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Education and International Development: Conflict, Emergencies and Peace (CEP) MA

London, Bloomsbury

This programme focuses on the concepts and theories relating to education in conflict and emergencies and implications for peace and development. Students engage with knowledge and skills to understand, evaluate and critique elements of research and to build new theories that advance this growing field of study. Students will gain the knowledge and skills to pursue careers in the academe, research institutes, policy sector and humanitarian and development organisations.

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2024/25)
£12,700
£6,350
Overseas tuition fees (2024/25)
£28,100
£14,050
Duration
1 academic year
2 academic years
5 academic years
Programme starts
September 2024
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 16 Oct 2023 – 28 Jun 2024
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 16 Oct 2023 – 30 Aug 2024
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

Entry requirements

A minimum of a second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or overseas qualification of an equivalent standard is required together with relevant experience in low or middle-income countries (normally a minimum of six months). Applicants should demonstrate commitment and genuine interest in issues relating to education in conflict and crisis situations.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

This programme is suitable for international students on a Student visa – study must be full-time, face-to-face, starting October.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

This programme provides students with the opportunity to develop a critical understanding of key aspects of theory, policy and practice in the field of education in conflict and crisis (e.g. refugee situations, pandemics and ongoing wars). In particular, they will become critically aware of political, economic and social dimensions of education and their relationships with instabilities, armed conflicts and prospects for peace with social justice. Students benefit from being taught by renowned researchers in the field, as well as being part of a student community with diverse experience of working in contexts affected by war and other types of emergencies.

The programme can be taken on campus, online (distance), or a combination of both (mixed mode). Please select the relevant mode of study at point of application. Note that distance and mixed mode options are not available to students applying for a student visa.

Who this course is for

This programme is suited to professionals working in the formal and non-formal sectors in education and international development, possibly on policies and practice related to or programmes in contexts that are affected by conflict and humanitarian crisis, who would like to reflect and build on their experience in these areas.

Read about what it takes to study for a Master's at UCL

What this course will give you

This is a unique MA programme that is designed to help learners develop a critical understanding of the multidimensional interactions between social divisions, inequalities and educational development; how education can fuel or mitigate causes of conflict; and how to reconceptualise the notion, approaches, methods/ tools of education in politically unstable and fragile environments. Providing an opportunity to learn about theories of development and educational development from conflict and peace perspectives, this programme is dedicated to serving the most vulnerable learners in conflict and crisis.

This MA is taught in the department of Education, Practice and Society at IOE, UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society which is the well-established home of an interdisciplinary grouping, bringing together high-quality teaching and research in the history, sociology and philosophy of education and international development; and the Centre for Education and International Development (CEID) is comprised of a team of internationally recognised academics who are committed to advancing research, transforming policies and practice in the field of education in conflict and crisis. With a history of teaching, researching and supporting education in low and middle income countries over the last 85 years, CEID has a strong network of alumni who work in a number of national and international organisations in different parts of the world. 

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme

The foundation of your career

It is intended that students who participate fully in the programme will develop the following:

  • the ability to reflect critically on a wide range of contemporary debates and issues concerning education in conflict and crisis;
  • their knowledge of and understanding in the field of education particularly focusing on the contexts that have been affected by conflict and other types of emergencies, and the implications of published research in this area for their own practice;
  • their skills in oral presentation and discussion, critical reading and reflective and analytical writing;
  • an understanding of the processes entailed in research and the experience of conducting their own small scale research study.

Employability

Graduates of our international development programmes are mostly employed in NGOs, donor and multi-lateral agencies, national and local education departments, schools and universities. With a broad understanding of education and international development and the specialisation in conflict, emergencies and peace, our graduates are best suited to work for humanitarian agencies, international/ UN organisations, research institutes and education aid agencies that support education in politically and socially unstable environments (e.g., refugee camps, contexts of ongoing wars, health emergencies, crisis caused by natural disasters, such as hurricane/ flood/ earthquake/ drought). Some students continue on to doctoral study.


A number of students are mid-career professionals (including teachers, ministry staff and NGO professionals), for whom the programme forms part of their wider professional development, providing access to more senior roles or to a change of career direction.

Networking

During your time at UCL, you will be able to build networks with fellow students on this programme and the other programmes in the Education and International Development cluster, academic staff and alumni in the Centre for Education and International Development, as well as the broader UCL community.

Teaching and learning

This MA programme promotes the philosophy of co-learning and collaboration. Students work in small groups to apply theoretical knowledge in a variety of case studies and problem scenarios and present their group work to the class or online on discussion forums. We encourage students to engage in dialogue with their tutors and peers to 1) clarify their understanding of key concepts introduced in weekly sessions; 2) critique texts and visual learning materials; and 3) test new ideas and educational approaches to peace and social transformation. The more actively the students engage in discussions, the better they can learn and develop their academic abilities. We usually organise teaching and learning activities in a blended mode where students in the physical classroom and those connecting remotely via digital technologies learn together. The Moodle space is a rich learning platform through which students access learning materials and engage in discussions before and after the sessions with their tutors.

