Course information

Length

1 year full-time or 2-5 years part-time

Scholarship information

Funding available

Course overview

This programme will enhance your understanding of educational theory and practice by focusing on issues of culture, language and identity, and is taught by internationally-renowned experts.

Why study MA Education: Culture, Language & Identity at Goldsmiths

  • This MA programme explores the significance of identity and culture in education contexts. While we draw on theories and research from other traditions, our focus is 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 educators at all levels, including 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.
  • Teaching sessions and personal tutorials focus on supporting you to bring together your reading and reflections on your own learning and teaching experiences, enabling you to develop a better informed, more critical, and more analytical approach to educational processes.

Live chat with our teaching staff

Meet virtually with the MA Education, Culture, Language and Identity teaching staff to learn more about this exciting MA, the cross-disciplinary modules you could take and ask any other questions you may have. 

View dates of upcoming chat sessions and book a slot with Christopher Millora.

Contact the department

If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Dr. Veronica Poku.

What you'll study

Overview

You'll develop new perspectives on education through a process of reasoned critical reflection, and explore the significance of identity and culture 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 complete 180 worth of credits, split between compulsory and options, as listed below.

If you already have M level credits from your PGCE courses or elsewhere you can apply to have one or both of these included in your MA accreditation. In this case, only a further 120 credits are needed. Please note, however, that your final grade is calculated using only the credits obtained during the Masters itself.

You may be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate if you exit after completing two modules (one-third of the programme) or a Postgraduate Diploma if you complete four modules (two-thirds of the programme). This must include the first compulsory module, "Culture, Language, and Identity in Education".

Compulsory modules

You will take the following compulsory modules (90 credits).

Module title Credits
Culture, Language and Identity in Education 30 credits
Dissertation 60 credits

 

Option modules

You'll take 90 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
Biculturalism and Bilingualism in Education 30 credits
Children’s Literature, Culture and Diversity 30 credits
Current developments and collaborative approaches in SEN and behaviour management 30 credits
Early Childhood in a Diverse Society 30 credits
Masculinities, Femininities, and Identities in Education 30 credits
Education Policy into Practice 30 credits
Progressive Leadership and Mentoring in Education 30 credits
Race, Culture and Education 30 credits
Teaching Languages in Multilingual Contexts 30 credits

Download the programme specification.

Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.

What our students say

Arjun Rakhit

Doing the course has changed how I am not only as a teacher but also as a person in general – it has shaped me greatly.

Unique viewpoints 

One of my favourite things about studying this course at Goldsmiths was being surrounded by like-minded individuals, but who also opened my views in numerous ways. Everyone had their own expertise and unique viewpoints, which I think is very important. Be prepared to listen to and discuss ideas with people from a multitude of different backgrounds – I think it's important to listen to and understand differing views. 

A defining experience

Doing the course has changed how I am not only as a teacher but also as a person in general, and it has shaped me greatly. The staff were also great – I always found them to not only be very knowledgeable, but also extremely approachable about any issue. 

Embrace the diversity

My favourite thing about studying in New Cross and South East London is the diversity – there is incredible food from all sorts of cultures available, and it's very affordable.

Basil Mussad

Do the best with your time at Goldsmiths, treasure it, give it your all, work hard, be curious and fascinated in all you study and it could be the stepping stone to a wonderful life.

Encouraging you to be the best you can be

I have to say that I am very pleased with the education that I have received at Goldsmiths. Attending Goldsmiths also gives you access to the other University of London schools as well as the library at Senate House. My personal view is that Goldsmiths as an institution and as a culture hub has historically and consistently provided an environment whereby students often achieve and are encouraged to be the best they can be.

Do the best with your time at Goldsmiths, treasure it, give it your all, work hard, be curious and fascinated in all you study and it could be the stepping stone to a wonderful life. I think prospective students should embrace the experience, sign up for societies, go to pubs and make sure to go out there and try the unique things London can offer.

Embracing educational technology

I’m someone who loves learning about new educational technology and trends, so in the next five years, I see myself as having established strong knowledge of what’s new and emerging in educational technology. I’m currently working as a Learning Support Assistant and I am hoping to teach abroad for a while.

Maliha Afzal

Goldsmiths is an environment that is steeped in creativity, innovation and social justice.

Maliha's study experience

During my time at Goldsmiths, the relationships that I developed with my peers and professors in the MA programme were the most valuable. I enjoyed how we would engage in critical, in-depth conversations in and out of the classroom about how pedagogy could be transformed and driven. It helped me to grow and refine my own voice as an educator striving for social justice. The professors were incredibly knowledgeable and their own works and research inspired mine. The MA Education experience at Goldsmiths was transformative in the educator I had wished to become.

Life after Goldsmiths

I am currently the Head of SEN and Student Guidance Counsellor at a local school in Bangladesh that follows an international curriculum. I have enjoyed the interactions with the students and supporting their well-being. My MA in culture, language and identity has been very informative in my role in helping students to build their sense of self and how they wish to be seen in this world.

I am interested in teacher training and parent coaching, and my hope for the future is to develop a programme for teachers and parents that centres on student cultures and identities, particularly in building inclusive practices and breaking down barriers.

Advice for future students

Goldsmiths is an environment that is steeped in creativity, innovation and social justice so make the most of your experience by engaging in as many conversations as possible with inspiring forward-thinkers! Read as much as possible - Goldsmiths and the University of London have access to a lot of valuable resources and books. It’s an opportunity to awaken your own voice, both personally and professionally.

Experiencing London as an international student

London is a multicultural city where I felt very much at home as an international student, given everyone has a story of diversity and difference. It is rich in culture and the arts, and I found events to attend most weekends at reasonable prices. The city itself is so large that each area is unique and worth exploring! I enjoyed Goldsmiths as an international student as well, given how the study body is representative of how multicultural London is.

Maliha's favourite thing in the local area

Food, in and around the area! There are many places to explore that provide authentic cuisine from around the world.

See more profiles for this programme

Entry requirements

You should have (or expect to be awarded) an undergraduate degree of at least second class standard in education or a relevant/related subject plus appropriate voluntary or professional (paid) experience in education or community work.

You might also be considered for some programmes if you aren’t a graduate or your degree is in an unrelated field, but have relevant experience and can show that you have the ability to work at postgraduate level.

International qualifications

We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.

If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.5 with a 6.5 in writing and no element lower than 6.0 to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for postgraduate-level study.

Fees, funding & scholarships

To find out more about your fees, please check our postgraduate fees guidance or contact the Fees Office, who can also advise you about how to pay your fees.

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.

There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. This can include things like paying for field trips or specialist materials for your assignments. Please check the programme specification for more information.

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.

Postgraduate students at Goldsmiths may also be eligible for over £10,000 in Postgraduate Government Loans.

Scholarships

Explore our scholarships finder to discover funding you may be eligible for.

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
  • 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. Please see our guidance on writing a postgraduate statement 

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. 

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.

Staff

Find out more about staff in the Department of Educational Studies.

Careers

The programme will enable you to develop:

  • enhanced understanding and critical awareness of educational theory and practice
  • critical reflection skills
  • research skills

Many students use their MA to help with promotion in schools and other education institutions, others go on to pursue further study. Our Careers Service is able to offer help with CVs, mock interviews and other advice both during your studies and after you graduate.

Find out more about employability at Goldsmiths.

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