University of Glasgow: Education, Public Policy & Equity
| Institution | University of Glasgow View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | School of Education View department profile |
| Web | www.gla.ac.uk/schools/education |
| education-msceppe@glasgow.ac.uk | |
| Study type | Taught |
Summary
The Masters in Education, Public Policy & Equity provides the broad preparation needed for work in education policy. The teaching methods emphasise dealing with applied issues and facilitate your development as a critical thinker through engaging with real life issues.
WHY THIS PROGRAMME - This interdisciplinary programme draws on sociology, political science, and economics to provide you with a rigorous and broad grounding in theory for studying education as a vital component of public policy.
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This academic programme places joint emphasis on qualitative and quantitative analytical methods, which are reinforced through application to real policy issues under the guidance of experienced tutors.
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The teaching and assessment methods emphasise working critically with complex arguments. This will prepare you for the normative judgements required by decision makers once the limits of positive analysis have been reached.
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This programme was developed by the Robert Owen Centre for Educational Change to address the increasingly wider range of contemporary challenges in education policy, particularly public policy aims relating to equity, health, social policy and the economy.
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You will explore how equity in education influences equity in society and vice versa. Educational disadvantage and inequity do not exist in isolation from other forms of disadvantage. Therefore, the programme critically analyses the ability of education policy to influence wider social issues.
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The programme builds on an international tradition of postgraduate programmes studying education policy and reinterprets this through an integrated focus on equity.
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Education at Glasgow is ranked 3rd in the UK by the Good University Guide 2026, and 7th in the UK by the Complete University Guide 2026.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE You will take four core courses and two optional courses, as well as complete a dissertation on a chosen topic.
Core courses Education and Public Policy Education Policy in Action Equity, Social Justice and Change Policy Enquiry And Decision-Making
Optional courses may include Advanced Policy Enquiry Economics for Education and Public Policy Education and International Development Higher Education as a Field of Research, Policy and Practice International and Comparative Education Educational Change for Collaborative Improvement
CAREER PROSPECTS Employment: Past Graduates have found employment across the globe; they are working as administrators, lecturers, and researchers in Higher Education; as teachers, of all subjects, in primary and secondary schools; as advisors in education and policy making relating to a variety of topics, including privatisation, marketability, sustainability; and there are those who are developing their own initiatives utilising the skills they gained in this programme.
Opportunity: Education is increasingly part of a broader spectrum of public policy issues relating to health, social policy, and the economy. Experience in this growing field, particularly as it relates to an ever-widening range of objectives and policy discourse on an international scope will be invaluable. This programme is designed to provide individuals with that necessary skillset and international outlook.
MSc
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | 2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in Education, Social Sciences, Business, Law, Public Administration, or other related subjects. Those with prior degrees in non-cognate subjects but with relevant work experience will also be considered. We may sometimes accept degrees at 2.2 Hons or non-UK equivalent. If you have a degree in a non-cognate subject, please also upload a QBPS. |
| Location | Gilmorehill (Main) Campus University Of Glasgow University Avenue Glasgow G12 8QQ |
The University of Glasgow’s School of Education is an ambitious, major international research-led institution with traditional roots in Scottish higher education. We invest in the future of education through world-class research that advances knowledge and practice. Respected for contributions to policy and practice, our teaching and research benefits from strong partnerships with education communities.
Founded in 1451, the University of Glasgow is the fourth oldest university in the English-speaking world. The University has a history of changing the world and the School of Education is committed to nurturing the people who make it happen.
