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Postgraduate Study

The MPhil is offered by the Faculty of Education as a full-time period of research and introduces students to research skills and specialist knowledge. The course will introduce students to a range of contemporary issues of globalisation and international development in the field of education, in order to interrogate the latest theoretically grounded, and empirical research; Explore the relationship between education and wider socio-economic processes, with a particular focus on countries in the Global South; The programme offers an opportunity to engage with issues of equity and social justice in education and international development from different theoretical lenses and diverse empirical approaches in Southern contexts.

The main educational aims of the course are :

  • to examine the theoretical frameworks used in the study of education and its constituent disciplines;
  • provide training in research methods appropriate to education;
  • advance students’ capacity for professional reflection and judgment;
  • cater for a range of specialists interested within the field of education or one of its constituent disciplines.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme, students will have:

  • an understanding of research techniques, and a thorough knowledge of the literature applicable to the specific educational domain;
  • demonstrated originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the field of education and international development;
  • shown abilities in the critical evaluation of research, including methodologies and research designs;
  • demonstrated self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research.

Continuing

Continuation to the PhD from Masters programmes within the Faculty of Education is not automatic, and students wishing to do so must submit a PhD application by the usual deadline.


Open Days

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

  • Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.

  • Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.

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Key Information


9 months full-time

Study Mode : Taught

Master of Philosophy

Faculty of Education

Course - related enquiries

Application - related enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Michaelmas 2026

Applications open
Sept. 3, 2025
Application deadline
Feb. 26, 2026
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2026

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Course Funding Deadline
Dec. 2, 2025
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 15, 2025

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas , Lent and Easter .


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