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Policy Studies in Education MA

London, Bloomsbury

The Policy Studies in Education MA will introduce you 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 you to explore existing policy issues and practices both in England and elsewhere around the world, and apply the insights provided to your own experiences.

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2026/27)
£14,200
£7,100
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Overseas tuition fees (2026/27)
£35,400
£17,700
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Duration
1 calendar year
2 calendar years
5 calendar years
Programme starts
September 2026
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 20 Oct 2025 – 26 Jun 2026
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 20 Oct 2025 – 28 Aug 2026
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

Entry requirements

The minimum requirement for entry to this programme is a second class Bachelor’s degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. As the academic content on our MA programmes is demanding, we are particularly looking for applicants with strong and relevant academic backgrounds, normally in sociology and/ or education. A range of other academic backgrounds may be considered where applicants can demonstrate other strengths. For instance, we also look for applicants who can demonstrate substantial relevant experience in educational organisations.

The English language level for this course 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 course is suitable for international students on a Student visa – study must be full-time, face-to-face, starting September.

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

You have the opportunity to develop a comprehensive theoretical understanding of contemporary education policy, drawing in particular on sociological perspectives. You will study important and topical themes within social science (such as globalisation, governance, neoliberalism, privatisation, ‘race’, gender and social class) with a particular emphasis on their effects on and relevance to shaping education policy and its implications for social justice in England and other countries.

Who this course is for

This course is for people involved in or interested in contemporary education policy, administration, and governance. It will be suitable for those interested in the fields of Policy Studies, Education Studies and Sociology of Education, and in a professional or academic career in policy and education. 

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

What this course will give you

The course is hosted and delivered by the UCL Institute of Education (IOE). The QS World University Rankings (2025) places the IOE as the # 1 to study Education for the twelfth year running. The Department of Education, Practice and Society at the IOE is the home of an interdisciplinary grouping bringing together high-quality teaching and research in the history, sociology and philosophy of education, international development, post-compulsory and vocational education and higher education.

Policy Studies in Education, along with the MAs in Sociology of Education and Social Justice and Education, is part of the Department's Sociology MA Cluster. The three courses share some modules and the MA Course Leaders and Module Leaders work closely together as a team. You therefore gain invaluable opportunities to study with leading scholars and a cohort of internationally diverse students across these MA cluster pathways.

The MA is taught primarily by sociologists within the department who have expertise in policy analysis, gender, 'race', sexuality, youth, and social class. Those teaching you are active researchers, mainly from the Centre of Sociology of Education and Equity (CSEE),and will introduce you to the latest research and developments in their fields. Linking research, policy and practice, the result is an extraordinarily powerful learning community.

The MA attracts both home and international students, with a range of backgrounds and experiences thus providing excellent educational and networking opportunities.

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

The foundation of your career

Graduates of this course are currently working across a broad range of areas. Some are working in a variety of roles in schools, colleges or universities, while others have jobs in education and other sectors of policy and policy-making in different organisations, both in the UK and overseas. Other graduates have chosen further study at doctoral level, and some have then moved into academia (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017-2022).  

Employability

The course will equip graduates with the potential to become future policymakers, researchers, activists and leaders in the field of education and other relevant sectors. It also offers the potential for professional development for educational practitioners.

Transferable skills include the opportunity to develop your written and analytical skills, such as the ability to concisely summarise diverse bodies of literature and theory, and present fluent written and spoken arguments and reflections.

In terms of content, you will have the opportunity to acquire a broad understanding of contemporary education reforms world-wide with the opportunity, through your written work, to focus on in-depth research of topics of your choice.

The course ensures that you are informed about career information sessions that UCL offers. Every student is assigned a personal academic tutor who has the responsibility, among other things, to help advise on your career options.

Networking

The course attracts students from a range of backgrounds and nationalities, providing opportunities for global networking. Alumni are regularly invited back to share their experiences of research during the course and their career development since completing the course. Students encounter academics at the many seminars and events provided within the Centre for Sociology of Education and Equity and in the Faculty and UCL more broadly, as well as at Sociology cluster socials.

Teaching and learning

The modules in this course are usually delivered through face-to-face evening sessions using a variety of teaching and learning styles. These may be accompanied by interactive online learning. Lectures are usually followed by open discussion or group work. At other times, a seminar format is adopted involving, for example, group discussion of set reading, generating collective resources, discussing vignettes, debates, developing presentations to peers, and other activities.

