Educational Studies

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Course summary

The Masters in Educational Studies is designed to deepen your understanding of education so that you can critically analyse education practice, provisions and policy in your own current or future professional context. It supports you in interrogating research literature and in undertaking educational research in your own areas of study.

WHY THIS PROGRAMME

You will explore different perspectives and aspects of education through a variety of optional courses.
The Educational Studies MSc is for people who are interested in entering the academic field of education. You will study alongside people from a range of backgrounds and stages of educationally focused careers.
The programme offers an opportunity for the advanced study of education within a broad framework of courses. The scope is broad, representing important and influential educational ideas from a range of disciplines.
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.
If you are a qualified teacher looking to expand or extend your professional career, you should apply for the Educational Studies MEd programme.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
You will take five core and one optional course. Courses contribute to your development of research understanding and skills that then support you in conducting your own research based dissertation. You can select areas for professional development from optional courses.

Core courses
Contemporary Themes in Education Policy
Fundamentals of Formal Education
Introduction To Educational And Social Research
Modern Educational Thought
Seminars In Contemporary Issues

Optional courses may include
Advanced Educational Research
Comparative Education
Education, Race, Racism and Social Justice in a Global Society
Educational Leadership and Management at System Level
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Great Thinkers on Education
International Issues In Adult And Continuing Education
Key Themes in Early Childhood Education and Care
Language and Intercultural Education for a Globalised World
Perspectives On Youth And Young Adulthood (ES)
Sustainable Development and Education
The Impact of Drug and Alcohol Misuse on Children and Families
Vocational Education and Training for Development
Working with Young People: Education and Learning for Change (ES)

Dissertation
Major Dissertation (Education)

CAREER PROSPECTS
The programme will support your career development as a class teacher, lecturer, policy developer, special education professional, head teacher, education administrator or researcher.

How to apply

Open days

University of Glasgow - Open Day
18 Jun 2026, 08:00
Glasgow
University of Glasgow - Open Day
2 Sept 2026, 08:00
Glasgow
University of Glasgow - Dumfries Campus Open Day
3 Oct 2026, 10:00
Dumfries
University of Glasgow - Open Day
24 Oct 2026, 08:00
Glasgow

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Discover what it's like to study Educational Studies at University of Glasgow: insights on the course, making friends, personal statement tips, uni prep, and recommended books, podcasts, and videos.

