Spell Blast and other magic questions

The  search function doesn't seem to be helping me much but...

I am looking at the research tree under magic so that I can figure out how to get certain spells, and mana blast does not seem to be there, how can I get that spell?

Also - how can I improve my ability to cast a certain spell school - such as reaching Fire Master if I'm only at apprentice?

Finally, what at the methods to pick up schools of magic that I normally don't have any levels in? Thanks