MA International Education
Please note: This page is for 2027 entry. Click here for 2026 entry.
| UCAS code | 1234 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 year full time |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | St Luke's Campus |
| Typical offer | We will consider applicants with a 2:2 Honours degree or above (or equivalent). |
|---|---|
Why study MA International Education at Exeter?
- You will explore education as an international and increasingly globalised sphere of activity
- Our Education Studies module will provide you with a thorough grounding in education research, theory and practice
- You will examine some of the major trends and emerging ideas in the field of international education
- You will develop your own understanding and potential to work within international educational institutions and those focused upon internationalising their curriculum
Please note, this is not a teacher training course.
82% of our Education research has internationally excellent impact
Based on research impact rated 4* + 3* in REF 2021
Top 150 in the world for Education Studies
The Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2026
Home to one of the largest Education libraries in the UK
Top 150 for Education in the Shanghai Rankings of Academic Subjects 2025
Entry requirements
We will consider applicants with a 2:2 Honours degree or above (or equivalent). We welcome students from any academic background.
Some modules require Disclosure and Barring Service checks.
Please also see our guidance on essential documentation required for an initial decision on taught programme applications.
Entry requirements for international students
Please visit our entry requirements section for equivalencies from your country and further information on English language requirements.
Please also see our guidance on essential documentation required for an initial decision on taught programme applications.
Entry requirements for international students
English language requirements
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course.
The required IELTS test scores for this course fall under Profile B1.
Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.
Course content
This programme aims to develop an awareness of broad educational issues. It’s well suited for applicants who would like to expand their existing knowledge in education or pursue a career in (international) schools or the third sector.
Your study on this programme will involve an examination of some of the major trends in the field of international education and emerging ideas. We offer:
- A foundation for education (through EFPM914: Educational Studies), which is well suited for students with and without previous experience of education
- A module specifically for education in an international and global context (EFPM912: Perspectives on International Education)
- A module that focuses on education from a policy perspective (EFPM910: Education Policy)
- A module that examines diversity and issues of identity in education (EFPM375: Education for Diversity)
- An elective module covering a variety of areas (such as creative arts, SEN, etc.)
- A module focused on experiencing and reflecting on educational practices
- A dissertation that will support you in designing and carrying out a small scale research project on an educational topic of your choice.
You must take 180 credits in total to qualify with an MA qualification. This will either consist of taught modules to the value of 120 credits and a dissertation worth 60 credits, or a combination of modules, dissertation and accredited prior learning or experience.
The modules below provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
Overall you must take 180 credits
Compulsory Modules - 150 credits
In addition to taking core modules EFPM200, EFPM914, and EFPM912
From Compulsory Choice - you must take at least one of EFPM910 Education Policy OR EFPM375 Education for Diversity
From Dissertation Choice - you must take either EFPM308 Preparing for Educational Research and Dissertation OR EFPM642 Dissertation Portfolio.
Optional Modules - 30 credits
Students can either take the remaining module not already chosen from EFPM910 and EFPM375 in Optional choice or they can choose one of the modules from the Optional 1.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| SoE Success for All | 0 | |
| Perspectives on International Education | 30 | |
| Education Studies | 30 | |
| Compulsory Choice | ||
| Education for Diversity | 30 | |
| Education Policy | 30 | |
| Dissertation Choice | ||
| Preparing for Educational Research and Dissertation | 60 | |
| Preparing for Educational Research and Dissertation | 60 | |
| Dissertation Portfolio | 60 | |
| Dissertation Portfolio | 60 | |
EFPM200: SoE Success for All
Ensuring there are opportunities for you todiscover, grow, and thrive whilst you are with us in the School of Education is important to us. This compulsory non-credit bearing module has been designed to support your transition into masters level study in a UK university by developing a range of skills, knowledge, and experiences for success during your time here and beyond. This will include things like study skills and academic writing support, but also opportunities for you to establish a sense of 'belonging' within the SoE community through participation in a range of activities. We want you to feel a welcomed and valued member of our community.
The principal aim of this module is to enable you to discover, grow and thrive as a Masters level student whilst in the School of Education. As a result, this module will provide opportunities for you to:
- Develop and grow your knowledge, skills, and understanding of how to succeed within the academic discipline of Education at Masters level which promotes critical engagement with theory, research, policy and practice in the field
- Experience a sense of belonging so that you feel a valued member of our internationally and culturally diverse SoE community and are therefore able to thrive in an environment which celebrates and embraces difference.
