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

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

I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the MA International Education course at the University of Leicester. As a full-time Head of Faculty in a British International School in China, being able to balance work and further study was an initial concern for me. 

These concerns were quickly eliminated when reviewing the course content, structure, and speaking with former students and current staff. I can say with confidence that the course is tailored for working professionals who are passionate about advancing their research knowledge and capabilities. My personal academic mentor was a significant factor in my achievements. The frequent support received helped facilitate positive outcomes in my development as a researcher and writer. 

Since beginning the course, I have progressed within my career from a Head of Faculty to a Senior Leader. I am confident the MA course was a contributing factor in achieving this promotion. Gaining a wider understanding for International Education has developed my confidence in generating conversations with parents, staff, and pupils, from all around the world. Modules such as Contemporary Issues played a pivotal role. I am more confident in critically analysing data, forming more well-rounded opinions, which contribute to making more well-informed decisions and in a more timely manner within my daily life. 

This positive experience has given me the motivation to continue further study. Since completing the course, I have gained an unconditional offer to begin a part-time Doctorate Degree (EdD). I aim to use the knowledge and skills learnt from the MA course to achieve a personal goal of becoming a published author. 

Mr. Joshua Darryl Sussex 
 

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.

Option modules

Option modules

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: 7 April 2025
Application deadline for April 2025 start: 17 March 2025

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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