International Education (MSc, PGDip, PGCert) - Online September 2025 entry

The International Education courses give students the opportunity to integrate and explore theory and practice in the field of International Education.

As this is an online course, you will have the flexibility to select modules of interest and of benefit to your future career, as well as interact online with students on education-related programmes in St Andrews and around the world.

Start date
September 2025
End date
Depends on your chosen qualification: MSc, PGDip or PGCert
Duration
Depends on your chosen qualification: MSc, PGDip or PGCert
School
International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute
Apply for PGCert Apply for PGDip Apply for MSc Register your interest

Application deadline

Monday 1 September 2025

Applicants should apply as early as possible to be eligible for certain scholarships.

Choose your course

These flexible courses allow you to choose the path that best suits your ambitions. You can:

  • achieve either an MSc, PGDip or PGCert qualification, or study a single module
  • study 'on campus' in St Andrews or online
  • start in September or January
  • study any of these qualifications part-time depending on your individual circumstances

You can enrol for one of three different types of qualifications:

Master of Science (MSc)

The MSc requires you to take eight modules over four semesters and complete a 15,000-word dissertation. This is a part-time taught course that you can complete in between two and five years.

Course start date: September 2025

Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip)

The PGDip requires you to take eight modules. Those on the PGDip do not undertake a dissertation. This is a part-time course that you can complete in between two and four years.

Course start date: September 2025

Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)

The PGCert requires you to take four modules of your choosing. Those on the PGCert do not undertake a dissertation. This is a part-time course that you can complete in between one and two years.

Course start date: September 2025

Modular route

You may choose to study a single module rather than study for a whole qualification. Students may apply to study any of the modules offered. Please apply for a PGCert and specify in your Personal Statement which single module you would like to apply for. For further information please email iellipostgrad@st-andrews.ac.uk.

In person or online

These programmes are delivered both in person at St Andrews and online. If you are interested in in-person teaching, see:

September or January

There are two different start dates you can choose from. This page has information for September entry. If you are interested in starting in January, see:

Find out more about our International Education courses.

Entry requirements

Typically, you should have one of the following:

  • A 2.1 Honours degree or 3.3 out of 4.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) in any discipline. Applications are welcomed from all education systems. If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
  • Significant professional or other relevant experience alongside evidence of prior alternative learning (such as professional qualifications or certifications).

For more information about our academic entrance requirements in relation to the education system you studied in, email iellipostgrad@st-andrews.ac.uk.

Recognition of prior learning

Some students may be eligible for recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on their previous studies, such as DELTA. The International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute (IELLI) considers applications for RPL on a case-by-case basis in line with the University's recognition of prior learning policy. To confirm the exact amount of credit you could be awarded, email your relevant transcript to rplearning@st-andrews.ac.uk.

English language requirements

You will need to be proficient in the English language. Information about English language entry requirements for these programmes is available on the postgraduate English language requirements page.

Applicants who have not met the English language entry requirements at the point of application may be made offers that are conditional on these requirements being met before enrolment. Offer-holders may then use the University’s Academic English pre-sessional courses to meet the English language requirements.

The qualifications listed are indicative minimum requirements for entry. Obtaining the listed entry requirements will not guarantee you a place, as the University considers all aspects of every application including, where applicable, the personal statement, and supporting documents.

Application deadline

Monday 1 September 2025

Applicants should apply as early as possible to be eligible for certain scholarships.

Application requirements

  • CV that includes your personal details with a history of your education and employment (paid or voluntary) to date
  • personal statement
  • original signed reference (this may be professional or academic)
  • academic transcripts and degree certificates
  • evidence of English language proficiency (required if English is not your first language). If you have not yet taken an English language test, you can submit it at a later date. Any offer of a place would then be conditional on attaining evidence of your English language competence

For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.

Course details

International Education programmes are run by the International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute.

This course is designed to be useful to experienced practitioners in the field of international education, as well as those considering working in this area.

You will study modules in the applied management and organisational behaviour aspects of leading an organisation as well as modules related to teaching and learning. Modules are taught by an interdisciplinary team from different parts of the University to provide input from a range of academic and practical backgrounds.

