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
study 'on campus' in St Andrews or online
start in either September or January

MSc, PGDip or PGCert

You can enrol for one of these three different types of qualifications.

Master of Science (MSc)

An 15-month full-time taught course. The MSc requires you to take eight modules and complete a 15,000-word dissertation.

Course dates: January 2025 to May 2026

Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip)

A year-long full-time taught course. The PGDip requires you to take eight modules over two semesters. Those on the PGDip do not undertake a dissertation.

Course start date: January 2025

Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)

A flexible course that can be taken full-time over one semester or part-time over one to two years (subject to visa requirements). The PGCert requires you to take four modules of your choosing. Those on the PGCert do not undertake a dissertation.

Course start date: January 2025

Students with home fee status may study any of these qualifications part-time depending on their individual circumstances.

In person or online

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

September or January

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

Find out more about our International Education courses.

Video transcript

Lesley Thirkell: The PGT programmes we offer for international education are designed for students who are interested in international education.

They're perhaps aiming at something beyond being a classroom teacher as their career.

So perhaps it's somebody who's already a teacher and wants to move more into management or administration or policy, or somebody who's already working in those areas who feels they need more theoretical academic background and more practise to enhance their career opportunities.

All our courses are offered either online (distance learning) or in-person here in St Andrews.

If you study in St Andrews, you have five contact hours per module per week, plus office hours.

You will usually live in St Andrews or sometimes in towns around St Andrews.

You have access to the physical library, to student services, to the sports centre.

You're a full-time student in St Andrews, mixing with other students and having the full student experience.

Yi Ren: Because I've been on campus for a long time, I talk with a lot of students, and our major is preaching to you, but I think it's a really good balance and combination between teaching students, the pedagogy, and learning a bit more about management, so it's kind of two things together.

Lesley Thirkell: Our distance learning students are not, as the label suggests, in St Andrews. They are almost entirely working, usually full-time, all around the world. So we have students studying from the West Coast of Canada, from Japan, and from South Africa upwards.

So we have more than 120 distance learners all over the world.

They have no face-to-face teaching, everything they get is a bespoke, pre-recorded video, which is uploaded on the University website.

Michelle Turner: The course has been fantastic because I have been able to do all of my work at home and not take a leave of absence or a sabbatical from work.

I've been able to use the materials and work on my schedule, which has been perfect for me.

I do a lot of travel for my job, and it was absolutely essential when I was looking for a programme that it combined all of the elements of a really rigorous course along with flexibility to work on my timeline, and it's been fantastic for that, and everybody has been super supportive in everything.

This is my second Masters, so my first one was in educational leadership, and I was really looking for something that spent more time and energy and more of the curriculum on international education.

And the entire programme really centres around the idea of international education and themes that are relevant, policies that are relevant, to things that are happening right now.

Lesley Thurkill: So, I think that, increasingly in the world of international education, to succeed professionally it's necessary to have a Masters degree. If you don't have a Masters degree, a postgraduate diploma or postgraduate certificate is also beneficial.

Having these postgraduate level qualifications enhances your career opportunities.

It broadens the range of jobs that you can apply for and the range of countries that you'll be able to work in.

It shows to a future employer that you are educated to that level.

Entry requirements

Typically, you should have one of the following:

A 2.1 Honours degree between 3.3 and 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.

If you require further information about our academic entrance requirements in relation to the education system you studied in, please email iepostgrad@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 Institute 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, please forward 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 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 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

Friday 17 January 2025. Applicants should apply as early as possible to be eligible for certain scholarships and for international visa purposes.

Application requirements

CV containing your personal details and a history of your education and employment (paid or voluntary) to date
personal statement, see personal statement guidance for International Education courses
one original signed reference (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, this can be submitted 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 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.
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.

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

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, with five face-to-face contact hours for each module. You will study four modules in each semester, two in the first part and a further two in the second part of the semester.

In most modules, you will also interact online in a weekly written discussion forum (or similar activity) with other 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.

The University of St Andrews operates on a flexible modular degree system by which degrees are obtained through the accumulation of credits. More information on the structure of the modules system can be found on the flexible degree structure web page.

Modules

The modules in this programme have varying methods of delivery and assessment. For more details about each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the latest module catalogue, which is for the 2024-2025 academic year. Some elements may be subject to change for January 2025 entry.

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: asks students 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: you 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: 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.

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 January 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 first two semesters of the programme, which are delivered through a mixture of:

live lectures
face-to-face seminars
office hours
out-of-class activities

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

Assessments will include:

a variety of different types of written assignments
presentations
development of teaching plans
material development

Further particulars regarding curriculum development.

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

Home: £11,680
Overseas: £25,880

PGDip

Home: £7785
Overseas: £17,250

PGCert

Home: £3895
Overseas: £8630

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

MSc tuition fee discount

IELLI offers scholarships to students studying the MSc on campus in St Andrews who have approximately six months of relevant work experience. For students paying the Overseas fee, the scholarship is £2,000 and for students paying the Home fee, the scholarship is £1,000.

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.

Accommodation fees

Find out about accommodation fees for University accommodation.

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 such as schools, universities, education-facing NGOs
in educational agencies
as educational policymakers
as International Officers
in education-related marketing roles

Lecturers within the International Education 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.

The University Careers Centre also offers one-to-one advice to all students on a taught postgraduate course and provides a programme of events to assist students in building their employability skills.

Meet us

Postgraduate online visiting days

We hold postgraduate visiting days online 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 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

Peter Bannister (MSc TESOL with a Specialism in Assessment and Evaluation 2019-2022) won the British Association of Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes Masters Dissertation Awards 2023 for his dissertation entitled 'Exploring the Critical Listening Assessment Conundrum on Pre-Sessional EAP Programmes in Higher Education'.
Mairi Canning (MSc TESOL 2020-2021) was commended at the British Council ELT Masters Dissertation Awards 2021-2022 for her dissertation entitled 'The Value of Co-teaching in Teacher Agency: A Focus on ESL Teachers in South Korea'.
Allison Crum (MSc TESOL 2019-2020) was commended at the British Council ELT Masters Dissertation Awards 2020-2021 for her dissertation entitled 'Introducing standards for evaluating enrichment materials (SEEM): Testing the modern framework with football-themed materials'.
Yin Lijun (MSc TESOL 2017-2018) was commended at the British Council ELT Masters Dissertation Awards 2018-2019 for her dissertation entitled 'An investigation of experienced EAP teachers' marking processes'.
Paul Robertson (MSc TESOL with a Specialism in Technology for Teaching 2021-2023) won the British Association of Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes masters Dissertation Awards 2024 for his dissertation entitled 'Student and staff perceptions of student digital competencies on an English-Medium international foundation year programme in Europe, with reference to the EU’s Digital Competence Framework for Citizens (DigComp)'.

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 Educational 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 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.

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: iepostgrad@st-andrews.ac.uk
Address: International Education Institute

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

International Education Institute website

International Education (MSc, PGDip, PGCert) January 2025 entry