Course summary
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.
Assessment method
https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/media/postgraduate/admissions-statements/2025/msc-education-policy-and-international-development.pdf
How to apply
International applicants
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students and accepts a wide range of qualifications for postgraduate study. If you study or have studied at a university outside the UK, please select the relevant page for further information on qualifications, scholarships and education representatives in your country/region: bristol.ac.uk/international/countries
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.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £12300 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £12300 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £12300 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £12300 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £12300 | Year 1 |
| EU | £28200 | Year 1 |
| International | £28200 | Year 1 |
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
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.
For more information, please view the programme page on our website.
Provider information
University of Bristol
Beacon House
Queen’s Road
Bristol
BS8 1QU