Philosophy of Education

The Philosophy of Education program at University College London offers an in-depth exploration of the fundamental questions and issues surrounding educational theory, practice, and policy. Designed for students interested in examining the philosophical foundations of education, the program encourages critical analysis of diverse perspectives and contemporary debates in the field. Through a multidisciplinary approach, students will engage with topics such as the nature and aims of education, moral and political philosophy related to educational justice, the role of values and ethics in teaching and learning, and the impact of social, cultural, and political contexts on educational processes. The program integrates historical and contemporary texts, fostering a nuanced understanding of how philosophical ideas shape educational systems and practices worldwide. Students will develop skills in philosophical reasoning, argumentation, and conceptual analysis, preparing them for careers in academia, policy-making, educational consultancy, or further research. The curriculum includes lectures, seminars, and independent study, with opportunities for interdisciplinary engagement and critical reflection. The University College London’s vibrant academic community and its commitment to global educational issues provide an inspiring environment for scholarly inquiry and professional growth. Graduates of the program will be equipped to contribute thoughtfully and ethically to educational discourse, advocate for social justice within educational contexts, and participate actively in shaping future educational policies and philosophies. Emphasizing both theoretical foundations and practical implications, the Philosophy of Education program aims to produce reflective practitioners capable of addressing complex educational challenges in diverse settings.

This programme enables students to explore further the relevance of ethics, political philosophy, philosophy of mind and epistemology to contemporary educational issues and to bring philosophical thinking to bear on their own educational concerns including professional practice. Students will gain a grounding in philosophical approaches, becoming part of a lively community of Master's and doctoral students from a wide range of backgrounds.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of core modules (60 credits), optional modules (60 credits) and the dissertation (60 credits).

Core modules

• Philosophy of Education: Values, Aims and Society
• What is Education?

Optional modules

The following option is recommended:

• Philosophy of Education: Knowledge, Mind and Understanding
• Further optional modules include:
• Theoretical Foundations of Educational Ideas
• Understanding Education Research
• Rights and Education

Dissertation/report

All students are required to submit either: a dissertation of 18,000-20,000 words in philosophy of education (60 credits) or a report of about 10,000 words plus a further 30-credits module approved by programme leader.

Teaching and learning

The taught sessions consist primarily of presentation by the tutor or another speaker, often reviewing a range of positions and arguments on a topic (on occasion students may be invited in advance to make their own presentation to the group); and discussion, both as a whole class and in small groups, which is vital both to clarifying and being able to argue for your own position, and to understanding the positions and arguments of others. 
Assessment on the Philosophy MA modules is by means of a 5,000-word written essay.

A minimum of a second-class UK Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate subject, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard from a recognised higher education institution.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme (CSSS)

Value:

Full fees, flights, stipend, and other allowances (1 year)

Eligibility:

Overseas students

Criteria:

Based on both academic merit and financial need

The Philosophy of Education programme at University College London offers students an in-depth exploration of the fundamental principles and theoretical frameworks that underpin educational practices and policies. This programme examines critical questions about the nature of knowledge, the purposes of education, and the ethical considerations involved in teaching and learning processes. Students engage with a diverse range of philosophical perspectives, including analytic philosophy, moral philosophy, and social philosophy, to develop a comprehensive understanding of educational issues in contemporary society.

Throughout the course, students analyze texts from prominent philosophers and educational theorists, fostering critical thinking and argumentative skills. The curriculum incorporates interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from psychology, sociology, and politics to provide a well-rounded perspective on educational phenomena. Topics covered include concepts of justice and equality in education, the role of language and communication, the impact of cultural and socio-economic factors on learning, and the philosophical debates surrounding curriculum design and assessment.

The programme is designed to cater to students with varied backgrounds, emphasizing both theoretical understanding and practical applications. It prepares graduates for careers in education policy, research, academia, and related fields by developing skills in analytical reasoning, ethical judgment, and effective communication. The programme also encourages independent research, culminating in an dissertation or research project that allows students to explore a specific area of interest in depth.

UCL’s Philosophy of Education programme benefits from the university’s strong emphasis on research-led teaching and its vibrant academic community. Students have access to a wealth of resources, including libraries, seminars, workshops, and lectures by leading scholars. Additionally, the programme offers opportunities for engagement with external organizations and practitioners, ensuring that theoretical insights are connected to real-world educational challenges.

Overall, this programme aims to cultivate reflective, ethical, and critically-minded educators and thinkers capable of making meaningful contributions to the development of educational theory and practice. It is suitable for students passionate about understanding the philosophical foundations of education and eager to influence educational change through informed and principled approaches.