| Postgraduate Study

The main educational aims 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 judgement;
cater to 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 their 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 their field;
shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies;
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.

The main educational aims 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 judgement;
cater to 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 their 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 their field;
shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies;
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.

The part-time Primary Education route is intended for education professionals, policy makers and researchers at any stage of their career. Many students have relevant international experience and interests. We aim to fuse research and theoretical understanding about primary or elementary education with current priorities in policy and practice.

On the Primary Education Masters course you will have the opportunity to:

enhance your educational understanding and practice through critical reflection, study and research;
critically engage with the best quality national and international educational research that has relevance to primary education;
carry out an individual and collaborative critical enquiry into significant educational issues and practice; and
develop your thinking in order to contribute to informed policy and practice analysis and improvement in the primary phase and your own work setting.

The educational aims 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 judgement;
cater for a range of specialists interested within the field of education or one of its constituent disciplines.

Course modules:

Critical perspectives on primary education policy and practice
Creative approaches to the curriculum
Pedagogy, talk and learning
The school and communities

(Note: Pairs of modules run on a rolling programme. In 2025-2026 the course modules will be the bottom two on the above list and in 2026-2027, the top two modules.)

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 their 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 their field;
shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies;
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.

The part-time Primary Education route is intended for education professionals, policymakers and researchers at any stage of their career. Many students have relevant international experience and interests. We aim to fuse research and theoretical understandings about primary or elementary education with current priorities in policy and practice.

To apply to finish your Masters through the PGCEM route you will have already completed the Postgraduate Certificate Education (PGCE) at the Faculty of Education. You will then join the Primary Education route for your second year of study. On the Primary Education Masters course you will have the opportunity:

to enhance your educational understanding and practice through critical reflection, study and research;
critically engage with the best quality national and international educational research that has relevance to primary education;
carry out an individual and collaborative critical enquiry into significant educational issues and practice; and
develop your thinking in order to contribute to informed policy and practice analysis and improvement in the primary phase and your own work setting.

The education aims 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 to a range of specialists interested within the field of education or one of its constituent disciplines.

Course modules:

Critical perspectives on primary education policy and practice
Creative approaches to the curriculum
Pedagogy, talk and learning
The school and communities

Note: Pairs of modules run on a rolling programme. In 2026-2027 the course modules will be the top two modules.

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 their 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 their field;
shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies;
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. If you wish to continue to the PhD you must submit a separate PhD application by the relevant PhD 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.

The Mathematics Education route is for anyone with a research or professional interest in mathematics education at any level of education (primary, secondary, or tertiary), wanting to undertake advanced study in a world-class setting. The Mathematics Education route is taught by a specialist team, and its student cohort is drawn primarily from UK-based professionals who continue in their full-time posts while taking the course part-time

The Mathematics Education route develops students' understanding of a number of important issues in the field of mathematics education. Students learn to interpret and critically engage with ideas and debates in mathematics education research in three ways:

through taught sessions in mathematics education;
through work on course assignments under the supervision of a member of the teaching team; and
through participation in seminars led by students on the route and in project workshops.

The course introduces students to research skills and specialist knowledge. Its main aims 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 course, students will have:

an understanding of research techniques, and a knowledge of the literature applicable to their 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 their field;
shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies;
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.

The PGCE-MEd Mathematics Education route is for anyone with a research or professional interest in mathematics education at any level of education (primary, secondary, or tertiary), wanting to undertake advanced study in a world-class setting. The Mathematics Education route is taught by a specialist team, and it is ideal for researchers, teachers, school leaders, and other professionals looking to take the next step in their career in Mathematics Education. Many of our students are working professionals who continue in full-time posts while studying.

through taught sessions in mathematics education;
through work on course assignments under the supervision of a member of the teaching team; and
through participation in seminars led by students on the course and in project workshops.

The course introduces students to research skills and specialist knowledge. Its main aims 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 course, students will have:

an understanding of research techniques, and a thorough knowledge of the literature applicable to their 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 their field;
shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies;
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.

The MPhil is a full-time course offered by the Faculty of Education. It introduces students to research skills and specialist knowledge that explores how education is shaped by power, politics, and contested forms of knowledge. Recognising that education takes a wide variety of forms and is subject to different, often competing agendas across the globe, this MPhil in Knowledge, Power and Politics explores fundamental questions relating to: the roles of education in societies; transnational debates about the nature of knowledge formation and its circulation; and the consequences for social justice.

The main educational aims 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.

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.

This route provides a comprehensive overview of critical issues in education policy, leadership and improvement, through the in-depth study of theoretical perspectives and their applications to educational contexts and settings. The course combines UK and international perspectives and engages with evidence from a range of national and educational contexts. The teaching team draw on their research expertise and encourage course participants to share their experiences and reflect on the course content, relating new knowledge and insights to their own contexts.

This route focuses on critical issues in education in the context of institutional and system improvement and with reference to practice, policy and theory. The course engages students in theoretical debates around each of the key concepts of policy, leadership, and improvement, problematising these and considering a range of perspectives. The course encourages students to engage with empirical evidence from a range of national contexts around these key topics and related issues, including accountability in education, professional learning, leading for change, evidence-based practices, amongst others.

The educational aims of the route are to:

examine the theoretical frameworks used in the study of education, specifically around concepts of policy, leadership, and improvement;
provide training in research methods appropriate to education and the study of educational change;
advance the capacity of students for research-informed professional reflection and judgment;

The route content is structured in interrelated modules. These may include:

Educational policy and policy-making
Approaches to educational improvement
Educational effectiveness and evidence-based practice
Education Evaluation
Professional learning and development
Teachers/Educators as agents of change
Critical approaches to educational leadership
Leading professional and organisational change

Learning outcomes

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the Educational Policy, Leadership and Improvement course, students are expected to have:

an understanding of research techniques in educational research and the literature applicable to their 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 their specific educational domain;
shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies;
demonstrated self-direction and originality in identifying, addressing and solving problems, and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research.

Continuing

Admission to the PhD in Education is not automatic and requires a separate full application be made by the appropriate deadlines.

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.

The educational aims of the route are to:

examine the theoretical frameworks used in the study of education, specifically around concepts of policy, leadership, and improvement;
provide training in research methods appropriate to education and the study of educational change;
advance the capacity of students for research-informed professional reflection and judgment;

The route content is structured in interrelated modules. These may include:

Educational policy and policy-making
Approaches to educational improvement
Educational effectiveness and evidence-based practice
Education Evaluation
Professional learning and development
Teachers/Educators as agents of change
Critical approaches to educational leadership
Leading professional and organisational change

Learning outcomes

By the end of the Educational Policy, Leadership and Improvement course, students are expected to have:

an understanding of research techniques in educational research and the literature applicable to their 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 their specific educational domain;
shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies;
demonstrated self-direction and originality in identifying, addressing and solving problems, and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research.

Continuing

Admission to the PhD in Education is not automatic and requires a separate full application be made by the appropriate deadlines.

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.

Learning outcomes

Continuing

Open Days

Learning outcomes

Continuing

Open Days

Learning outcomes

Continuing

Open Days

Learning outcomes

Continuing

Open Days

Learning outcomes

Continuing

Open Days

Learning outcomes

Continuing

Open Days

Learning outcomes

Continuing

Open Days

Learning outcomes

Continuing

Open Days

Learning outcomes

Continuing

Open Days

Learning outcomes

Continuing

Open Days

Postgraduate Admissions Office

About this site

University Policy and Guidelines

Study at Cambridge

About the University

Research at Cambridge