Amber
University of Glasgow
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Hi, I'm Amber and I'm an international student from Hong Kong. I'm passionate about human anatomy and am looking to pursue a career in pathology. As one of the few UK universities that offers this subject, UofG has been great and provides a lot of flexibility in the Life Science courses. If you want to know more about any of the above, reach out and I will get back to you asap! ☺️
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Amenah
University of Glasgow
Common Law [LLB]
Currently a second year common law student. After completing my studies I am hoping to find career in either corporate or commercial law down south. Studies can be a bit of stress sometimes, but I try to balance my studies with my social life, and definitely make sure to do the things I love. My experience of UofG has been so far great, and I am sure it will be fun further on with my studies. If you have any question regarding studies, or anything else I am happy to answer any queries. 🙂✨
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Alina
University of Glasgow
Marine & Freshwater Biology [BSc/MSci]
I am a second year marine biology student. I am also the GU SRC first year rep. I was on a different course before starting marine bio. I was studying Design and technology Education here at Glasgow uni.
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Ayra
University of Glasgow
Medicine [MBChB]
I'm from Pakistan but moved to the UK during secondary school. I love trying new things and the great outdoors! Not too sure what speciality of Medicine I want to go into but something fast-paced and exciting (I like a challenge). I'm very involved in uni life; I do lot of volunteering, am very involved with various society and other social aspects. Feel free to ask any questions! :)
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Arwa
University of Glasgow
Pharmacology [BSc/MSci]
My long-term career plans? Well, let’s just say I’m aiming for somewhere between a lab genius discovering the next big breakthrough and a science communicator who makes pharmacology sound cooler than it is (and trust me, it’s pretty cool). I am passionate about science and how it can change lives in such meaningful ways and my end goal is to make medicine a bit more accessible than it is today. Outside of academics, you’ll probably find me on the basketball court or volunteering—I love working with kids and finding ways to make learning fun for them (yes, teaching can be fun!). I also juggle a few roles like being a Class Rep and basketball convener so I’m pretty familiar with what it takes to balance the chaos of uni life. Spoiler: it’s a lot of caffeine and a lot of to-do lists.
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Ashley
University of Glasgow
Pharmacology [BSc/MSci]
I'm a student from Malaysia currently studying at the University of Glasgow. I love exploring new places, learning new things and I'm always looking to grow through new experiences.
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Bavishya
University of Glasgow
Microbiology [BSc/MSci]
Hey! I'm Bavishya and i'm a final year Microbiology Student at UofG! I'm Indian by origin however have been raised in Singapore. So i'm definitely aware of what its like moving and living abroad :). This is my third year in Glasgow and I have had a wonderful time here so far!. So if you ever want to ask any questions about university courses, student life, accommodation or just about anything related to life as a student in Glasgow uni.. fear not and do message me :)
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Amy
University of Glasgow
Education With Primary Teaching Qualification [MEduc]
Study: I am currently studying for a master's in Education with Primary Teaching Qualification. Student life: I enjoy spending my free time trying new food places around Glasgow and volunteering for various societies. Other: I love to travel and have been on a variety of travel placements that have been supported by the university, such as working at camps in America and Canada, going on a pilgrimage to Palestine, and studying a semester abroad in Austria.
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Ben
University of Glasgow
Physics / Theoretical Physics [BSc/MSci]
I’m a first-generation university student, studying theoretical physics. At school, I became curious as to how we can understand the universe using concepts and equations; so studying physics felt like the thing I should do. I’m still not sure exactly what I want to do after university - there’s a wide range of research opportunities if I want to stay in physics, but lots of very different careers I could maybe see myself going into instead.
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Amelia
University of Glasgow
Biomedical Engineering [BEng/MEng]
Currently doing a BEng of Biomedical Engineering and have been enjoying it so far! I'm interested in going into academia / research and development, with a focus on areas like tissue engineering and cell mechanics.
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Aryan
University of Glasgow
Common Law [LLB]
Hi there! I'm a third-year Common Law student at the University of Glasgow, originally from New Delhi, India. It's been quite a journey from the bustling streets of my hometown to the historic campus here in Scotland! When I'm not immersed in my legal studies, I enjoy spending my free time playing football or movies. These activities provide a perfect escape from the rigors of studying case law and help me relax after intense academic sessions. My passion for law has only grown stronger since I started my degree. I'm particularly fascinated by international law and how it shapes our global society. Choosing the University of Glasgow was one of the best decisions I've made. The university's stellar reputation in the legal field was a major draw, but what really sealed the deal was the unique opportunity to study Scots law alongside English law in the Common Law degree. Plus, the chance to experience life in a vibrant city like Glasgow was too good to pass up! If you're considering Glasgow, feel free to ask me anything about life as an international student, the Common Law program, or just how to balance studies with a good football match. I'm here to help!
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Anna
University of Glasgow
Portuguese [MA]
Hi! I'm Anna, I'm 23 years old, I'm Scottish and I study Portuguese and Spanish at the University of Glasgow! Currently I am on my Year Abroad in Sintra, Portugal, at a school participating in a traineeship, which is very exciting🤩. In the future, I would like to learn more languages such as Russian and Arabic and work in translation and interpretation, maybe even as a news reporter! However, I also adore music and even write my own, so of course the dream has always been to tour around the world! But we'll see where life takes us🫣... I am also gluten and dairy intolerant (possibly allergies😱!) so I have had to learn to cook and bake to satisfy my dietary requirements and under a budget! As well as find the best places to eat to suit my needs to...
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