- Discover opportunities to engage in the wider university community and effect change
- Ensure that you continue to discover, grow and thrive through engaging in 'next steps' sessions which are targeted at supporting your decisions for post-masters study and/or future employment
EFPM912: Perspectives on International Education
We live in an increasingly complex, ever-changing and interconnected world where we face tensions that directly affect the ways we understand education. We will critically explore this complexity as part of this module.
The module will offer you a unique opportunity to consider education in terms of its local and global dimensions, as well as to explore connections and tensions between them. Your study will involve critical examination of a wide range of social, economic, cultural, political and environmental factors which are considered to shape, and be shaped by, education. There are no pre-requisites for this module.
The principal aims of this module are:
- To enable you to explore, and build a sound knowledge base, from which to critically evaluate a selection of key global educational issues
- To critically consider a range of theories, methodologies and research projects which question and unpack ideas about international education and its different manifestations.
- To encourage you to critically consider the role which education might play in creating a more just, equitable and sustainable world
- To offer you the opportunity to examine the linkages, fragmentations and tensions between the global and local and to consider the ramifications which these might have for education
- To enable you the opportunity to reflect on your own cultural ideas and background and explore similarities and differences with different societies across the world in the context of education.
EFPM914: Education Studies
Have you ever wondered what education is for, who it serves, or who decides how it should be organised? This module will enable you to take a critical and questioning approach to a number of issues in education and to further develop an engaged and informed understanding. You will be encouraged to explore different issues by adopting different theoretical approaches and disciplinary perspectives. This module provides an important foundation for further study on our other MA Education modules and will be accessible for current and future educational professionals alike.
There are no pre-requisites to this module. You may be asked to read material in advance of the taught session.
The module has the following principal aims:
To enable you to develop a strong understanding of the core theoretical approaches and disciplinary perspectives which underpin education, in order for you to be able to recognize the particular and distinct contributions that they make to this field of study
To advance your understanding of education as a complex, holistic, multi-dimensional field
To enable you to draw upon different approaches and perspectives in a confident, structured and imaginative manner, in order to address a range of key educational questions
EFPM375: Education for Diversity
This module explores diversity and issues of identity in education from a range of theoretical and practical perspectives. It draws on an intersectional framework (gender, social class, disability, race, culture etc.) that is organised around important and timely issues in education. Your study will involve a critical examination of a wide range of different ideas and theories associated with identity and diversity, such as intersectionality, post-colonial theory, critical race theory, feminist theory, inclusion, and social justice, which are considered to shape, and be shaped by, education. There are no pre-requisites for this module
The principal aims of this module are:
- To enable you to explore, and build a sound knowledge base, from which to critically evaluate issues of diversity in education
- To explore these key issues from different identity perspectives, e.g., gender, social class, disability, race, culture etc. and from an intersectionality perspective
- To introduce you to a range of theories, methodologies and research projects which are considered central to understanding diversity in education, and to critically evaluate their utility
- To encourage you to critically consider the role which education might play in creating a more diverse, just, equitable and sustainable world
- To offer you the opportunity to examine the linkages, fragmentations and tensions which might exist in theory and practice and consider the ramifications which these might have for education
- To enable you the opportunity to explore the links between your own educational experiences and develop empathy for and understanding of the experiences of other people
EFPM910: Education Policy
The purpose of this module is to explore key issues and debates in the field of education. The module will introduce you to the ideas, theories and concepts underpinning education policy debates and to contemporary developments in this field. It seeks to enable you to critically examine education policy developments both within and between national contexts and travelling policy as it moves between different international settings. As such you will be asked to critically examine policy developments in a range of local, national and international contexts and to undertake a study of an education policy development in a setting with which you are familiar.
The principal aim of this module is to facilitate critical examination of education policy in global, national and local contexts. It will seek to develop the following:
- Knowledge and understanding of education policy and its relationship to wider changes at local, national and international levels
- Knowledge and understanding of key ideas underpinning education policy changes, policy processes and developments
- A more developed knowledge and understanding of educational practices and institutional arrangements as they have developed in the context of policy change
- Critical thinking in relation to theoretical perspectives on education policy as a field of contest
- The capacity to effectively contribute to debates about education policy development and change
- The capacity to examine the implications of policy frameworks and discourses for educational institutions and teaching and learning practices
EFPM308: Preparing for Educational Research and Dissertation
This is the final module for campus-based School of Education Masters programmes. This 60-credit module will introduce you to educational research and support you in designing and/or carrying out a small-scale research project on an educational topic of your choice; it is expected that this topic will be linked to your pathway/programme.
