group of international students sitting at table with tablet pc computers

International Education MA, by distance learning

2 years

This is for you if... you are an educational professional wanting to improve your understanding of contemporary educational issues.

International Education MA, by distance learning, 2 years

This is for you if... you are an educational professional wanting to improve your understanding of contemporary educational issues.

Course information

UK fee £10,950

International fee £10,950

Taught by Education

Admissions enquiries
+44 (0)116 252 5281
Submit a course enquiry

Course enquiries
+44 (0)116 252 3688
edupgt@le.ac.uk

School of Education website

Course description

Course description

The MA in International Education is designed for educational professionals in primary, secondary or tertiary education, as well other organisations with an educational remit - for example NGOs, charitable organisations, museums and galleries. This degree will:

  • Enhance your understanding of contemporary educational issues, both national and international, with a particular emphasis on those which are of direct relevance to your professional context
  • Develop your ability to reflect on theory in the area of teaching and learning and use it as the basis for understanding and improving practice
  • Develop your ability to undertake small scale research
  • Develop your understanding of ethical principles which underpin the design, conduct and reporting of educational research

Studying by supported distance learning allows you to choose when and where you study, meaning you do not have to take a career break. We pride ourselves on the level of support we provide our distance learning students. Our award-winning library has world class facilities for distance learning students. You will have full access to our other support services and will be assigned a personal tutor. Out virtual learning environment Blackboard offers the course material and a wide range of study support material, and you will have the opportunity to join an interactive web-based community of fellow students around the world.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

2:2 or above in a relevant subject, or equivalent.

You will need to demonstrate a minimum of two years' experience (not necessarily consecutive) in a professional role (paid, unpaid, voluntary) as an educator, manager, or a learning support role (or equivalent). If your experience in any one of these roles is less than 2 years, please contact us so that we can discuss the relevance of your experience for this programme). Applications are welcome from those involved in education at primary, secondary or tertiary level, as well as those working within other organisations, for example government, NGOs, museums and galleries. If you are unclear about the work experience requirement, you can discuss this with the programme administration team.

English Language Requirements

IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability.

International Qualifications

Find your country in this list to check equivalent qualifications, scholarships and additional requirements.

Countries list

Fees and funding

Fees and funding

UK Students

Starting in October 2025 or April 2026

  • MA: £10,950

Find out more about how to pay and scholarships and funding.

Did you know you can apply for a Government Postgraduate Loan? Find out if you're eligible.

International Students

Starting in October 2025 or April 2026

  • MA: £10,950

Find out more about how to pay and scholarships and funding.

Careers and employability

Careers and employability

Our Careers and Employability Service is here to support you – by email, phone or skype – with advice on interviews, CVs, work experience and more. From registration to Graduation and beyond, they are here to help you reach your professional goals.

What our graduates say

What our graduates say

A woman with long hair and glasses looking at the camera, smiling politely.Joanne Webb

I chose the University of Leicester because its International Education MA fit perfectly with my lifestyle. Having lived in several countries over the past 20 years due to my husband’s job, this course felt relevant and timely. After spending time at home with my children, I wanted to return to teaching, and the distance learning option gave me the flexibility I needed to balance study with family commitments. Being able to access lectures and materials at convenient times reduces stress and helps me stay on track, enabling me to be both a committed student and parent.

Studying through distance learning has been a positive experience. The Blackboard platform is user-friendly and offers a wealth of resources including readings and videos. The course structure, with regular exercises, helped me pace my learning and reinforce key concepts. Tutor feedback has been personalised and supportive, which made a real difference throughout my studies.

This MA has boosted my confidence to re-enter the teaching profession after a break. The latest theories and practical knowledge have been directly applicable in my classroom. The University’s careers support helped me develop transferable skills such as effective communication, time management, and critical thinking, vital for my current role and future career growth. Choosing the innovation and reform pathway aligns perfectly with my interest in developing EFL teaching in the future.

My advice to prospective students is to ensure you have enough time and a balanced work-life routine to dedicate to the course. Being organised and having a manageable workload at your job will make it easier to keep up with readings and assignments. Finding the right balance is key to succeeding in distance learning.

Course structure

Core modules

Core modules

Plus your Education Dissertation, which is an opportunity for you to develop your special interest areas. The dissertation is expected to take up to 450 hours of independent study.

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

Pathways

Pathways

You will be able to choose one of the five pathways so that you can specialise in the subject that interests you the most. Each pathway includes two modules - the lead module and a specialist study module.

Pathway 1: Leadership for Social Justice in Education

Pathway 2: Pedagogy

Pathway 3: Innovation and Reform

Pathway 4: Inclusion and Special Educational Needs

Pathway 5: Learning Technologies

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

Why Leicester?

Education at Leicester has an excellent international reputation for the development and teaching of intellectually stimulating education courses.

Our courses aim to develop leaders in education and so have been designed with your career prospects in mind.

The University of Leicester has over 25 years' experience of offering high quality distance learning courses.

You will be taught by academics who are at the forefront of research in education and who feed the latest developments into their teaching.

Teaching and learning

For your core and option modules you will be assessed by a combination of written assignments, posters (presented in a 'virtual gallery') and oral presentation (presented via podcast).

In addition you will keep a (non-assessed) reflective journal which will demonstrate your development as an educational researcher, accompanied by an e-portfolio of associated learning resources.

Key dates

Start date: 6 October 2025
Application deadline for October 2025 start: 15 September 2025

Start date: 13 April 2026
Application deadline for April 2026 start: 23 March 2026

Apply now

Course Qualification Duration Start Dates Availability
Course International Education Qualification MA Duration 2 years by distance learning Start Dates April and October each year Availability Apply Now
smiling student sitting outside the library

The lecturers are incredibly supportive and allow you the freedom to research and explore your own interests from day one, making us stand out from the crowd as confident, active members of the research community.

Lily, MA International Education

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