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International Education and Globalisation MA

1 year full-time, starting in September 2025

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Gain a deep insight into the concepts of international education and globalisation, with a focus on how they intersect and interact.

Education is increasingly influenced by globalisation. We live in more and more connected world, with a mobile and interlinked population. Because of this, education needs to evolve to meet the needs an interconnected society.

Education in a global context

Throughout this course, you’ll focus on education in a global context, looking beyond borders and regions. You’ll explore the growing trends and contradictions concerning international education. This will develop your understanding of how globalisation influences education policy and practice.

You’ll consider the relationship between globalisation and international education, and how this is affected by the roles of culture and by issues of inequality, sustainability and social justice.

Your studies will culminate in a final project. During this you will be supported by your supervisor to design and conduct a small-scale empirical or literature-based research project in the field of international education. The empirical project may be undertaken with an external institution or organisation (if one is available) to address a relevant challenge they face.

Throughout the course, you will be supported to develop academic skills and receive pastoral support.

By the end of your studies, you’ll be better equipped to educate emerging generations who will live in new and diverse communities.

This course often attracts people with different backgrounds and interests, including those with professional experience in formal or informal education, charities, and non-governmental organisations.

What you’ll learn

You will leave this course with:

  • a well-rounded knowledge of international education and globalisation, and the intersection between the two concepts. This includes issues and challenges, research-informed policy and practice, and latest developments
  • well-developed research skills, including experience of undertaking your own research, preparing you well for doctoral study
  • wider transferable skills, such as critical analysis, intercultural communication, leadership, teamwork and problem-solving
  • the knowledge to make a significant contribution to policy and practice in international education

Watch our webinar about this course

Be part of an exciting Department

Our Department of Education offers a welcoming and diverse environment.

You’ll be taught by research-active staff with expertise in international education at different levels and in different contexts.

Gain important career skills

Lots of roles within the international education sector require master's-level qualifications. This course, which lasts 12 months, is an efficient way to gain a qualification that will make you more suitable for these opportunities.

Throughout this course, you’ll take part in sessions designed to improve your study skills and employability. These will give you networking opportunities with employers and alumni.

You’ll also have the chance to work alongside other students within the Department of Education studying different courses.

Graduate prospects

Many of our graduates have gone on to work in a range of roles within the education sector, development agencies, and research organisations. Lots of these roles are based in different countries across the world. Others have chosen to progress to doctoral study.

Recent graduates have gone on to work within organisations and industries such as:

  • British Council in China
  • international schools in China and Europe
  • international student recruitment
  • organisations running student exchange programmes
  • primary and secondary schools (teaching roles)
  • higher education administrative roles

2025/26 Academic Year

Before you apply for a course, please check the website for the most recently published course detail. If you apply to the University of Bath, you will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

We understand that you will want to know more about the shape of the academic year. We work hard and plan for different scenarios, to be able to welcome you to the University of Bath at the start of each semester.

Course structure

This course lasts 1 year. It starts in September 2025 and ends in 2026. Welcome week starts on 22 September 2025.

Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Year 1

Semester 1

Compulsory units

  • Educational research design

    10 credits

  • Globalisation and educational policy

    10 credits

  • Learning and culture

    10 credits

Semester 2

Compulsory units

  • Education and sustainable development

    10 credits

  • Educational research design

    Continued

  • Policy and leadership in education

    10 credits

  • Understanding international education

    10 credits

Summer

Compulsory units

  • Final project

    30 credits

Learning and assessment

You’ll be taught and assessed by a variety of methods and it will vary between units. These methods are designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding of the subject.

Learning

  • Research project
  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials

Assessment

  • Dissertation
  • Essay
  • Presentations

These lists are to give you an idea of some, but not all, of the learning and assessment methods used on this course. They are not exhaustive lists and methods are subject to change.

Learning and teaching

You are expected to spend approximately 35-40 hours per week studying, with around 8 hours of this being structured classes.

This will be made up of a combination of lectures, seminars, and tutorials. You will work as an individual and as part of small groups.

Assessment breakdown

You will experience a balance of different forms of assessment designed to support your professional development. This will include essays, presentations and a dissertation.

We can make reasonable adjustments to assessment procedures for students with disabilities. Read our Disability Service’s pages for information.

Recognition of professional qualifications

As well as being recognised as a higher academic qualification, a number of our degrees are also accredited by professional bodies in the United Kingdom. An accredited degree may entitle you to work in a specific profession within the UK, and abroad (where there are reciprocating arrangements with professional bodies in other countries).

The requirements to practise a profession vary from country to country. If you wish to practise your profession outside the United Kingdom, you are advised to confirm that the UK professional qualification you seek is valid in the country in which you are intending to work.

‘There are lots of possibilities for my career development. I could be an educator all over the world, which means I have more opportunities to realise my dream.’
— Danmeng Zhu MA International Education and Globalisation graduate (Graduating year, 2018)

Entry requirements

Origin of qualifications

British qualifications

You should have a Bachelor’s honours degree or international equivalent, typically a high 2:2 or above. We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree (for example, professional experience in education).

To apply for this course you may have an undergraduate degree in any subject.

If your first language is not English but within the last 2 years you completed your degree in the UK you may be exempt from our English language requirements.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
  • TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

You will need to get your English language qualification within 24 months prior to starting your course.

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Fees and funding

Fees and funding information for International Education and Globalisation MA full-time

Fees

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.

Learn how we decide fee status

Tuition fees

See the most recent fees for postgraduate courses

Extra costs

If you receive an offer, you will need to pay a non-refundable deposit of £1,000 when you accept to secure your place. This will be deducted from your tuition fee when you register.

How to pay

Tuition fee loans

If you are studying a postgraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.

Read more about tuition fee loans

Scholarships and bursaries

You could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. You do not have to pay it back.

Read more about bursaries and scholarships

Other payment options

You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help you pay your fees.

Read more about your payment options

Budgeting

You will need to budget at least £100 for the cost of photocopying and printing. You will also need to budget for the cost of text books.

Some courses involve visits away from campus and you may be required to pay some or all of the costs of travel, accommodation and food and drink.

If you’re on a placement, you’re responsible for your own travel, accommodation and living costs. You should also consider the financial implications if you go on an unpaid or overseas placement.

Application information

  • Course title
    International Education and Globalisation
  • Final award
    MA
  • Mode of study
    Full-time
  • Course code
    TDUED-IE01
  • Department
    Department of Education
  • Location
    University of Bath
    Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY
  • Home application deadline
    31 August 2025

    We recommend you apply early as we may close applications before the deadline if a course is full.

  • Overseas application deadline
    31 July 2025

    We recommend you apply early as we may close applications before the deadline if a course is full. We may consider late applications but if you need a Student Visa to study in the UK, you will need time to apply for and receive your visa to be in the UK by the start of the course.

  • Application eligibility
    Home and Overseas students are eligible to apply
  • Regulator
    The Office for Students (OfS)

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