The module consists of online materials and/or taught components that build and support the research skills you require. If you choose to do an empirical or literature-based study, a dissertation supervisor will support you in writing a research proposal, carrying out your project and writing up your dissertation. If you choose to do an empirical study, a dissertation supervisor will support you in writing a research proposal, carrying out your project and writing up your dissertation. If you choose to write a more detailed research proposal, a supervisor will support you in developing and articulating your understanding of research paradigms, methodology, methods, and ethics.
The aim of the module is to develop your understanding of a range of methods of educational enquiry and to provide the necessary theoretical background to carry out a research enquiry, usually in a professional context. Specifically, the module will enable you to:
EFPM642: Dissertation Portfolio
Drawing from the discipline of teaching inquiry, this module will introduce you to ideas, resources, and tools to support your own education inquiry, promoting the discussion of contemporary issues in education, alongside creating an educational artefact or resource aimed at enhancing the teaching and learning of others. You will engage in iterative cycles of exploration, investigation, and reflection, deepening your understanding of key educational concepts and related them to developing questions regarding specific issues in contemporary education. Through inquiry-based learning, you will pose questions, reflect on your practice and the practices of others, gather information from existing academic research, and make informed decisions regarding how to enhance the learning of others.
We use the terms artefact and resource to refer to something which is designed and created by you with the intention of addressing a specific issue in education practice. Previous artefact examples and research questions include:
- How can Chinese education enhance teaching methods to foster critical thinking skills? Artefact: a Whodunit murder mystery role play lesson
- How does creative dance education enhance elementary school students' mental wellbeing: Artefacts: lesson plans and teaching resources
- How can we help busy teachers to embed creative thinking in everyday teaching? Artefact: Podcast Series which interviewed a range of academics regarding their conceptualisations of creativity.
- What are the existing problems faced by primary school teachers in China when disciplining students? Artefact: shadow puppet video
- What are the most effective strategies and tools for helping primary school students transition from spoken Arabic dialects to Modern Standard Arabic (MSA)? Artefacts: lesson plans and teaching resources
- How does the integration of identity formation in professional development programmes in Peru influence teachers' motivation and resilience? Artefact: in-service training materials
This module aims to develop your knowledge and skills in:
- Understanding teacher inquiry and its application to educational practice
- Developing, reviewing, and refining project aims within an inquiry framework
- Reviewing and synthesising relevant academic literature to support your understanding of a chosen educational problem
- Applying theory, research, and policy to practice through the design and creation of a practice‑based educational artefact or resource
- Critically evaluating both the final artefact and the learning processes that informed its development
This module provides a distinctive opportunity to investigate an educational issue of personal or professional significance and to develop a practice‑based artefact informed by research.
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Optional 1 | ||
| Contemporary Sociologies of Education | 30 | |
| Education Placement | 30 | |
| Transdisciplinary Collaborations for Creative Futures | 30 | |
| Creativity in Education: Valuing, Facilitating and Assessing It | 30 | |
| Critical Perspectives on Inclusive Education | 30 | |
EFPM376: Contemporary Sociologies of Education
This module offers students an in-depth exploration of the relationship between society and education in contemporary times from diverse sociological points of view, considering global and local contexts where educational processes and problems take shape. It draws on key contemporary and emerging social thinkers, and sociological concepts and approaches applied to different pressing issues in education such as hegemony, cultural capital, teacher professionalisation, emotional labour, biopolitics, genealogy, . You will study core ideas in sociologies of education from scholars such as Pierre Bourdieu, Michael Young, Michael Apple, Michael Foucault, Raewyn Connell, Judith Butler, and postcolonial sociology. The module takes a cutting-edge look at new and emerging areas of attention in the sociologies of education, such as mental health; curriculum, the politics of knowledge, inequalities, social justice and power; the culture of success; teacher professionalisation; and the emerging influence of technologies and life sciences on schools. The module will equip students with the knowledge and skills to be able to work in complex educational organisations, bringing understanding and capacities to intervene in the socio-cultural issues and dilemmas faced by governments, civil society organisations, educators, families, students, and schools.
EFPM379: Education Placement
This module is focused on experiencing and reflecting on educational practices. The module involves two parts: a series of lectures and seminars focusing on critical reflection, experiential learning and professional development within education, and an education placement. The module will provide you with the tools to reflect critically upon your experience, and to consider how this relates to the wider issues, processes, practices, policies and theoretical ideas that you have explored in your academic study. This module thus strongly supports you in connecting theory and practice.