Teaching on the programme is intended to provide learners with a critical perspective on a range of different frameworks through which they can understand their experiences and practice. A range of teaching and learning methods are used including lectures, participant-led presentations, group work, workshops, online activities. Most taught modules are assessed through a piece of written coursework, usually of 5,000 words in length. Depending on the module, this may take the form of a discursive essay, critical analysis of empirical research, review of literature, group presentation or a project or research/ technical proposal.

For each 30-credit taught module students are expected to contribute 300 learning hours (a little over 37 days at 8 hours per day). Direct teaching/contact hours accounts for 30 hours, assignment tutorial(s) 1 hour, and the remaining hours consist of your own self-directed study such as preparation for classes and online learning activities, reading (individual and with other students), searching for new literature related to your area of interest, assignment preparation and completion.

Modules

The programme is designed to give you the coherence of a Master's degree in the area of education and international development with a particular focus on conflict and protracted crises. It allows some flexibility to design the degree that best meets your needs and accords with your interests. The programme consists of two compulsory modules, a dissertation and two optional modules. Students are free to select one of their optional modules from the wider range of MA level modules offered across IOE/UCL subject to availability. At least one optional module must be selected from the list of Education and International Development cluster optional modules.

A particular strength of our programme is that our students represent a variety of backgrounds and come with a wide and rich range of experience in low and middle-income contexts, many of which are affected by violent conflict, emergencies and political instabilities. The programme hence provides an enriching learning experience through critical reflections on the practical experiences of all learners and the application of theories to inform policies and practice. The compulsory modules are designed to help you develop a theoretical, conceptual and critical framework for the understanding and analysis of your experience in education, conflict and international development.

It is possible to study this MA part-time over 2 years. You will need to select a total of 180 credits. You will study the two compulsory modules: Education and International Development: Concepts, Theories and Issues and Education, Conflict and Peace and the Dissertation. You must select 2 optional modules and you are free to select one of the optional modules from the wider range of MA level modules offered across IOE/UCL, subject to availability. At least one optional module must be selected from the list of Education and International Development Cluster optional modules. Ideally, you will complete the compulsory modules in the first year, which will provide you a broad range of theoretical knowledge in the field to help complete your dissertation focusing on education in conflict and emergencies in the second year. 

You can also study this programme on a modular/flexible mode over 2-5 years. This means that you are able to choose the module/s as suited to your interest/ availability over the programme period. Students are free to select one of their optional modules from the wider range of MA level modules offered across IOE/UCL, subject to availability. You will need to gain a total of 180 credits to complete the MA. We recommend that students complete the compulsory modules before they enrol in the dissertation module.

Compulsory modules





Optional modules











Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MA in Education and International Development: Conflict, Emergencies and Peace (CEP).

Fieldwork

Students may choose to organise and undertake fieldwork in relation to their research for their dissertation, but this is not a requirement. If undertaken, fieldwork must be self-funded.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team.

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Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: Education and International Development

Are you passionate about shaping global contemporary practice and policy? We welcome you to book your place at our Virtual Open Event. You will meet our Programme Leaders, hear about the programmes you are interested in and have the chance to ask any questions you might have. These sessions are free and open to all. Be part of a world-leading centre for research and teaching working to make a difference in the world.

Watch on demand event

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2024/25) £12,700 £6,350
Tuition fees (2024/25) £28,100 £14,050

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

Students should take into account any travel, accommodation and expenses involved in their dissertation.

If students decide to undertake the fieldwork, it must be self-funded.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs.

Funding your studies

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme (CSSS)

Deadline: 14 December 2023
Value: Full fees, flights, stipend, and other allowances (1 year)
Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need
Eligibility: EU, Overseas

GREAT Scholarship

Deadline: 14 May 2024
Value: £10,000 towards tuition fees (1 year)
Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need
Eligibility: EU, Overseas

IOE-Clarke Scholarships

Deadline: 3 May 2024
Value: Tuition fees, return flights and stipend (1 year)
Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need
Eligibility: EU, Overseas

IOE-ISH Centenary Masters Scholarships

Deadline: 3 May 2024
Value: Tuition fees and accommodation (1 year)
Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need
Eligibility: EU, Overseas

Next steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications and £115 for paper applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

When we assess your application we would like to learn:

  • why you want to study Education and International Development: Conflict, Emergencies and Peace at graduate level
  • why you want to study Education and International Development: Conflict, Emergencies and Peace at UCL
  • what particularly attracts you to the chosen programme
  • how your academic and professional background meets the demands of this challenging programme
  • where you would like to go professionally with your degree

together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2024-2025

Apply for this course

Got questions? Get in touch

Education, Practice and Society
Education, Practice and Society

ioe.ma.cep@ucl.ac.uk

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