Highlights

  • In addition to the five compulsory modules, choose three optional modules and a dissertation topic to explore your interests.
  • Modules are taught by an interdisciplinary team from different parts of the University and by guest speakers.
  • Join the International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute community of practitioners  and interact with students from a diverse range of nationalities and backgrounds.
  • Study modules in the applied management and organisational behaviour aspects of leading an organisation, as well as modules related to teaching and learning.
  • Discuss theoretical concepts and frameworks and apply these through assessments, in small groups, and in writing in weekly online discussion forums.
  • There is no 'live' teaching so you can study in your own time, to suit your own lifestyle and commitments.
  • Attend an optional two-week summer school in St Andrews focusing on dissertation preparation, and providing the opportunity to experience living and studying in St Andrews.

The number of taught modules you will take depends on whether you are studying for the MSc, PGDip or PGCert degree:

  • students on the MSc and PGDip will take five compulsory modules plus three optional modules
  • students on the PGCert will take four modules of their choice

You will study each module for five weeks.

In modules, you interact online in a weekly written discussion forum, or similar activity, with IELLI's postgraduate students in St Andrews and around the world, providing the opportunity to learn from peers living and working in a wide variety of contexts.

Modules

The following modules are compulsory for those on the MSc and PGDip programmes. If you are studying for the PGCert, you can choose any four modules from this list or from the optional module list.

Action Research and Reflection for Education Practitioners: This module provides a learning experience in which students can reflect on concepts and theories they have studied in the past and connect them with individual educational contexts. The module explores the combined value of reflection and action research, providing a means for educational practitioners to understand their educational contexts and to plan responses to challenges in these contexts.

Education and Researching: Students will learn about different research methodologies and critically evaluate quantitative, qualitative and mixed method approaches. It will help students understand the features of a rigorous research question in English Language Teaching and International Education, as well as consider how to design, pilot and reflect on the effectiveness of different data collection instruments. Students will be taught, and given the opportunity to practise, different approaches to data analysis. The module will also include guidance and discussion on the different ethical considerations when conducting classroom-based research, as well as the important stages in writing up the dissertation.

Leadership and Management in International Education: Students will be encouraged to think critically about the purpose, importance and understanding of key concepts and theories of educational leadership in higher education. To this end, the module will begin by exploring what is educational leadership and the qualities of an effective leader in educational settings in the 21st century. It will then introduce and consider relevant theories and principles underlying practice in educational leadership. In order to demonstrate an awareness of the contextual nature of leadership, the module will examine the contributions from international leadership perspectives in a number of different global contexts. Students will be encouraged to analyse and discuss questions and issues arising from the study in-line with their own practice and experience in both written and verbal communications.

Organisational Development in International Education: Students will learn about key theories of organisational development as well as their practical application to an educational setting. In addition, students will explore organisation diagnosis, leading change, and organisation culture. Students will be given the opportunity to reflect and critically apply the organisation development interventions to international settings.

Trends and Policies in International Education: This module aims to raise awareness and enable reflection of the key trends and policies in international education. It provides students with the opportunity to examine the impact that these trends and policies have on standing pedagogical structures and the dialogues they create within the field of intercultural pedagogy. Against this backdrop, the module will encourage students to assess the impact that the decisions they make as leaders, or may go on to make as potential leaders within the field of international education have on the stakeholders within their context of work.

The modules listed here are indicative, and there is no guarantee they will run for September 2025 entry. Take a look at the most up-to-date modules in the module catalogue.

Those on the MSc and PGDip programmes will choose three modules from the following list. If you are studying for the PGCert, you can choose any four modules from this list or from the compulsory module list. 

Assessment and Evaluation in Education: This module aims to provide students with a detailed understanding of the key concepts and theories behind different methods of assessment and evaluation in English language teaching and learning. It will help you to examine the rationale for different types of assessments and assessment designs. You will make links to learning on other modules and examine the theory underpinning test construction and marking, in particular test validity and the role of criteria in assessment.

