Comparative Education and International Development (MSc)

This programme offers you the opportunity to critically reflect and engage with some of the largest challenges in education and international development.

Grounded in a social justice perspective and drawing on cross-national and cross-cultural examples from around the world, this programme helps students understand the complex, context-dependent application of education policy and the role education plays in various aspects of development, including health, peacebuilding, and citizenship.

The programme draws from many social sciences disciplines. Students can explore a range of subfields, including international development, policy and politics and higher education. 

Our goal is to help students become critical thinkers and skilled practitioners. We want them to feel confident tackling the biggest challenges in their field. 

Apply now

Visit the University’s Degree Finder for detailed entry requirements, fees, international grade equivalency, language requirements and to apply.

Discovery Day - Wednesday 23 April

Join Programme Director Dr Will Smith for an online information session, where he will give a brief overview of the MSc Comparative Education and Economic Development followed by an opportunity to ask your questions. 

 

Wednesday 23 April 2025, 1:00 - 2:00 pm (GMT)

 

This session will take place online and is part of the University's Discovery Day.

What you will study

We encourage our students to engage in collaborative, reflective practice and consider multiple perspectives. This allows them to develop a greater sensitivity towards and understanding of diversity. The programme's required courses ensure all students are aware of and can critically reflect on the main theories, concepts, and discussions in the field, as well as on their own assumptions.  

With this baseline knowledge, students are then free to explore their interests through option courses. These courses examine the politics of education, key actors and discourses in the field, and the complexity, challenges, and validity issues in making cross-national or cross-cultural comparisons.  

Welcome to the CEID programme at Moray House from Programme Director Dr Will Smith.

Masters study at the University of Edinburgh

The masters degree programme is divided into two semesters, finishing with a dissertation. The programme’s 180 credits comprise: 

  • taught compulsory and option SCQF Level 11 courses (120 credits) 
  • the dissertation (60 credits)

Students who achieve an average mark of 50% or more on their taught courses can continue to the dissertation. 

In Semester 1 (September - December), you will complete three compulsory courses and up to one option course for a total of 50 or 70 credits. 


In Semester 2 (January - April), you will complete one compulsory course and two or three option courses for a total of 50 or 70 credits.


You must select option courses totalling 60 credits. Option course availability and content may change from year to year. 

List A – Foundational Option Courses (Choose 40-60 credits)

List B – Supplemental Option Courses (Choose 0-20 credits)

In place of the option course from list B, you may choose a course offered by Moray House School of Education and Sport or another School within the University.  The chosen course must be at level 11 and approved by the programme director. 


The dissertation (April - August) is an independent, research-based study worth 60 credits. We take a capstone approach to the dissertation. This allows you to choose how you demonstrate your ability to critically reflect on and apply the knowledge you have gained through the programme. You may choose between two options:  

  • a traditional dissertation  
  • a placement-based dissertation 

Support for your studies

You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.

We will assign you to a Student Advisor in your first few weeks at Edinburgh. This should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need.

Support for your studies

Careers

This programme opens many possible careers. Students might work in research, higher education internationalisation offices, civil society and non-governmental organisations, international organisations or the public sector.

Networking is a key aspect of this field, and we give our students a great start by giving them access to experts across the University and in the field.

Throughout the year, we hold CEID Community events, where experts share their experiences and career stories and help students assess their many post-graduation options. In the past, we’ve welcomed colleagues from UN House Scotland, the Scottish Development Alliance, Link Education International and regional and international organisations such as UN Agencies, World Vision, the OECD, the Global Partnership for Education and Oxfam.

Students also have a chance to use their practical skills while working with experts in the field. There is a placement-based dissertation option that allows qualified students to complete their dissertations with select local, regional or global organisations. There’s also a spring semester trip, where students learn more about the field through visits to international organisations and NGOs.

I would like to make a contribution to the development of education policy in my home country and in the wider region and, eventually, globally. This programme is excellent for preparing me for that.

