Education

The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Education at the University of Cambridge is a highly prestigious postgraduate programme designed for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of educational theories, policies, and practices. This rigorous course provides a comprehensive exploration of key issues in education, including curriculum development, pedagogical approaches, educational psychology, and the socio-cultural contexts that influence learning environments worldwide. The programme is suitable for aspiring researchers, educators, policymakers, and professionals aiming to contribute to the development and improvement of educational systems both locally and globally.

Throughout the duration of the MPhil programme, students engage in advanced coursework complemented by independent research, allowing them to develop critical analytical skills and a nuanced understanding of complex educational issues. The course structure typically includes taught modules covering diverse topics such as education policy analysis, comparative education, inclusive education, and research methodologies. Students are encouraged to select a research focus aligned with their professional interests and undertake an original thesis under the supervision of leading experts in the field.

The programme promotes a vibrant academic environment, encouraging active participation in seminars, workshops, and conferences, which fosters professional networking and scholarly exchange. Students benefit from Cambridge’s rich academic resources, including access to extensive libraries, research centers, and archives dedicated to education. The close mentorship and collaborative research culture at Cambridge enable students to refine their research skills and produce high-quality scholarly work.

Graduates of the MPhil in Education gain advanced knowledge and research expertise that prepare them for careers in academia, educational consultancy, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and international education bodies. The programme’s rigorous curriculum and emphasis on research excellence make it an ideal choice for those aspiring to influence educational practice and policy worldwide. With its blend of theoretical foundations and practical applications, the MPhil in Education at Cambridge offers a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the global educational landscape and develop as a leader in the field.

In your Supplementary Application Questionnaire (SAQ) you should indicate which track you’re interested in studying.

You attend four to six lectures and seminars, and one or two hours of supervision per week in the first year.

You’re assessed at the end of each year. Depending on the papers studied, this will be through coursework, written examination, or a combination of both. In the third year, all students also submit a dissertation.

Year 1 (Part IA)

You take four papers, including two compulsory Education papers:

• Critical Debates in Education – introducing major themes in education and Faculty research
• Language, Communication and Literacies – exploring the social, psychological and material context within which spoken language and literacy are developed

Your two remaining papers are determined by the track you’re following:

• Education, Psychology and Learning – Learning and Human Development, and Introduction to Psychology
• Education, Policy and International Development – Education, Global Inequalities and Social Justice; and a paper from choices in the Human, Social and Political Sciences (HSPS) and Geography courses
• Education, English, Drama and the Arts – Poetics, Aesthetics and Criticism; and either Drama Production or Literature and Culture

Year 2 (Part IB)

In Year 2, you take five papers. Two are compulsory – Designing Educational Research (a project in research design), and The Emergence of Educational Thinking and Systems (covering historical and philosophical perspectives on key aspects of education) – and you choose your third from several other education topics.

Your other two papers are track dependent:

• Education, Psychology and Learning – Formal and Informal Contexts of Learning, and a psychology paper
• Education, Policy and International Development – International Issues in Inclusion and Diversity in Education, and a paper from the HSPS course
• Education, English, Drama and the Arts – two of International Literatures, Arts and Cultures; Theatre Practice and Production; one paper from a range offered in the English course

Year 3 (Part II)

You take five papers in the final year. All students take at least two papers on particular issues in education and write a dissertation of 8,000-10,000 words. For the fourth, you can take another issue in education paper, submit a second dissertation, or choose a paper from options in other relevant courses.

Your final paper is track specific:

• Education, Psychology and Learning – Education, Neuroscience and Society
• Education, Policy and International Development – Critical Debates in Education, Policy and International Development
• Education, English, Drama and the Arts – either Children’s Literature, or Performance, Education and Society

• All applicants to the University of Cambridge must submit an application to UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) by the relevant deadline.
• The Attestat o (polnom) Srednem Obshchem Obrazovanii (Certificate of Secondary Education) is not considered to be suitable preparation for a competitive application to the University of Cambridge. We strongly recommend that you undertake further study if you wish to apply for an undergraduate degree. Examples of the qualifications that would be considered suitable for admission to Cambridge are A Levels, the International Baccalaureate (IB), five or more Advanced Placement (AP) courses, or possibly the first year of an undergraduate degree at a university outside the UK. We recommend that you contact the College that you wish to apply to directly for further advice and guidance.
• IELTS – normally a minimum overall grade of 7.5, usually with 7.0 or above in each element.
• Cambridge English: Advanced – grade A or B.
• Cambridge English: Proficiency – grade A, B or C.
• You do not need to register or be registered in advance for the assessment at interview – the Colleges provide details of arrangements in the letters inviting applicants to interview.

The financing of degree studies at the University of Cambridge typically involves a combination of scholarships, grants, external funding, and personal financial resources. Undergraduate students are encouraged to explore the various scholarship opportunities available through the university, including prestigious awards such as through the Cambridge Commonwealth, European & International Trust, and individual college scholarships. These awards can significantly offset tuition fees and living costs for eligible students. Postgraduate students may benefit from a range of funding options, including research council grants, college family and alumni bursaries, and specific departmental scholarships. Many students secure funding from external sources such as government-sponsored loans, private foundations, or employer sponsorships, particularly for master's and doctoral programmes. The university also provides guidance and support in applying for external funding opportunities, which can cover tuition, maintenance, travel, and research expenses. The cost of studying at Cambridge varies depending on the course, college, and student status, but students are advised to plan their finances carefully and consider all available options. Additionally, Cambridge offers a range of bursaries and hardship funds to assist students facing financial difficulties during their studies. International students are encouraged to seek information about scholarships available specifically for international applicants. Overall, the university’s extensive network of funding options aims to make high-quality education accessible and affordable for students from diverse backgrounds, enabling them to focus on their academic pursuits without undue financial burden.

Your living expenses may be higher than for a Home student (eg if you stay in Cambridge/the UK during vacations). The minimum resources needed in Cambridge for the year (excluding tuition and College fees) are estimated to be approximately £10,080 in 2017-18 and £10,310 in 2018-19, depending on lifestyle (you should allow for increases in future years).