MA
Social Justice in Education
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Why study MA Social Justice in Education at Goldsmiths
This programme will enhance your understanding of the role of education in facilitating equal and just societies, focusing on issues of globalisation, languages, and racial and gender inequalities. This MA is taught by nationally and internationally-renowned experts.
- This MA programme is designed to deepen your knowledge of how teaching and learning processes, in formal and informal contexts, impact and are impacted by struggles towards social justice
- In addition to drawing on theories and research from other traditions, the programme focuses on how society and culture inform our understanding of who we are as teachers and learners, and how those identities impact on the teaching and learning process
- The programme is designed for those passionate about social justice in education including educators at all levels, those in informal learning contexts, and others interested more broadly in the field of education. It places a strong emphasis on student-centred and directed independent learning and research
- Our focus on social justice in education means that in our teaching and learning approach, we prioritise inclusive and alternative perspectives on education and apply these creatively to issues that are relevant to your current or future practice
- You will acquire and/or enhance transferrable skills such as critical thinking, a range of research methods, writing for academic, professional and wider audiences and problem-solving that require personal responsibility and initiative in complex and unpredictable environments
Live chat with our teaching staff
You can meet virtually with the MA Social Justice in Education teaching staff to learn more about this exciting programme, the cross-disciplinary modules you could take and ask any other questions you may have:
Contact the department
If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Dr Chris Millora.
Length
1 year full time, 2-5 years part-time
Fees
Home - full-time: £11250
Home - part-time: £5625
International - full-time: £22000
Department
What you'll study
You will develop new perspectives on education through a process of reasoned critical reflection, and explore the significance of social justice in education contexts. You will be encouraged to apply your developing understanding of educational practices and issues in your own institution, and elsewhere.
The full MA requires you to complete 180 worth of credits, split between compulsory and options, as listed below.
If you already have 30 Masters level credits from your PGCE course, or another relevant degree, you can apply to have them included in your MA accreditation. In this case, only a further 150 credits are needed. Please note that your final grade is calculated using only the credits obtained during the Masters itself.
You may be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Education if you exit after completing two modules (one-third of the programme) or a Postgraduate Diploma in Education if you complete four modules (two-thirds of the programme). This must include the first compulsory module ‘Introduction to Social Justice in Education’.
Compulsory modules
You will study the following complusory modules:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Social Justice in Education | 30 credits |
| Researching Social Justice in Education | 30 credits |
| Race, Culture and Education | 30 credits |
| Dissertation | 60 credits |
Option modules
You will take 30 credits of optional modules from a list created annually by the Department of Educational Studies. This list changes annually, and recent modules have included:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Living Multilingualism in Education | 30 credits |
| Exploring Gender in Education | 30 credits |
| Global Education: Power, Practice and Policy | 30 credits |
Note about optional modules (if available): The above is indicative of the typical modules offered, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. The module content and availability is subject to change.
Teaching style
You will be taught through a combination of seminars, small-group discussions and one-to-one tutoring, with the emphasis on peer support through collaborative group working.
Our focus on social justice in education means that we prioritise inclusive and alternative perspectives on education and apply these creatively to issues that are relevant to your current or future practice.
How you'll be assessed
All taught modules are assessed through methods that includes written assignments, oral presentations and slide/poster presentations.
Entry requirements
You should have (or expect to be awarded) an undergraduate degree of at least second class standard in a relevant/related subject, together with appropriate voluntary or professional (paid) experience in education or community work.
If you are looking to move into the education field, other qualifications of equivalent level will be considered if you can demonstrate academic strength and relevant professional experience.
International qualifications
We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.
If your first language is not English, you will need a minimum score of 6.5 overall in IELTS or equivalent. This includes a 6.5 in writing as part of the overall score.
If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for postgraduate-level study.
For students who require a visa, you can use our Immigration Advisory Service to find out more about the visa application process and eligibility requirements.
How to apply
You apply directly to Goldsmiths using our online application system.
Before submitting your application you’ll need to have:
- Details of your academic qualifications
- The email address of your referee who we can request a reference from, or alternatively a copy of your academic reference
- Copies of your educational transcripts or certificates
- A personal statement – this can either be uploaded as a Word Document or PDF, or completed online. You should include in this why you want to study for an MA in Education, and why you think this is the right MA for you.
You may be invited to an online interview as part of the admissions process where we will discuss your interest and motivation in undertaking this MA.
You'll be able to save your progress at any point and return to your application by logging in using your username/email and password.
When to apply
We accept applications from October for students wanting to start the following academic year.
We encourage you to complete your application as early as possible, even if you haven't finished your current programme of study. It's very common to be offered a place that is conditional on you achieving a particular qualification.
Please note, our deadline for applications for the 2024/25 academic year is 4pm BST, Monday 16 September 2024.
Late applications will only be considered if there are spaces available.
If you're applying for funding you may be subject to an application deadline.
Find out more about applying.
Accommodation
Goldsmiths has a number of accommodation options available for postgraduate students, whether you are looking to stay in our halls of residence or are looking for support finding private accommodation.
Explore our accommodation options.
Fees and funding
Annual tuition fees
These are the PG fees for students starting their programme in the 2025/2026 academic year.
- Home - full-time: £11250
- Home - part-time: £5625
- International - full-time: £22000
If your fees are not listed here, please check our postgraduate fees guidance or contact the Fees Office, who can also advise you about how to pay your fees.
It’s not currently possible for international students to study part-time under a student visa. If you think you might be eligible to study part-time while being on another visa type, please contact our Admissions Team for more information.
If you are looking to pay your fees please see our guide to making a payment.
Funding opportunities
Find out more about postgraduate fees and explore funding opportunities. If you're applying for funding, you may be subject to an application deadline.
Additional costs
In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your course, such as buying stationery and paying for photocopying. You can find out more about what you need to budget for on our study costs page.
Skills and Careers
Careers
Many of the modules on this programme focus on professional issues and professional practice with a main focus being the development of professional competence in the workplace.
The Careers Service also offers many opportunities for students to gather new experiences, skills and support in finding work. You can attend workshops on CVs, how to prepare for interviews, as well the opportunity to book a one-to-one appointment for expert advice.
Skills
As well as subject-specific knowledge and skills, the study of social justice in education will enable you to develop the following transferable skills:
- Critical analysis and policy analysis
- Writing for a range of academic and professional audiences
- Knowledge of a range of qualitative research methods
- The capacity to make judgments that require personal responsibility and initiative in complex and unpredictable environments