English Medium Instruction (EMI): With the rapid development of the internationalisation of education, English is being used as the medium of instruction in an increasing number of educational institutions, from university down to primary school and even kindergarten. This is a complex situation, and it is having a significant impact on teaching and learning worldwide, affecting both students and educators. EMI has therefore become a significant component in the postgraduate study of TESOL and International Education as the roles of stakeholders are constantly evolving. This module will provide students with an understanding of the controversies of English as an international language for academic study and the complexity involved in speakers of any language teaching and learning in a second language.

Language Teaching Methodology: This module explores the theories that inform teaching practice and analyses the implications these have in terms of ways of learning, material used, the teacher role and the learning spaces, and is essential for all those seeking to understand teaching environments more clearly and for those who have a chance to influence teaching environments. 

Online Programme Design: Students will learn about key theories of learning and teaching as well as the principles that underpin online programme design. In addition to this you will learn about digital content creation, how to build a sense of community in online teaching and learning contexts, and about assessment and evaluation in the online world. You will be given the opportunity to identify and conceptualise these aspects of online teaching and learning within your own professional contexts.

Technology for Teaching: This module introduces students to the principal theories, concepts and practices of technology in language education. The key focus is on the application of technology, and students will examine various classroom and online uses. Participants will critically consider the role and purpose of various modes of technology in education in a wide range of settings. Students will be encouraged to identify and conceptualise problems within their own professional contexts, and develop creative and informed responses which utilise technology. Students will also develop project management and communication skills.

Optional modules are subject to change each year and require a minimum number of participants to be offered. Some modules may only allow a limited number of students.

Only those on the MSc programme are required to submit a dissertation.  

For the dissertation, you will choose a topic of interest to you and to your future career. You will read related literature and conduct independent research on your topic.

Student dissertations will be supervised by IE staff members. Supervisors will provide guidance throughout the research process, helping you to formulate a suitable research hypothesis. They will offer advice on relevant literature and how to plan your time effectively.

The modules listed here are indicative, and there is no guarantee they will run for September 2025 entry. Take a look at the most up-to-date modules in the module catalogue.

Teaching

You will take a variety of taught modules over the length of the programme.

The modules are delivered in a variety of ways such as:

  • recorded lectures
  • recorded mini-lectures
  • online chatrooms
  • podcasts
  • guided writing
  • webinars
  • intensive feedback sessions on your work

In each five-week module, you will integrate theory and practice by discussing and critiquing theoretical concepts and frameworks, and then applying them through a range of practical assessments.

Assessments will include: 

  • a variety of different types of written assignments
  • presentations
  • development of teaching plans
  • group work with students living in other parts of the world

Read more about curriculum development at the University.

To find out the classification equivalent of points, please see the common reporting scale.

The University’s Student Services team can help students with additional needs resulting from disabilities, long-term medical conditions or learning disabilities. More information can be found on the students with disabilities web page.

Fees

MSc

£12,030

PGDip

£8,020

PGCert

£4,010

Single module

£1,100

These are programme fees rather than annual fees, which can generally be paid in instalments.

The University of St Andrews offers a number of scholarships and support packages to students each year.

15% Recent Graduate Discount

If you have graduated from the University within the last three academic years, you may be eligible for a 15% discount on postgraduate taught tuition fees. Terms and conditions apply.

MSc online tuition fee discount

IELLI offers a £2,000 tuition fee discount to students studying the MSc online who have approximately 2 years of relevant work experience.

Your future

International Education graduates are equipped with a range of skills and experiences which allow them to take on a variety of roles. The majority of International Education students work:

  • in managerial and administrative roles in international education organisations like schools, universities, and education-facing NGOs
  • in educational agencies
  • as educational policymakers
  • as International Officers
  • in education-related marketing roles

Lecturers within the International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute have a wealth of teaching, administrative and leadership experience in education, in a range of locations globally. They are active in using their international networks and experience to support and advise students on future career development.

Current teaching staff have worked in Australia, Bulgaria, China, Finland, France, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Martinique, New Zealand, Nigeria, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, UK, USA and Vietnam.

