MSc Education (Policy and International Development)
- MSc
Overview
The Policy and International Development pathway focuses on the relationship between education policy and practice and international development. It probes the influence of global policy agendas on education and the contribution that education makes to social justice, economic growth and sustainable development.
In line with the sustainable development agenda, development is treated as an international issue, and the pathway considers case studies from countries around the world as well as from within Bristol. It examines formal and informal education through diverse institutions and organisations, including schools, universities and community organisations.
This MSc takes a critical look at ideas about social development – such as human rights, the capability approach, and peace building – and their implications for education policy and practice. There will be opportunities to explore how educational theories and practice travel between and are adapted to specific contexts. You will analyse the role of key organisations involved in the global governance of education, including civil society, international non-governmental organisations, development agencies and commercial bodies.
The Policy and International Development pathway develops your skills in using international and comparative research, both in education and in analysing education policy. You will be supported to develop your own reasoned position and distinctive critical voice for commenting on education policy and education's role within social development at international, national and local level. You will have access to first-class library and information services, allowing you to study the specific ideas, issues, initiatives and policies you are interested in.
Programme structure
Our education master's degrees give you the opportunity to select a programme of study tailored towards your interests and learning needs. The range of degrees we offer means you will be able to specialise and receive an award in a particular discipline area.
Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MSc in Education (Policy and International Development). Please note that this pathway consists of core units that all students on the pathway must take and a range of optional units that students can choose from, within availability or timetabling constraints.
Alternatively, you can design your own pathway by opting not to specialise and to take those units that fit with your availability. Units can be taken from across the different specialisms and from our bank of available optional units to build a tailored programme of study, resulting in an award of MSc Education.
Entry requirements
You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in any discipline.
If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date.
We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree. Specific module requirements would still apply.
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
Go to admissions statementIf English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level E.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
Fees and funding
- Home: full-time
- £12,300 per year
- Home: part-time (three years)
- £4,100 per year
- Home: part-time (two years)
- £6,150 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £28,200 per year
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.
Alumni discount
University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.
Funding and scholarships
Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Career prospects
Our goal is to equip you with the tools to demonstrate impact, excellence and distinctiveness in your chosen field.
We will enable our graduates to display the following characteristics:
- be equipped to demonstrate impact, excellence and distinctiveness in your chosen field;
- be visionary, imaginative, innovative, reflective and creative;
- have high ideals and values, including a strong sense of social justice;
- be highly employable throughout the world;
- be adaptable, with the potential to be a leader in work and in the community.
Graduates with an MSc in Education often advance into roles in:
- Teaching and educational leadership – Many work as teachers (if they hold Qualified Teacher Status or equivalent – additional qualifications) or progress into leadership roles such as curriculum coordinators, headteachers, or educational consultants.
- Education policy and administration – Opportunities exist within government bodies, local authorities, and education charities, influencing policy and practice.
- Higher education and academic research – postgraduate students could choose to continue into PhD programmes or take on academic research roles within universities or independent education think tanks.
- EdTech and corporate training – Graduates may move into educational technology companies, instructional design, or corporate training and development.
Contact us
- Contact
- Enquiries Team
- Phone
- +44 (0) 117 394 1649
- choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk
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