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Preparing your educational journey
Tuition GBP 15,525 (Tuition (Full programme)) — International students; GBP 7,145 (Tuition (Full programme)) — EU/EEA students
Degree MA
Duration 12 months
Delivery On-campus
Location London, UK
Language English

Program Overview

The Policy Studies in Education at University College London (UCL) is a MA programme in Education over 12 months, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.

Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of education. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.

Graduates of the Policy Studies in Education programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across United Kingdom and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.

Key Program Features

  1. Duration: 12 months
  2. Language of instruction: English
  3. Study mode: On-campus
  4. English requirement: IELTS 7
  5. Tuition: GBP 15,525 (Tuition (Full programme)) — International students; GBP 7,145 (Tuition (Full programme)) — EU/EEA students
  6. Location: London, United Kingdom

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Policy Studies in Education programme are prepared for diverse careers in education:

  1. Teacher / Lecturer
  2. Educational Consultant
  3. Curriculum Designer
  4. School Administrator
  5. Education Policy Researcher
  6. Training Specialist

Program Curriculum

The Policy Studies in Education MA has three compulsory modules.

Full-time students will complete the course within one academic year.

The first is the Sociology of Education module (Autumn Term), which offers significant insights into the relationship between education and the state, society, and the individual.

The second is the Understanding Education Policy module (Spring Term), which is designed to cover key perspectives and concepts in the analysis of education policy.

The third is a choice between either a Dissertation or a Report in education policy studies.

You will also have the opportunity to select two (if you choose the Dissertation) or three (if you choose the Report) optional modules. A module is a one-term course, usually involving attendance at ten teaching sessions and the submission of written and/or other assignments for assessment.

The Policy Studies in Education MA has three compulsory modules.

Part-time students will complete the course over two academic years.

The first is the Sociology of Education module (Autumn Term, in first year of study), which offers significant insights into the relationship between education and the state, society, and the individual.

The second is the Understanding Education Policy module (Spring Term, in first year of study), which is designed to cover key perspectives and concepts in the analysis of education policy.

The third is a choice between either a Dissertation or a Report in education policy studies.

The compulsory modules are the same as for full time students but you can take them and the optional modules over a two year period. You will take one module per term in the first year, and in the second year, one or two modules and complete your dissertation or report.

The Policy Studies in Education MA has three compulsory modules.

Modular/flexible students will complete the course over up to five years.

The first is the Sociology of Education module (Autumn Term, in first year of study), which offers significant insights into the relationship between education and the state, society, and the individual.

The second is the Understanding Education Policy module (Spring Term), which is designed to cover key perspectives and concepts in the analysis of education policy.

The third is a choice between either a Dissertation or a Report in education policy studies.

The compulsory modules are the same as for full time students but you can take them and additional optional modules over a 5 year period.

UK students should note that the flexible route is not eligible for a Postgraduate Student Loan.

Compulsory modules


Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

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.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

If your education has not been conducted in the English language, you will be expected to demonstrate evidence of an adequate level of English proficiency.

The English language level for this programme is: Special. Only the IELTS or a pass to the required standard in the Institute of Education\'s pre-sessional English (PASHE) course are accepted. If taking IELTS, applicants must obtain an overall grade of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in the reading subtest and 6.0 in the writing subtest.

English Proficiency: IELTS 7 or equivalent.

Tuition & Financial Information

Tuition Fee

GBP 15,525 (Tuition (Full programme)) — International students; GBP 7,145 (Tuition (Full programme)) — EU/EEA students

Tuition fees: GBP 15,525 (Tuition (Full programme)) — International students; GBP 7,145 (Tuition (Full programme)) — EU/EEA students

IELTS requirement: 7

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Contact University College London (UCL) directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.

About University College London (UCL)

University College London (UCL) logo

University College London (UCL)

London, UK

University College London, which operates as UCL, is a public research university in London, England. It is a member institution of the federal University of London, and is the second-largest...

University Profile
  • Start Date September 2026
  • Language English
  • Duration 12 months