EFPM839: Transdisciplinary Collaborations for Creative Futures
Within this module you will learn with staff and students from across the University, collaborating beyond traditional academic boundaries in a transdisciplinary way where disciplines serve the issue in hand, rather than serving each other. You will work in transdisciplinary teams to explore complex social, educational and ethical issues facilitated through a combination of Creative Pedagogies and Design Thinking. You will be encouraged to collaboratively, and critically, produce original ideas, and think innovatively about the future through research-based activities, fieldwork and creative workshops that blend the arts, sciences, social sciences, humanities and business. Using appropriately innovative assessment techniques, the module will equip you to respond to the global complexity and uncertainty that you will inevitably encounter when you graduate.
There are no pre-requisite or co-requisite modules; it is suitable for M-level students from across the University, including interdisciplinary pathways.
EFPM907: Creativity in Education: Valuing, Facilitating and Assessing It
What is creativity in education and how can we facilitate and assess it? In this module we explore the value of creativity in education, how it manifests and can be facilitated in different disciplines including how we can assess it. The module draws on research and practice within the arts, social sciences and science educational research. It is taught by a team of specialists in creativity, the arts and interdisciplinarity in relation to education. You will develop your understanding of accounts of creativity with particular reference to key theoretical approaches and will explore pedagogical issues for creativity in learning and teaching, including assessment. The module includes a focus on theory, policy and practice and gives you opportunities to discuss these with reference to varied disciplinary, cultural and educational contexts.
This module is suitable for specialist or non-specialist students. It is a core module on the MA Creative Arts Programme and is open optionally to students on other SoE MA Programmes. There are no pre-requisite modules.
EFPM919: Critical Perspectives on Inclusive Education
This module explores inclusive education from a range of critical perspectives. The concepts of inclusion, disability, difference and diversity will be examined and critiqued. Inclusive and special school provision from different global contexts will be studied in depth. Different critical perspectives including: Disability Studies, Globalisation and Inclusive Pedagogy. You will be encouraged to reflect upon the development of special and inclusive education systems in your own countries as well as considering a range of international and global perspectives.
- To introduce you to a range of critical perspectives on inclusive education which are considered important to international inclusive education research and practice.
- To explore inclusive education from an international and inter-cultural perspective through engagement with research and community educational projects in a range of different contexts.
- To encourage you to critically consider the role which education might play in creating more inclusive education systems.
- To offer you the opportunity to examine the tensions, inequalities and contradictions which might exist in the implementation of inclusive education in different parts of the world.
- To enable you to reflect on your own experience of inclusive education and draw connections with those of different cultures across the world.
Fees
2026/27 entry
UK fees per year:
£11,000 full-time
International fees per year:
£25,550 full-time
Scholarships
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with £7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year, including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships. We also provide awards for sport, music and other achievements, as well as regional and partner scholarships with organisations such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship
We are pleased to offer the University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship, a scholarship for University of Exeter alumni beginning a standalone postgraduate programme in 2026/27 with us a scholarship worth 20% of the cost of your first year tuition fees.
Terms and conditions, including deadlines, apply.
Teaching and research
Teaching and learning
Learning methods vary across our wide range of modules and may include:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Personal tutorials
- Research supervision
Our Education Studies module provides a grounding in education research, theory and practice. Every other week students participate in activity sessions such as:
- A discussion and practical activity with a range of psychology practitioners
- Designing your own materials which might help to address racial inequalities in school
- Working with an expert in young people's relationships education
- Short series of pedagogy-focused sessions for students who want to work with young people in educational settings in the future
Facilities and support
You'll be assigned a personal tutor and have access to module tutors via face-to-face and/or email or online tutorials. You'll also have access to a range of support including lecture notes, presentations, film clips and reading materials through our online learning environment.
Campus-based modules are taught at the School of Education at the St Luke's Campus in Exeter, which offers an excellent range of specialist facilities and one of the UK's largest Education libraries.
Research-led teaching
You will join a vibrant postgraduate community at the School of Education, studying with some of the leading scholars in their disciplines.
You will benefit from our active research culture, which promotes the sharing of ideas and knowledge to encourage innovation. Our research centres provide a focus for research and discussion for academic staff, researchers and practitioners, and organise seminar series, visiting speakers, conferences and other events.
Education Placement
The Education Placement module (EFPM379) is available as an optional module in term 2. This provides a unique opportunity to observe, experience and reflect on practice and enhance your employability skills.
