MSc in Education (Child Development and Education)

at University of Oxford

This is a full-time, one year master’s course. You will participate in lectures, seminars, and workshops. You will also complete either field work or conduct secondary data analysis for your master's dissertation. You will choose a topic for your master's project in discussions with your supervisor. Together, the course will provide opportunities for you to deepen your understanding of child development theories and their relevance to decisions about children’s education and well-being.

The course is structured with two papers that focus on the disciplinary underpinnings to child development and education (Foundation Learning and Wellbeing and Cognitive Development and Educational Attainment). Two further papers in the first term aim to develop students’ research skills (Foundations of Educational Research 1: Concepts and Design and Introduction to Quantitative Research). In the second term, students take a required module (Cognitive Development and Educational Attainment) and select two other options from a selection of disciplinary-focused modules that will be confirmed at the beginning of the course (some examples include Core Principles of Child Assessment, The Implementation of the Rights of Children, Critical Digital Innovation). Some students may choose to audit additional electives, but these are not formally assessed. In addition, you will complete either field work or conduct secondary data analysis for your master's dissertation. You will choose your master’s project in discussions with your supervisor.

Throughout the course, you will participate in lectures, seminars, and workshops. Teaching involves a combination of tutor and student input, including group activities and students’ presentations. You will benefit from the expertise available through the Quantitative Methods Hub and the Qualitative Methods Hub at the Department of Education. You will also benefit from access to seminars across the wider university.

You are encouraged to explore the department’s website and find out about the research carried out by the course team and the Children Development and Learning research group.

Proven and potential academic excellence

Degree-level qualifications

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:
 

• a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in a relevant subject, preferably in the social sciences.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.6 out of 4.0.

GRE General Test scores
 

• No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.
• Other qualifications, evidence of excellence and relevant experience
• Publications are not expected.

English language proficiency

Minimum scores required to meet the University's higher level requirement

IELTS Academic

 7.5  

TOEFL iBT, including the 'Home Edition'

110

Home    
£15,270

Overseas    
£30,910

Past alumni of the MSc Education (Child Development and Education) course have gone on to academic and research careers at universities.  Many are employed across a wide range of other sectors including policy making, monitoring and evaluation, and programme development for government departments, the public sector, NGOs, charities and international organisations such as OECD. Some have gone on to open educational institutions and child development consultancies.