Educational Assessment

Description:
The MSc Educational Assessment programme at University College London is a comprehensive and innovative course designed to equip students with an in-depth understanding of assessment principles and practices in educational settings. This programme explores the theoretical foundations and practical applications of assessment, focusing on how evaluation techniques influence teaching, learning, and policy development. Designed for practitioners, researchers, and policymakers, the course offers a multidisciplinary perspective grounded in educational psychology, measurement theory, and educational technology. Throughout the programme, students will examine topics such as formative and summative assessment strategies, standardized testing, digital assessment tools, and the ethical considerations surrounding assessment practices. The curriculum emphasizes critical analysis of assessment policies and their impact on diverse learner populations, aiming to foster equitable and effective assessment systems. Students will engage in empirical research projects, practical workshops, and case studies to develop skills in designing, implementing, and interpreting assessment tools. The programme is tailored to support career advancement in education, assessment development, testing organisations, and educational policy institutions. Taught by leading experts in the field, the course benefits from UCL’s strong research base and its collaborations with national and international assessment agencies. Graduates of this programme will gain the analytical and practical skills necessary to innovate and lead assessment initiatives across various educational contexts, ensuring assessment practices that are fair, valid, and reliable. The MSc Educational Assessment prepares students for roles in academia, educational consultancy, government agencies, and the private sector, where they can contribute to the development of effective assessment policies and practices worldwide.

The programme provides students with the opportunity to develop an in-depth understanding of assessment issues, practices and policies both in the UK and internationally. They will join the only MA programme in London affiliated with the Chartered Institute of Educational Assessors (CIEA), benefiting also from fastrack to chartered assessor status, on successful completion of the programme.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of one core module (30 credits, and either three optional modules (90 credits) and a dissertation (60 credits), or a 30-credit report plus an additional optional module (credits).

Core module

There is just one core module for the MA Educational Assessment

• Assessment: Issues and Practice

Optional modules include

• Educational Testing
• Understanding Research
• Perspectives on International Reform of Curriculum and Assessment
• Investigating Research
• Curriculum Design and Development
• Guiding Effective Learning and Teaching
• Assessment for Learning

Dissertation/report

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

Teaching and learning

Depending on the modules taken, the programme is delivered through face-to-face evening sessions, intensive five day face-to-face daytime sessions, and or on-line. A typical evening face-to-face session consists of two and a half hours of lectures, dialogue, small group discussions, presentations and/or a range of other activities.

Normally applicants are expected to have a second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard, and a clearly expressed interest in educational assessment, gained largely through experience. Teaching, assessment development and implementation, and/or policy experience is very welcomed, but not a requirement.

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

Financing studies for the Educational Assessment program at University College London typically involve a combination of government funding, scholarships, bursaries, student loans, and personal financial resources. Prospective students are encouraged to explore UCL’s official funding opportunities, which include doctoral and taught master's scholarships, departmental awards, and external funding sources from government bodies, charitable foundations, and international organizations. The UK government provides student loans through the Student Loans Company, applicable to eligible domestic students pursuing postgraduate studies. International students may need to seek alternative funding options, such as international scholarships offered by UCL or external organizations. Students are advised to apply early for funding opportunities, as competitive scholarships often have application deadlines well in advance of program start dates. Additionally, many students finance their studies through part-time employment, either on or off campus, or through family contributions. UCL's Financial Support Office offers comprehensive guidance on funding options, including financial planning and advice on budgeting. The total cost of the program encompasses tuition fees, which vary depending on the student’s residency status, as well as living expenses, study materials, and insurance. International students should also consider visa application costs and health insurance requirements. UCL’s commitment to access and inclusion is reflected in its various financial aid packages aimed at reducing financial barriers to postgraduate studies. In summary, financing the Educational Assessment program involves multiple sources, with students encouraged to explore all available scholarships, loans, bursaries, and employment options to support their studies effectively and complete their education without undue financial hardship.

The MSc Educational Assessment at University College London is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in the field of educational measurement, evaluation, and assessment practices. The course aims to prepare professionals who can develop, implement, and interpret assessments in various educational settings, from schools to higher education institutions and policy-making bodies. The curriculum integrates theoretical foundations with practical applications, emphasizing current challenges and innovations in educational assessment, such as technological advancements and inclusive assessment practices. Students engage with topics including psychometrics, testing theories, statistical analysis, curriculum design, and the ethical considerations surrounding assessment and testing. The program features a combination of lectures, seminars, and hands-on projects to ensure participants gain both conceptual understanding and practical competence. Throughout the course, students have opportunities to work on real-world assessment projects and collaborate with experts in the field. The program typically attracts graduates from diverse backgrounds, including education, psychology, statistics, and related disciplines, aiming to foster interdisciplinary insights into assessment practices. Graduates of the MSc in Educational Assessment are well-prepared for careers in educational testing organizations, government agencies, research institutes, and educational technology companies. They may also pursue further academic research, including doctoral studies. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and innovative approaches to assessment aimed at improving educational outcomes and fairness. As part of UCL’s commitment to research-led teaching, the faculty incorporates current research developments into its curriculum, ensuring students are up-to-date with the latest trends and challenges in educational assessment. The program duration is typically one year full-time or part-time over two years, offering flexibility for working professionals. Students benefit from access to UCL’s extensive academic resources, libraries, and research centers dedicated to education and social sciences. Overall, this program aims to produce experts capable of contributing to the development of fair, valid, and reliable assessment methods to support lifelong learning and educational improvement worldwide.