Assessment takes a variety of forms. It can involve written coursework assignments, drawing on the module materials and shaped by your own interests. These are combined with shorter tasks, such as reflecting on the outcomes of literature searches; identifying essay topics and explaining their personal significance; providing peer or reflective feedback; individual or group presentations or other forms of oral assessment. The submission of a report or a dissertation is also required. There will be opportunities for formative feedback before final submission.

Please note that all our MA Sociology Cluster modules run in the evenings, from approximately 17:00 or 17:30. This is to enable part-time students who are working during the day to attend.

A 30-credit module usually involves 30 hours attendance per term (10 x 3 hour sessions) plus additional tutoring for assignments.

The Dissertation or Report involves at least 15 hours of support (comprised of several group support sessions, plus supervisor reading time, and supervisor-student meetings for feedback and guidance).

Each 30-credit module is intended to constitute 300 hours studying. The majority of this is self-directed study.

For full-time students, typical contact hours across two modules are around 6-9 hours per week during term time, involving 6 hours teaching plus approximately 2-3 hours optional sessions, office hours and support sessions. Outside of lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials, full-time students typically study the equivalent of a full-time job, using their remaining time for self-directed study and completing coursework assignments.

Modules

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






Optional modules





Minorities, Migrants and Refugees in National Education Systems





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 Policy Studies in Education.

Accessibility

The department will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences and mental health conditions. This list is not exhaustive. If you're unsure of your eligibility for reasonable adjustments at UCL, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

Reasonable adjustments are implemented on a case-by-case basis. With the student's consent, reasonable adjustments are considered by UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services, and where required, in collaboration with the respective department.

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

For more information about the department and accessibility arrangements for your course, please contact the department.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2026/27) £14,200 £7,100
Tuition fees (2026/27) £35,400 £17,700

Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.

Postgraduate Taught students benefit from a cohort guarantee, meaning that their tuition fees will not increase during the course of the programme, but UCL reserves the right to increase tuition fees to reflect any sums (including levies, taxes, or similar financial charges) that UCL is required to pay any governmental authority in connection with tuition fees.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Where the course 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

For full-time and part-time offer holders with a fee status classification of UK, a fee deposit will be charged at 2.5% of the first year fee.

For full-time and part-time offer holders with a fee status classification of Overseas, a fee deposit will be charged at 10% of the first year fee.

For modular/flexible offer holders with a fee status classification of UK, a £350 deposit will be charged.

For modular/flexible offer holders with a fee status classification of Overseas, a £500 deposit will be charged.

Further information can be found in the Tuition fee deposits section on this page: Tuition fees.

Students should take into account any travel, accommodation and expenses involved in their report or dissertation. If students decide to undertake fieldwork for your report or dissertation, it must be self-funded.

DBS may be required depending on the type of research undertaken for the dissertation module. The DBS application cost will be covered by UCL, but offer holders will also need to have their ID checked and verified at a Post Office, for which they will incur a charge of £15 (note, this was the fee for 2025 but may change). The offer holder is also required to arrange and pay for any overseas police check that may be necessary; costs vary by country. For more information about the DBS application process, please contact the Admissions team.

For in-person teaching, UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £119.90. This price was published by TfL in 2025. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide.

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: 12 December 2024
Value: Full fees, flights, stipend, and other allowances (1 year)
Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need
Eligibility: EU, Overseas

GREAT Scholarship

Now closed for 2025/26 entry
Value: £10,000 towards tuition fees (1 year)
Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need
Eligibility: EU, Overseas

IOE - Aziz Foundation Scholarships

Value: Full tuition fees (1 year)
Criteria Based on academic merit
Eligibility: UK

IOE-Clarke Scholarships

Deadline: 5 May 2025
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: 5 May 2025
Value: Tuition fees and accommodation at International Students House (1 year)
Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need
Eligibility: 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 course of £90 for online applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

When we assess your application we would like to learn:

  • why you want to study Policy Studies in Education at graduate level
  • why you want to study Policy Studies in Education at UCL
  • what particularly attracts you to the chosen course
  • how your academic and professional background meets the demands of this challenging course
  • 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 course match what the course will deliver.

We look for a strong academic background in general, since the course is intellectually demanding. We particularly look for some background in Sociology, as its concepts are key to the course, or in Education and other cognate fields, and/or experience as an educator. Your application will still be considered if you do not have these, but you would need to address this explicitly in your Personal Statement.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate courses (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: 2026-2027

Apply for this course

Got questions? Get in touch

Education, Practice and Society
Education, Practice and Society

patrick.bailey@ucl.ac.uk

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