A'Shante Tassah O'Keiffe

The University of Edinburgh's Careers Service supports all current students (and graduates for up to 2 years) to develop their potential and achieve satisfying and rewarding futures.

Join in and make use of:

  • individual appointments
  • group sessions
  • wider campus-based activity
  • online services and resources

We also deliver a diverse programme of face-to-face and online events throughout the academic year.

Visit the Careers Service website


Our students

The MSc Comparative Education and International Development draws applicants from all over the world who are passionate about education’s potential role in addressing prevalent challenges in education and international development.

You will join a thriving CEID community at the world-renowned University of Edinburgh. 

Lara Perez

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'The best thing about my studies is finding people with the same interests and motivations and willing to make this world a more just, inclusive and sustainable one.'

A'Shante Tassah O'Keiffe

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'The city [of Edinburgh] is absolutely beautiful. The pictures did not do it justice! I'm really glad I had an opportunity to come here.'

Our community

The Masters programme is only one part of the Comparative Education and International Development (CEID) Community. Join the CEID Student Society and take part in CEID Research group events to learn from, network and celebrate with peers.

The three parts of the Community are:

  • the MSc CEID
  • CEID Student Society
  • CEID Research group

The three parts complement each other, providing rich opportunities for students. Based at Moray House School of Education and Sport, the community is an evolving entity providing regular space for student voice, with direction and activities driven by the energy of its members. 

Connect with us on social media to hear the latest on activity in the CEID Community and see our past and future events:

For me, the CEID community is what makes this Masters different from many others. Having a strong community of students, professors, and academics makes the experience of studying a Masters more enjoyable, supportive and rich. [I was able to] participate in a wide range of academic and social events [that] helped me to have a clearer idea of which career opportunities are available after finishing the Masters.   

Lara

The CEID Student Society is one of the few, student run societies focused on the graduate student experience. Established by a motivated group of students in December 2019, the Society is a great way to connect with colleagues in the MSc CEID programme and other interested students from across the university. Throughout the year the Society hosts a range of social, academic, and networking events with students and experts in the university and across the world. Recently the Society has established partnerships with like-minded student groups in other countries. All MSc CEID students are encouraged to join and consider running for a position on their leadership team.

CEID Student Society


The CEID Research Group consists of over 50 faculty members and PhD students working in this area from across the university. MSc students are encouraged to join the Research Group for their annual featured event and regular webinar/seminar series. Past events have included consultations with UNESCO, presentations on a range of topics, low-fee private schools, migration, and global citizenship, and focus events on particular countries, including Lebanon, China, and the Marshall Islands.

CEID Research Group


Fees and funding

Annual tuition fees are listed on the Postgraduate Study Programme Fees pages related to your desired exit level and duration of study.

MSc Comparative Education and International Development - 1 year (Full-time)


Scholarship opportunities are subject to change each year. Students are encouraged to seek out funding opportunities from the University and external funding bodies. More information about available scholarships and funding can be found on our Scholarships and Studentships page.

Scholarships and studentships

The following scholarships may be of interest to CEID students:

You can find more through the University's Scholarship Search.

Scholarship search


Contact us

Questions about the programme

Dr William C Smith

Programme Director

  • Moray House School of Education and Sport

Contact details

Hear what students have to say about our teaching team

Our core faculty come from a diverse range of backgrounds in the comparative education and international development field and include emerging scholars and well-established experts in their given sub-fields. Details of their specific research expertise and professional qualifications are available in their staff profiles:

Dr William C Smith, Programme Director and Senior Lecturer in Education and International Development

Dr Fatih Aktas, Lecturer

Dr Aliandra Barlete, Teaching Fellow

Dr Lindsey K Horner, Lecturer in Education and International Development

Dr Cristina Iannelli, Professor of Education and Social Stratification

Dr Daniel Shephard, Lecturer in Comparative Education and Education Policy


Questions about your application or how to apply

For enquiries about your application or how to apply, contact the Postgraduate Admissions office.

Postgraduate Admissions Office (Education)

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences (CAHSS)

Contact details

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