Program Overview

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Introduction to the Higher Education Studies MA

The Higher Education Studies MA is designed to provide critical insights into the changing field of Higher Education, reflecting on important debates nationally and internationally. The programme encourages students to explore, share, and challenge existing knowledge, examining Higher Education policy and practices both comparatively and in relation to their own experience.

Programme Overview

The programme will develop students' understanding of conceptual and analytical frameworks, increasing their knowledge, skills, and confidence to operate effectively and creatively in diverse institutions in Higher Education.

Key Features

• The programme is available in full-time, part-time, and flexible study modes.
• Tuition fees for UK students are ｣14,200 for full-time and ｣7,100 for part-time study.
• Tuition fees for international students are ｣32,000 for full-time and ｣16,000 for part-time study.
• The programme duration is 1 calendar year for full-time students, 2 calendar years for part-time students, and up to 5 years for flexible study.

Entry Requirements

• A minimum of a relevant second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.
• Relevant personal or professional experience of Higher Education.
• English language requirements: Level 2.

English Language Requirements

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

Visa Information for Non-UK Students

This programme is suitable for international students on a Student visa, with study being full-time, face-to-face, starting in September.

Equivalent Qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting different parts 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 provided list.

About the Degree

Compulsory modules explore key contemporary national and global issues in Higher Education, such as quality, public/private debates on funding and provision, access and social justice, strategy and management, academic and professional workforce, pedagogy, internationalisation, and the impact of globalisation, technological change, and cross-national agencies.

Dissertation or Report

The Dissertation or Report is an opportunity for an in-depth critical exploration of a field of study in Higher Education on a topic of direct interest to the student.

Who This Course Is For

Graduates of any relevant social science discipline with an interest in working in Higher Education and related fields; administrators and managers; researchers, teachers, and professional staff from registry, library, careers, learning support, or widening participation; and policymakers from universities, colleges, national organisations, and professional bodies.

What This Course Will Give You

This programme provides the opportunity to study for an inter-disciplinary, inter-professional qualification, examining Higher Education policies and practices in relation to personal or professional experience of the sector. The programme of seminars and events offered by the Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) is an additional benefit, bringing together students, researchers, consultants, and practitioners focusing on Higher Education.

Employability

The programme is designed to help students connect theory, policy, and practice in the Higher Education sector. Graduates will develop the knowledge and skills to work confidently and creatively in diverse institutions in Higher Education and related fields.

Networking

The Department of Education, Practice and Society is a multidisciplinary department with extensive expertise and experience in research, knowledge transfer, and consultancy in the UK, Europe, and Asia. The Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) brings together students, researchers, consultants, and practitioners focusing on higher education with a distinctive programme of seminars and events.

Teaching and Learning

The programme utilises a variety of learning contexts, including individual tutorials and supervision, taught classes, and independent study. Sometimes an interactive lecture-based approach is used, with the aim of providing an overview of the field. Lectures are usually followed by open discussion or group work.

Assessment

The MA HES core taught modules are assessed by coursework assignments and oral presentations. Optional modules are typically assessed via coursework assignments and oral presentations. The module leader will set out the specification for each module.

Modules

Compulsory Modules

• Understanding Higher Education: Trends and Issues
• Higher Education Strategy and Management
• Report on Higher Education
• Dissertation on Higher Education

Optional Modules

• Higher Education: Comparative and International Perspectives
• Philosophy of Education: Values, Aims and Society
• Sociology of Education
• Comparative Education: Theories and Methods
• Understanding Education Policy
• Understanding Research
• Education for Sustainable Development: Perspectives from Policy and Practice
• Education and Development in Asia
• African Studies and Education
• Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics in Education
• Digital Sociology of Education
• Education Traditions and Systems in Europe
• Education and International Development: Concepts, Theories and Issues
• Global Learning: Principles and Theoretical Perspectives
• Introduction to Quantitative Methods for Social Sciences

Fieldwork

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

Accessibility

The department will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities. 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.

Fees and Funding

Fees

• UK students: ｣14,200 (full-time), ｣7,100 (part-time)
• International students: ｣32,000 (full-time), ｣16,000 (part-time)

Additional Costs

For full-time and part-time offer holders, a fee deposit will be charged. For modular/flexible offer holders, a deposit will be charged. Students should take into account any travel, accommodation, and expenses involved in their dissertation or report. If students decide to undertake any fieldwork for their dissertation research, it must be self-funded.

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.

Scholarships

• GREAT Scholarship
• Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme (CSSS)
• IOE - Aziz Foundation Scholarships
• IOE-Clarke Scholarships
• IOE-ISH Centenary Masters Scholarships

Next Steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding should take note of application deadlines. There is an application processing fee for this course. When assessing applications, the admissions team would like to learn about the applicant's background, reasons for applying, and future career aspirations. The personal statement is an opportunity to illustrate whether the applicant's reasons for applying match what the course will deliver.