Policy Studies in Education

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English
Local:$ 10 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 21.7 k / Year(s) Deadline: Jul 28, 2025
16 place StudyQA ranking:5884 Duration:1 year

Photos of university / #ucl

The Policy Studies in Education MA will introduce students to ways of critically analysing education policy within a broad social, economic and political context, considering contemporary developments in education policy in institutional, local, national and global contexts. It will enable them to explore existing policy issues and practices, and apply the insights provided to their own experiences.

Students have the opportunity to engage with a broad range of perspectives and develop a comprehensive theoretical understanding of education policy. Students will study major and topical themes within social science (such as globalisation, markets and managerialism) with a particular emphasis on their effects on and relevance to education.

Students undertake 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), or a report (30 credits) and a third optional module (30 credits).

Core modules

  • Sociology of Education
  • Understanding Education Policy

Optional modules

  • Understanding Education Research
  • Sociology of 'Race' and Education
  • Rights and Education
  • Gender, Sexuality and Education
  • Theoretical Foundations of Educational Ideas
  • Minorities, Migrants and Refugees in National Education Systems

Students can also choose from a wide range of Master's-level optional modules across the IOE offering.

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 delivery includes face-to-face Saturday or evening sessions and interactive online learning. It is assessed by coursework assignments of up to 5,000 words and a 20,000-word dissertation or 10,000-word report.

A minimum of a second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard in education or sociology or a cognate discipline is required. Some educational experience in either teaching or administration is considered an advantage.


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
Similar programs:
Study mode:On campus Languages: English
Local:$ 11.4 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 32.3 k / Year(s)
Deadline: Jan 15, 2026 11 place StudyQA ranking: 6034
Study mode:On campus Languages: English
Local:$ 6.83 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 13.7 k / Year(s)
Deadline: May 31, 2025 6 place StudyQA ranking: 6774
Study mode:On campus Languages: English
Local:$ 10 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 21.7 k / Year(s)
Deadline: Sep 1, 2025 16 place StudyQA ranking: 7501
Study mode:On campus Languages: English
Local:$ 8.53 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 15.4 k / Year(s)
Deadline: May 31, 2025 6 place StudyQA ranking: 6584
Study mode:On campus Languages: English
Local:$ 10 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 21.7 k / Year(s)
Deadline: Jul 28, 2025 16 place StudyQA ranking: 7282
Study mode:On campus Languages: English
Local:$ 6.96 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 6.96 k / Year(s)
160 place StudyQA ranking: 6738
Study mode:On campus Languages: English
Local:$ 7.3 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 16.8 k / Year(s)
107 place StudyQA ranking: 5697
Study mode:On campus Languages: English
Local:$ 6.96 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 6.96 k / Year(s)
160 place StudyQA ranking: 8435
Study mode:On campus Languages: English
Local:$ 7.91 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 17.4 k / Year(s)
351–400 place StudyQA ranking: 6344
Study mode:On campus Languages: English
Local:$ 7.17 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 17.6 k / Year(s)
301–350 place StudyQA ranking: 10384