical, and critical thinking skills.


Education MA

Our online Education MA is ideal if you work in an educational setting and are looking to enhance your professional skills and understanding of contemporary professional practice. With a strong focus on learning, teaching and educational leadership this course will help you develop in your existing role and help open doors for career progression.


Education with Leadership & Management MA

This course will grow your understanding of educational leadership within a broad context and explore and critique varying approaches to driving education forward. You'll develop the skills and knowledge to enhance your existing role and open up new opportunities in a wide range of roles.


Education with Early Years MA

Our MA focuses on early childhood education from birth until eight years old and is ideal if you currently work with children or if you have a degree in early childhood studies, pre-school education or a related subject. You'll develop the expert knowledge, skills and understanding to help you achieve your career aspirations.


Education with Special Educational Needs & Disability MA

This course is ideal if you're passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of children and young people with SEND. You'll develop the expert knowledge and understanding of the key issues affecting children and young people with SEND, make a difference and support your career progression.


Educational Leadership and Management MBA

If you’re new to educational management, moving into a teaching leadership role or are an experienced leader who wants to bolster their management toolkit, the Master’s degree in Educational Management is an excellent choice.

Your course modules and assignments will align with your current role —creating a tailor-made course that’s completely relevant to you and your employer.


Learning and Teaching (Higher Education) PG Cert

This one-year postgraduate degree allows you to develop a deep understanding of educational models in contemporary university settings.

It's accredited against the Higher Education Academy professional Standards Framework and is the perfect fit if you're new to teaching in higher education or already work in the sector.


Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)

If you're looking to enhance your teaching practice or want that academic qualification to further your career, then our online PGCE without QTS is for you.

Develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to enhance your teaching practice and make a real difference in the classroom.


Medical and Healthcare Education PG Cert

Combine your passions for health and education and start your leadership journey with our Higher Education Academy and Academy of Medical Educators accredited course.

Our inter-professional online course is designed for registered professionals from across the healthcare sector, who are engaged in teaching or learning as part of their professional role.


Medical and Healthcare Education MSc

This Higher Education Academy accredited postgraduate degree allows you to combine your passions for health and education

It's the optimal choice if you're a registered professional working in the healthcare sector and are involved in teaching or learning as part of your role. It will perfectly prepare you to become a future education and healthcare leader.

Flexible online learning that supports your passion

Because we appreciate the challenges of fitting studying around work and family, flexibility is at the heart of our online education degrees.

You'll study our education courses online through Canvas, our world-class Learning Management System (LMS), which is optimised for all major devices and accessible from anywhere in the world — and you'll enjoy the same quality of staff support as campus-based students.

Canvas allows you to keep in contact with your tutors and other students, access your learning materials, and submit your assignments.

Discover Canvas
Get in touch

If you'd like to talk to our experienced team about our online education degrees, ARU or any aspect of completing further education via distance learning then please do not hesitate to contact us.

Get in touch

*2023 alumni survey with 158 respondents