Curriculum Pedagogy and Assessment

Curriculum, Pedagogy, and Assessment at University College London is a comprehensive master's program designed to equip educators, researchers, and policymakers with the advanced knowledge and practical skills necessary to transform teaching and learning environments. This program explores the theoretical foundations and contemporary practices of curriculum design, pedagogical strategies, and assessment methods across diverse educational settings. Students will engage with cutting-edge research and innovative approaches that promote inclusive, equitable, and effective education systems. The curriculum emphasizes critical reflection on current educational challenges, encouraging learners to develop evidence-based solutions suited to differing learner needs and societal contexts. Throughout the program, participants will analyze policies, pedagogical models, and assessment frameworks, fostering a nuanced understanding of how curriculum and assessment influence student engagement, achievement, and lifelong learning. The coursework combines theoretical coursework, practical workshops, and research projects, providing hands-on experience in designing curricula, implementing pedagogical interventions, and evaluating student outcomes. Faculty members are experts in education theory, assessment strategies, and curriculum development, offering personalized mentorship and guidance. The program also emphasizes collaborative learning, enabling students to work with peers from diverse backgrounds and educational systems, broadening their global perspectives. Graduates will be prepared for leadership roles in schools, educational policy organizations, NGOs, and research institutions, where they can contribute to shaping effective educational practices and policies. With its rigorous academic structure and focus on real-world applications, the Curriculum, Pedagogy, and Assessment program at UCL aims to foster innovative, reflective educators who are able to meet the demands of rapidly evolving educational landscapes worldwide.

This programme will help students understand, analyse, debate and evaluate viewpoints, improving their research literacy and research skills, as well as helping them to contribute ideas on what young people need to learn in today's society, and most importantly, why.

Students take modules to the value of 180 credits.

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

Core modules

• Curriculum Development: Issues and Principles
• Investigating Research Into Schooling, Curriculum, Teaching and Learning

Optional modules

• Assessment Issues and Practice
• Educational Testing
• Assessment for Learning
• Guiding Effective Learning and Teaching

Dissertation/report

Students undertake a dissertation of 20,000 words, a 10,000-word report and an additional module.

Teaching and learning

Teaching is delivered in collaborative learning groups. Our aim is to develop communities of learners, and we expect students to be active participants in creating new knowledge. All assessment is through coursework.

A minimum of a second-class UK Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard is required, a PGCE or an equivalent professional qualification, and two years of teaching experience.

Funding for the Curriculum Pedagogy and Assessment program at University College London is available through a variety of sources, including government grants, scholarships, bursaries, and student loans. Prospective students are encouraged to explore UCL's official financial aid webpage to identify scholarships specifically designated for postgraduate education in education and pedagogy. These scholarships may be awarded based on academic merit, financial need, or specific criteria such as country of origin or field of interest. Additionally, students can consider funding options through external organizations and educational foundations that support postgraduate studies in education.

UCL also offers a range of bursary programs aimed at supporting students from diverse backgrounds to access higher education, which can cover partial or full tuition fees as well as living expenses. International students should explore specific funding opportunities available for international applicants, including endowed scholarships and sponsorship programs. Many students also finance their studies through postgraduate student loans, which in the UK can be obtained via Student Finance England or equivalent agencies in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. These loans typically cover tuition fees and living costs, with repayment beginning after graduation once certain income thresholds are exceeded.

Some students may pursue part-time employment during their studies; UCL's career services provide resources and job placement assistance to help students secure relevant employment, including research assistant positions or teaching opportunities. The program's fees are announced annually and can vary depending on the student's residency status; international students generally incur higher tuition costs. Financial planning is recommended prior to application to ensure all funding sources are secured. Moreover, UCL's financial aid office offers guidance and support for students in understanding their options and completing application processes for available funding. It is advisable for students to begin exploring funding options early in the application cycle to ensure timely and successful acquisition of necessary financial support for the duration of the program.

The Curriculum Pedagogy and Assessment program at University College London is designed to develop advanced understanding and practical skills in the areas of curriculum design, teaching strategies, and assessment methods. The program emphasizes a comprehensive approach to education, fostering innovation and excellence in educational practices across diverse learning environments. Students will explore theories and contemporary research in curriculum development, gaining insight into how pedagogical approaches impact student learning and engagement. The curriculum is structured to include core modules in curriculum design, pedagogical theory, assessment strategies, and innovative teaching methods, complemented by optional modules tailored to specific educational contexts or subjects. Throughout the program, students are encouraged to critically analyze existing educational practices and develop their own strategies for enhancing learning outcomes. Practical components often involve designing lesson plans, creating assessment tools, and engaging in peer review processes to refine their pedagogical techniques. The program also places a significant emphasis on research skills, enabling students to undertake independent investigations into key issues in education, and to contribute to scholarly debates in the field. This prepares graduates for leadership roles in educational settings, curriculum development units, or policy advisory positions. The faculty at UCL provides access to a broad network of experienced educators and researchers, offering mentorship, collaboration opportunities, and exposure to cutting-edge innovations in education. The program is suitable for early career educators, curriculum coordinators, educational researchers, or policy makers seeking to deepen their expertise and impact in the field of education. Upon completion, graduates will be equipped with a comprehensive toolkit for designing effective curricula, implementing impactful pedagogical practices, and conducting meaningful assessment to improve student learning outcomes.