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Policy Studies in Education MA

London, Bloomsbury

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 both in England and elsewhere around the world, and apply the insights provided to their own experiences.

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2025/26)
£13,500
£6,750
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Overseas tuition fees (2025/26)
£33,000
£16,500
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Duration
1 calendar year
2 calendar years
5 calendar years
Programme starts
September 2025
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 14 Oct 2024 – 27 Jun 2025

Applications closed

Applicants who do not require a visa: 14 Oct 2024 – 31 Aug 2025

Applications closed

Find similar courses still open

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 programme is: Level 3

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 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

Students have the opportunity to develop a comprehensive theoretical understanding of contemporary education policy, drawing in particular on sociological perspectives. Students will study important and topical themes within social science (such as globalisation, neoliberalism, ‘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 programme is suited to people involved in or interested in contemporary education policy, administration, and governance. It attracts both full-time and part-time students. Some experience in studying sociology is desirable. 

Experience in working/volunteering in educational settings is an advantage. 

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

What this course will give you

The Department of Education, Practice and Society at IOE, UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society 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 programmes share some modules and the MA Programme Leaders and Module Leaders work closely together as a team. Students 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 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

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. 

Employability

Graduates of this programme 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 policy-making in different organisations. Other graduates have chosen further study at doctoral level, and some have then moved into academia.  

Networking

The MA 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 MA and their career development since completing the MA. 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 programme 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, developing presentations to peers, and other activities.

Assessments for this programme take a variety of forms. Often this is through a combination of longform essay assignments and shorter written pieces or presentations. The submission of a report or dissertation is also required. Students will usually be able to submit drafts or outlines of written assignments for formative feedback before 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 programme 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 a written assignment for assessment.

The Policy Studies in Education MA has three compulsory modules.

Part-time students will complete the programme 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 programme 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

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

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Graduate Open Events: Master's courses in Social Justice, Policy and Sociology of Education

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Be inspired by academics with first-hand experience of world-leading research and knowledge creation. We welcome you to book your place at our Virtual Open Event. You will meet our academics, hear about the courses 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.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2025/26) £13,500 £6,750
Tuition fees (2025/26) £33,000 £16,500

Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.

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

For Full-time and Part-time offer holders a fee deposit will be charged at 10% of the first year fee.

For flexible/modular offer holders a £500 fee 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 £18 (note, this was the fee for 2024 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.

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 £114.50. This price was published by TfL in 2024. 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: NOW CLOSED FOR 2024/25 ENTRY
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: NOW CLOSED FOR 2024/25 ENTRY
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. 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 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.

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 Programme, 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 programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Got questions? Get in touch

Education, Practice and Society
Education, Practice and Society

patrick.bailey@ucl.ac.uk

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