25Apr
UndergraduateCourse summary
Lead education policy change where it matters most. Delivered entirely online, this MA combines rigorous academic training with practical research skills, preparing you to address the most pressing challenges facing education systems worldwide – without stepping away from your career. Education systems worldwide are under increasing pressure; from widening inequality and resource constraints, to the impact of technologies such as artificial intelligence and ideological debates. Effective leadership and informed policymaking are vital to navigating these challenges. Our MA in Education Policy and Leadership is designed for mid-career professionals who want to engage with these issues at the highest level, using evidence-based approaches to design, critique, and implement education policy. This fully online programme offers a flexible learning experience, combining live online sessions with self-paced study to fit around your professional commitments. Students may complete a Postgraduate Certificate in eight months or progress to the full MA by research within twelve months (with the option to return within three years to complete the full MA), culminating in a dissertation on a topic of personal and professional significance. The curriculum provides a rigorous foundation in education policy analysis, systems leadership, and the socio-political forces shaping schooling and equity worldwide. You will develop advanced skills in research design, critical analysis, and programme evaluation, preparing you to contribute to policy debates and drive change within your professional context. Graduates of this programme are well-equipped to take on leadership roles across education, consultancy, government, NGOs, and international organisations. For those wishing to deepen their expertise further, successful MA graduates can progress directly into the second year of the Professional Doctorate programme in Public Policy and Political Economy (The University of Buckingham). Course Highlights Curriculum focused on real-world education policy and leadership challenges. Fully online, flexible study designed for working professionals worldwide. Option to complete a Post Graduate Certificate in Education Policy and Leadership in 8 months or full MA by research in 12 months (with the option to return within three years to complete the full MA). Expert-led teaching by education and policy researchers. Global cohort and opportunities to network with peers and experts. Competitive tuition among the most affordable in the UK. Direct progression route into the University’s Professional Doctorate programme.
Assessment method
Assessment on this programme is coursework-based, with no written examinations. Students complete a series of four assignments that build progressively toward the final dissertation. Policy Critique (March): A 3-4,000-word critical analysis of a specific education policy or reform, accounting for 20% of the final grade. Research Design Proposal or Methodology Critique (July): A 3-4,000-word paper outlining a proposed dissertation methodology or critically evaluating research methods used in a policy study (20%). Dissertation Proposal and Defence (September): A 1-2,000-word proposal presented at an online workshop (10%). MA Dissertation (December): A 12-15,000-word original research project contributing 50% of the overall grade. Each assignment must be passed sequentially with a minimum mark of 50% to progress to the next stage. Students receive detailed written feedback and present their work to supervisors and peers, developing both academic writing and oral communication skills. Students completing only the first two assignments are awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Education Policy and Leadership.
Entry requirements
The standard entry requirements for this course are: At least a bachelor’s degree with a 2:1 or above in their first degree.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| EU | £8267 | Whole course |
| International | £8267 | Whole course |
| England | £8267 | Whole course |
| Northern Ireland | £8267 | Whole course |
| Scotland | £8267 | Whole course |
| Wales | £8267 | Whole course |
| Channel Islands | £8267 | Whole course |
| Republic of Ireland | £8267 | Whole course |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
University of Buckingham
Hunter Street
Buckingham
MK18 1EG