University College London (UCL)
Policy Studies in Education MA
London, United Kingdom
MA
DURATION
5 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
The Policy Studies in Education MA program is designed for those interested in understanding and influencing education policies. It offers a mix of theoretical and practical approaches, helping students analyze how policies are created, implemented, and evaluated. The course covers key topics like governance, equity, and research methods, giving students a solid foundation to think critically about education systems and policies on national and international levels. This program prepares students to work in government, research, or organizations shaping education policies.
Students can expect a flexible structure with a variety of modules that allow for specialization in areas like educational leadership or social justice. The program encourages critical thinking and real-world application, often including case studies and opportunities for practical engagement. Throughout the course, students will develop skills in policy analysis, research, and communication, which are useful for careers in policy development, consultancy, or further academic study. The program aims to support students in exploring their interests and making a meaningful impact on education policy worldwide.
UCL Scholarships
There are a number of scholarships available to postgraduate students, including our UCL Master's Bursary for UK students and our UCL Global Master's Scholarship for international students. You can click the link below to search via the scholarships finder for awards that you might be eligible for. Your academic department will also be able to provide you with more information about funding.
External Scholarships
Online aggregators like Postgraduate Studentships, Scholarship Search, Postgraduate Funding and International Financial Aid and College Scholarship Search contain information on a variety of external schemes.
If you have specific circumstances or an ethnic or religious background, it is worth searching for scholarships/bursaries/grants that relate to those things. Some schemes are very specific.
Funding for disabled students
Master's students who have a disability may be able to get extra funding for additional costs they incur to study.
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 of 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 of 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
Full-time
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 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.
Part-time
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 the 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 the 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 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.
Flexible
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 the 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 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
- Sociology of Education
- Understanding Education Policy
- Report on Policy Studies in Education
- Dissertation on Policy Studies in Education
Optional modules
- Theoretical Foundations of Educational Ideas
- Understanding Education Research
- Gender, Sexuality and Education
- Rights and Education
- Minorities, Migrants and Refugees in National Education Systems
- Sociology of Race and Education
- Education for Sustainable Development: Perspectives from Policy and Practice
- Introduction to Quantitative Methods for Social Sciences
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.
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.
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.
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 worldwide, 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 the 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.