Course summary

How do education systems reproduce, or challenge, existing inequalities? How might you intervene in education systems to promote social justice? Could you develop research-led policy agendas in your own institution? Our stimulating MA programme immerses you in a vibrant research culture as you explore these fundamental questions and tackle a range of issues relating to social justice in education. Studied part- or full-time over one or two years, and entirely online, the programme offers an excellent grounding in research methodologies. It offers hands-on experience of research, and the opportunity to develop a deep theoretical understanding of social justice and education, while focussing on topics of particular relevance to your own interests or professional practice. While the course is delivered online, you are welcome to participate in the departments research activities throughout the year either face-to-face or via live-streaming, and some of our students opt to visit their tutors in person. This MA is delivered by influential, research-active tutors and staff from our well-respected Educational Research Department which has specialised in the online delivery of postgraduate, research-oriented programmes for many years. You will benefit from their range and depth of knowledge covering areas such as gender, migration and development, globalisation, social class, disability and digitally-mediated environments. Our department is ranked joint 61st in the world by the Times Higher Education World Subject Rankings 2022. We are proud to be rated joint top in the UK for the impact of our research by the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, with 100% of our research rated outstanding for impact. As part of a dynamic group of international students, all of whom are involved in education and social justice but with their own unique perspectives and specific interests, you will be studying in an inclusive and supportive learning environment that is also interactive and sociable. Skills development elements such as research techniques, critical thinking and academic writing are complemented by engagement in online forums, peer and tutor review, interactive work, webinars, and live-streamed guest spots that reflect departmental interests. Core modules in research practice and theories in education and social justice combine with a tutor-supported independent study module to help you prepare for the research dissertation. Your dissertation follows a further optional module in which you develop your own interests within the broad scope of policies and ideologies, interventions in education, and challenges to educational inequalities. The programme is designed so that the classroom is ever-present: you can work around your own schedule and study whilst in employment. Previous students include teachers, social workers, policy-makers, and those in a variety of careers in education-focused institutions. The programme is also taken by graduates with an academic interest in education and social justice issues.