UCL Institute of Education’s Policy Studies in Education MA develops the ability to critically analyse education policy within wider social, economic and political contexts at institutional, local, national and global levels. The programme builds a strong theoretical understanding of education policy with an emphasis on sociological perspectives, and examines themes such as globalisation, markets and managerialism and their relevance to education in and beyond England. Students complete 180 credits: two core modules (60 credits), two optional modules (60 credits), plus a 60-credit dissertation or a 30-credit report with an additional 30-credit option module. Optional modules typically include topics such as race, gender and sexuality, research methods, human rights, and social theory.