MSc in Educational Assessment at University of Oxford

Programme overview

A two-year part-time professional development master's for teachers, researchers and professionals in educational assessment, including awarding bodies, test agencies, schools and universities. It covers the history and paradigms of assessment, validity, reliability, fairness and equity, assessment design and evaluation, and research synthesis for policy and practice.

What you will study

Three core courses (Assessment Issues and Practices; Assessment Design and Evaluation; Research synthesis for development of policy and practice), one option (such as research methods to investigate educational assessment issues, or classroom-based assessment) and a second-year dissertation, taught through residential sessions in Oxford with online support.

Career pathways

The course is intended to develop assessment skills and support progression to senior positions in educational assessment organisations nationally and internationally.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold or be predicted a first-class or strong upper second-class UK honours degree (or equivalent) in any relevant subject; applicants without a relevant degree but with sufficient professional experience in a relevant working environment will be considered. US bachelor's degrees normally need a minimum GPA of 3.6/4.0. Evidence of employer support is required. No GRE or GMAT scores are sought and publications are not expected. English language (higher level, if first language is not English): IELTS Academic 7.5 overall with at least 7.0 in each component; TOEFL iBT 110 with minimum Listening 22, Reading 24, Speaking 25, Writing 24; C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency 191 overall and 185 per component; Oxford Test of English Advanced 165 overall and 155 per component. Test must be taken no more than two years before the course start. Application deadlines for 2027-28 entry: 13 November 2026 (12:00 UK time; applications more likely to receive earlier decisions), 7 January 2027 (needed for Oxford scholarship consideration) and expected final deadline 2 March 2027.

Domestic applicants: GBP 10,050 a year (2027/28). Home fee, part-time (per year), 2027-28 Source

International applicants: GBP 19,170 a year (2027/28). Overseas fee, part-time (per year), 2027-28 Source

Intake: 10 September 2027

Duration: 2 years part-time

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