International Education and Globalisation (Taught)

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 an increasingly connected world, with a mobile and interlinked population. As a result, education needs to evolve to meet the needs of 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 emerging trends and tensions in international education to develop your understanding of how globalisation influences education policy and practice.

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

Your studies will culminate in a final project. During this you’ll 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 (where available) to address a relevant challenge they face.

Throughout the course, you will receive academic skills development and pastoral support.

By the end of your studies, you’ll be better prepared to apply your understanding of global and cultural perspectives in education, and related fields, within a variety of international and intercultural contexts.

This course attracts people from a variety of 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

Apply your skills with a consultancy project

The consultancy project is an alternative to a dissertation. It offers you the opportunity to use the knowledge and research skills you’ll develop during your studies to work on an issue or strategic priority with an external organisation.

Projects are research-based and typically developed in collaboration with an organisation, such as a school, university, governmental department or education provider. This collaborative aspect means that you’ll be looking a current challenge, which will allow you to demonstrate your academic learning in a real-world context and enhance your CV.

Consultancy projects may involve activities such as:

• critical evaluation of existing policies or practices

• research-informed proposals for improvement or reform

• internationalisation-related projects

• analysis to support institutional strategy, development, or marketing

• community engagement or outreach initiatives

• critical analysis of organisational or sector-level data

Once you have designed and completed an appropriate piece of research, you’ll present your findings and recommendations as a presentation and written academic report.

Consultancy project places are limited each year. You will be supported to identify and develop a feasible project in collaboration with an organisation, either through one of our external partners or via your own professional network. If a suitable project cannot be secured, you will complete a dissertation instead.

• Dissertation
• Essay
• Presentations