The published course and module descriptions were accurate when first published and remain the basis of the course, but the University has had to modify some course and module content in response to government restrictions and social distancing requirements. In the event of changes made to the government advice and social distancing rules by national or local government, the University may need to make further alterations to the published course content. Detailed information on the changes will be sent to every student on confirmation in August to ensure you have all the information before you come to Oxford Brookes.
Education (Higher Education)
MA
Key facts
Start dates
September 2021 / September 2022
Course length
Full time: 12 months
Part time: 24 months - Distance Learning option available
Department
Overview
Our Oxford Brookes MA Education - Higher Education (HE) course is a top up route to progress to an MA and Professional Doctorate in Education Studies. It focuses on policy, purposes and practices in HE.
The course is ideal if you are interested in the role of higher education in society, and the impact of higher education on the world. You should have completed:
- our Post Graduate Certificate in Teaching in Higher Education (PCTHE)
- an equivalent Postgraduate Certificate.
We draw on the pioneering approach of our Educational Development Team in the Oxford Centre for Staff and Learning Development (OCSLD). This combines:
- work and community based social learning and teaching
- and rigorous, evidenced and explanatory research, evaluation and development experience.
You will critically examine the purposes of higher education and its role in the wider world. And you will develop as a higher education professional, an educational researcher and take on specialist areas of professional expertise.

How to apply
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
This MA course is only available as a ‘top-up’ route for holders of the Oxford Brookes Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching in Higher Education or an equivalent Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits Level 7) gained in the last five years
Applicants normally have a good first degree.
Entry with credit
Please see above. A Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching in Higher Education or an equivalent Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits Level 7) is required.
Please also see the University's general entry requirements.
English language requirements
IELTS level 6.5 or above with a minimum 6.0 in reading and writing and 5.5 in speaking and listening.
Please also see the University's standard English language requirements.
English requirements for visas
If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Visas and Immigration minimum language requirements as well as the University's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.
International applications
International students hold a conditional offer until payment of a deposit of £3,000 is received.
Pathways courses for international and EU students
We offer a range of courses to help you meet the entry requirements for your postgraduate course and also familiarise you with university life in the UK.
Take a Pre-Master's course to develop your subject knowledge, study skills and academic language level in preparation for your master's course.
If you need to improve your English language, we offer pre-sessional English language courses to help you meet the English language requirements of your chosen master’s course.
Terms and Conditions of Enrolment
When you accept our offer, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
Application process
Tuition fees
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
Tuition fees
Fees quoted are for the first year only. If you are studying a course that lasts longer than one year your fees will increase each year.
Financial support and scholarships
There are International Student Scholarships available for 2020 and other scholarships and funding options for postgraduate international students.
Additional costs
Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course, if any, are detailed below.
Learning and assessment
You will take three compulsory modules, including a dissertation. And choose one optional module from the list below.

Study modules
Please note: As our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the modules you can choose from may vary from that shown here. The structure of the course may also mean some modules are not available to you.
Research
We establish higher education institutional research, publishing outcomes and providing support to relevant research projects.
We provide time and opportunity for all OCSLD developers to engage in scholarship and collaboration. This is related to their specialist areas of research.
We provide sector-leading consultancy arising from our research activities.
The main areas of activity in the Oxford Centre for Staff and Learning Development (OCSLD) are:
- higher education institutional research
- specialist research and scholarship
- knowledge exchange and public engagement
- OCSLD’s Research strategy guides the centre’s activities.
After you graduate
Career prospects
Studying the MA Education: Higher Education will bring depth and insight into your professional thinking. You will meet students who are at various levels in their careers and you will learn from each other's experiences.
Completion of the course shows commitment to professional development and should lead to improved prospects for career progression.
Alternatively, you can develop your professional practice in specialist areas through our range of Postgraduate Certificate Awards.
Programme Changes: On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been published on the website.
For more information, please visit our Changes to programmes page.