Meet us

Postgraduate online visiting days

We hold postgraduate online visiting days throughout the year to offer prospective postgraduate students a chance to experience the University's unique atmosphere and the quality of the teaching on offer. 

International Education virtual information sessions

If you are unable to visit St Andrews before you apply, the International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute offers virtual information sessions to discuss the programmes.

Awards

Members of International Education staff and previous students have been awarded various awards and prizes including the following:

Masters Dissertation Awards

Elsevier-Stanford List 2023

  • Sin Wang Chong  was included in Top 2% Scientists in Education on the Elsevier-Stanford List 

TOEFL New Scholar Award 2024

  • Stefan O'Grady was awarded the 2024 TOEFL New Scholar award in recognition of the breadth and quality of his publications, and service to the field of language testing.

McCall MacBain Foundation Outstanding Contribution to Teaching Excellence Awards 2020

In 2020, the International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute was the recipient of two McCall MacBain Foundation Outstanding Contribution to Teaching Excellence Awards:

  • Mark Carver was awarded for his work on assessment and feedback scholarship.
  • Janie Brooks and Kerith George-Briant were awarded for a presentation entitled 'Developing Effective Online Engagement in the Context of Internationalisation' delivered at the British Council International Education Conference in 2019. 

University of St Andrews Golden Dandelion Awards

Kerry Tavakoli and Mark Carver were awarded a University of St Andrews Golden Dandelion Award for ET5524 and ET5624 English Medium Instruction in recognition of the considerable contribution to education for sustainable development that it makes.

University of St Andrews Teaching Excellence Awards

  • Paula Villegas Verdu was awarded one of five annual Teaching Excellence Awards in 2024 for her significant contribution to curriculum design within the Institute, and her leadership of the Institute’s Academic English Service. Her development of new provision to support students across the University with academic literacy development was particularly commended.
  • Kirsty Duff was awarded one of five annual Teaching Excellence Awards in 2023 for her excellent teaching and curriculum development at the International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute.
  • Lori Leigh Davis was awarded one of six annual Teaching Excellent Awards in 2022. Lori was recognised for the energy and enthusiasm she brings to her classes, her commitment to embedding sustainability within her teaching, as well as her work mentoring colleagues and contributing to University widening access programmes.
  • Kerry Tavakoli was awarded one of four annual Teaching Excellence Awards in 2018. Kerry was recognised for the positive impact her work has had on students through her teaching.

University of St Andrews Students' Association 1413 Teaching Excellence Awards

  • Lesley Thirkell was nominated in the category of outstanding academic mentorship, which acknowledges the way a member of teaching staff influences students' personal and academic development, and in the Outstanding Innovation in Teaching category, which celebrates creativity in the classroom.
  • Paula Villegas Verdu was nominated for a Students' Association Excellence Award for outstanding commitment to inclusivity, for her work on the Online Programme Design module, and in the Postgraduate Taught Dissertation Supervisor category, which recognises excellent guidance and support offered to a dissertation student.
  • Alison Malcolm-Smith was nominated in the Outstanding Innovation in Teaching category, which celebrates creativity in the classroom.
  • John Hughes was nominated in the Outstanding Innovation in Teaching category, which celebrates creativity in the classroom.
  • Lori Leigh Davis was nominated in the categories of Outstanding Teacher (Arts and Divinity), Outstanding Innovation in Teaching, Outstanding Academic Mentorship, and Outstanding Commitment to Academic Inclusivity.

University of St Andrews Start-Up Challenge

Cameron Wren (MSc TESOL with a Specialism in Technology for Teaching 2022-2023) won the Start-Up Challenge at the University's Entrepreneurship Centre with his business proposal for an online curriculum subscription service for online and offline English language teachers.

Careers advice

The Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students as well as a programme of events to assist students to build their employability skills.

Contact us

Phone
+44 (0)1334 46 2255
Email
iellipostgrad@st-andrews.ac.uk
Address
International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute

University of St Andrews 
Kinnessburn 
Kennedy Gardens 
St Andrews 
KY16 9DJ

International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute website