Comparative Education

The MSc in Comparative Education at University College London offers a comprehensive exploration of educational systems, policies, and practices across different cultural and national contexts. This interdisciplinary programme is designed for students interested in understanding the complexities of education worldwide and examining how social, political, economic, and cultural factors influence educational development and reform. Through a blend of critical analysis, empirical research, and theoretical frameworks, students will gain the skills necessary to evaluate educational policies, analyze institutional structures, and contribute to international debates on education equity and quality.

The programme provides a diverse curriculum that covers topics such as international education policy, global educational inequalities, colonial and post-colonial impacts on education, curriculum reforms, and comparative methodologies. Students have the opportunity to engage with contemporary issues such as education in conflict zones, the role of technology in learning, and inclusive education practices globally. The course is delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops, and research seminars, encouraging active participation and independent inquiry.

Research methods training is a key component of the programme, equipping students with quantitative and qualitative tools essential for conducting rigorous comparative analyses. Students are encouraged to tailor their studies through optional modules and research projects that align with their specific interests, whether focusing on a particular country, region, or thematic area. The programme fosters a collaborative environment where students learn from experienced academics, practitioners, and policymakers, providing valuable insights into the realities of education systems around the world.

Graduates of the MSc in Comparative Education are well-prepared for careers in academia, research institutions, governmental agencies, NGOs, international organizations, and education consultancies. They possess a nuanced understanding of how educational policies are formulated and implemented in diverse contexts and are capable of advocating for equitable and sustainable educational reforms. This programme is ideal for those committed to making a positive impact on global education systems and aspiring to work in international development, policy analysis, or scholarly research related to education.

This programme will help students to gain a rigorous multidisciplinary grounding in the comparative analysis of education and society, deepening their understanding of contemporary issues in education in many parts of the world.

Core modules

• Comparative Education: Theories and Methods
• Education and Development in Asia
• Education Traditions and Systems in Europe

Optional modules

• Doing and Using Educational Leadership and Management Research
• Education and international Development: Concepts, Theories and Issues
• Education and Muslim Communities
• Learners, Learning and Teaching in the Context of Education for All
• Minorities, Migrants and Refugees in National Education Systems
• Planning for Education and Development
• Policy, Research and Pedagogy in Adult Literacy

Dissertation/report

All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a 20,000-word dissertation or 10,000-word report.

Teaching and learning

This programme is delivered via face-to-face evening sessions. Attendance may vary depending on your choice of optional modules. It is assessed by coursework assignments of 5,000 words, and a 20,000-word dissertation or 10,000-word report. If opted for the report an additional module is required. 

Normally a minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard is required.

The financing of the Comparative Education master's program at University College London is structured to support students through various funding options and financial aid opportunities. UCL offers a range of scholarships and bursaries specifically aimed at international and domestic students enrolled in postgraduate programs. Prospective students are encouraged to explore funding sources such as the UCL Graduate Support Scheme, which provides partial fee waivers and maintenance stipends based on academic merit and financial need. Additionally, the university collaborates with external funding bodies and scholarship providers that offer financial assistance for postgraduate studies in education, social sciences, and related fields. Students may also seek funding through government schemes, including loans and grants available in their home countries, depending on eligibility criteria. The program's cost requires careful planning, and students are advised to consider additional expenses such as accommodation, health insurance, books, and living costs. UCL’s Careers Service offers guidance on sourcing external funding and applying for scholarships, as well as advice on budgeting and financial planning throughout their studies. International students should review specific visa-related financial requirements and ensure that they have sufficient funds to meet visa application criteria. Payment plans and fee installments are available to ease financial commitments over the duration of the program. Overall, UCL aims to make postgraduate education accessible by providing comprehensive financial support options, though students are responsible for securing additional funding where necessary.

The MSc in Comparative Education at University College London offers an in-depth exploration of educational systems and policies across different cultural, social, and political contexts. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the theories, methods, and issues that shape education internationally. Students will analyze comparative perspectives on educational development, reform, and policy implementation, gaining insights into how educational practices vary and what factors influence educational success in diverse settings. The curriculum includes core modules on educational politics, policy analysis, research methods, and global education issues, alongside optional courses that allow students to specialize in areas such as gender, ethnicity, or technology in education. The program emphasizes critical thinking, empirical research, and practical application, preparing graduates for careers in research, policy analysis, international development, or educational leadership. Students are encouraged to engage with contemporary debates and real-world challenges faced by education systems worldwide. The MSc program also offers opportunities for fieldwork, internships, and collaborative projects with international organizations, enhancing practical skills and professional networks. Faculty members are experts in the fields of education policy, social justice, and international development, providing students with mentorship and guidance throughout their studies. Graduates are equipped with the analytical tools and contextual knowledge necessary to contribute effectively to educational change and reform initiatives globally. The program is typically completed in one year full-time or part-time options are available. It is suitable for recent graduates, education professionals, policymakers, and researchers interested in understanding and influencing educational practices across borders.