Students undertake an education-related work placement with an external organisation (that includes schools, tutoring programmes, education charity etc.), or a teaching and learning placement within the university. We guarantee a placement within the university, if students do not take up an external placement.
Alongside this placement, lectures and seminars provide the tools to reflect critically on your experience of educational practices. You will consider how your experience on placement relates to the wider issues, processes, practices, policies and theoretical ideas that you have explored in your academic study. This module thus strongly supports you in connecting theory and practice.
A variety of placement options are available. Students may secure their own placement (with support from university advisors). Others may undertake a placement within the university, observing and working with teaching staff in the department. A small number of competitive placements may be available to apply for directly from university partners. Students may also opt for an online placement involving curated digital activities. You are encouraged to think about the variety of settings where education might occur and to consider experiences which will challenge your existing assumptions, perspectives and skill sets.
To access some placement options, you may require Disclosure and Barring Service clearance, which will incur a cost. Note that the administrative process for this can take several months, and international students may need to obtain documentation in their home country before applying for clearance. Please see information on DBS.
Transdisciplinary Collaborations for Creative Futures
You are invited to consider taking Transdisciplinary Collaborations for Creative Futures as an optional module in your course. It's available in two formats: 15 credits (EFPM838) or 30 credits (EFPM839).
Our Transdisciplinary Collaborations for Creative Futures module will give you the competitive career advantage of understanding how to bring your disciplinary knowledge into active dialogue with students and staff from other disciplines in order to tackle global sustainability challenges.
This module is taught by staff from across the University of Exeter and is grounded in the University's School of Education research, which shows that the best way to tackle complex real-world challenges is to creatively collaborate across disciplines and with stakeholders.
The challenges will come from external University strategic partners, ensuring issues are current, cutting edge and relevant, whilst supporting employability. The module aims to teach you how to collaboratively, and critically, produce original ideas, and think innovatively about the future through research-based activities, fieldwork and creative workshops that blend the arts, sciences, social sciences, humanities and business.
Using appropriately innovative assessment techniques, the module will equip you to respond to the global complexity and uncertainty that you will inevitably encounter when you graduate. You will be taught using pedagogical innovations, working in transdisciplinary teams with facilitation through cutting edge Creative Pedagogies and Design Thinking.
This module is particularly appropriate for international students seeking insight into UK business, creative industries and cultural contexts and employment possibilities.
Feedback from students who have taken this module highlights its value and the additional skills it helps them develop:
"This module has changed my perspective and transformed my vision. I now have a new understanding of how educational processes and practices should be designed so that learners can acquire skills such as problem-solving, collaborative working, critical and creative thinking in a transdisciplinary way." - Canan, MEd TESOL
"This module has made me more deeply understand the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation. This diversity is also a key reason why I chose this course. I hope to interact with people who have different viewpoints and come from different fields to help me look at problems from various perspectives." - Joey, MA Creative Arts in Education
"Taking this module is one of the best things I've done as part of my studies at Exeter. This is the most exciting and creative course I have ever attended." - Linh Le, MEd TESOL
"I would definitely recommend this module, not only can students learn by means of interdisciplinary cooperation through group cooperation, but also can expand the scope of communication, promote international students to know more about local culture, and promote the communication between international students and other students, which is really very good." - Sherry, MA Creative Arts in Education
Careers
The flexibility of this programme means it is ideal for students from a range of subject, professional and career backgrounds including teachers, lecturers, administrators, education advisors, or other related professions.
Students considering an academic career and progression to PhD are advised to undertake the MSc Educational Research.
Graduate destinations
The University has an excellent reputation with graduate recruiters and our students compete very successfully in the employment market. Our graduates have gone on to a range of careers in the UK and overseas with examples given below.
Please note that, due to data protection, the job titles and organisations listed below are independent and do not correspond.
Job Titles
- Teacher
- Subject Specialist Teacher (including music, arts, drama)
- Special Needs Teacher
- Head of Department
- Arts Manager
- Educational Therapist
- Education Officer
- Dyslexia Assessor
- Headteacher/Principal
- Education Consultant
- Dean, Faculty of Arts
- Lecturer
Employers
- Ofsted
- Devon Education Authority
- Jersey States Education Department
- Plymouth City Council
- FEA Training and Development Centre
- Camden LEA
- Exeter College
- Hong Kong SAR Government
- Danish National School of Contemporary Dance
- Ministry of Education, Cyprus
- Saltash Community School
- University of Reading
Career support
Careers support including skills training, internships, jobs vacancies, employment fairs and other events is available through the Career Zone.