UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD · UNITED KINGDOM
MSc in Educational Assessment
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 2 yearsPart-time duration
- Hybrid (on-campus & online)Attendance mode
- OpenApplications currently open
- c. 15Places per year
- Higher levelEnglish language required
The MSc in Educational Assessment is a two-year, part-time professional development program designed for researchers and professionals in educational assessment, including those in awarding bodies, test agencies, schools, and universities. This course, offered by the University of Oxford's Department of Education, aims to enhance your understanding of assessment systems and equip you with the skills to analyze and engage with research, policy, and practice in an informed and critical manner. It is a hybrid program combining residential sessions in Oxford with extensive online support. Students will delve into the history of educational assessment, explore different paradigms (psychometric, curriculum-embedded, outcomes-based), and engage with key debates on concepts like validity and fairness. The curriculum covers assessment design, evaluation, and the use of research synthesis techniques to inform policy and practice. The program is tailored for a diverse international cohort, fostering rich group discussions and collaborative learning.
Curriculum
The course structure includes three core modules, one option module, and a dissertation. Throughout the program, you will develop technical and statistical skills. Teaching combines residential sessions in Oxford with online support through the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (Canvas). Each of the four papers involves eight teaching sessions (lectures, seminars, practicals) and a small-group tutorial.
- Year 1
- Assessment Issues and Practices
- Assessment Design and Evaluation
- Research synthesis for development of policy and practice
- Specialist topic (e.g., Research methods or Classroom-based assessment)
- Year 2
- Dissertation
Careers
This MSc aims to significantly enhance assessment skills and provide a comprehensive understanding of educational assessment, enabling graduates to make a positive impact in diverse settings. The qualification will open doors to senior positions in educational assessment organizations, both nationally and internationally.
- Researcher in educational assessment
- Professional in awarding bodies
- Professional in test agencies
- Professional in schools
- Professional in universities
Frequently asked questions
- What is the duration and format of the MSc in Educational Assessment?
- This is a two-year, part-time professional development program. It is a hybrid program, combining residential sessions in Oxford with extensive online support.
- What are the tuition fees for this programme?
- Tuition fees for international students are not provided in the source material. Please check the official university website for current rates.
- What are the estimated living costs for students in Oxford?
- Estimated living costs for a single student in Oxford for 12 months in 2025-26 range from £17,100 to £24,420. These figures are estimates and can vary based on individual lifestyle.
- How do I apply for the MSc in Educational Assessment?
- You should apply directly through the University of Oxford's graduate admissions portal. The closing date will be announced approximately one week prior on the course page.
- What are the English language requirements for this programme?
- The programme requires a 'Higher level' of English language proficiency. Specific test results are not detailed in the provided text, but are generally required as part of the application.
- What career paths can I pursue after completing this MSc?
- This qualification aims to enhance assessment skills for roles such as a researcher in educational assessment, or a professional in awarding bodies, test agencies, schools, and universities.
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Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition fees for international students are not provided in the source material. Please check the official university website for current rates.
Tuition (home)Tuition fees for home students are not provided in the source material. Please check the official university website for current rates.
LivingEstimated living costs for a single student in Oxford for 12 months in 2025-26 range from £17,100 (lower range) to £24,420 (upper range). This includes food, accommodation (with utilities), personal items, social activities, and study costs. These figures are estimates and can vary based on individual lifestyle.
Part-time students on this course are not eligible for a student visa. You may be able to attend on a visitor visa for short blocks of time but must remain based outside the UK. International students requiring a student visa (not applicable for this part-time course) would also need to budget for the visa application cost and an immigration health surcharge, paid upfront for the entire course duration.
How to apply
1. Search for your courseUse the search function on the Oxford Graduate Admissions website to find the MSc in Educational Assessment.
2. Prepare your applicationGather all necessary documents, including academic transcripts, English language test results (if applicable), references, and a personal statement. Specific document requirements are generally detailed in the University's Application Guide.
3. Submit your application onlineComplete the online application form via the University's graduate admissions system. Ensure all required documents are uploaded before submission.
4. College choice (optional but recommended for scholarships)If you wish to be considered for New College graduate awards, you must specify New College as your first-choice college in your application.
5. Monitor your applicationAfter submitting, you can track the status of your application through the admissions portal.
Scholarships
New College Graduate AwardsGenerous college awards
Frequently asked questions
What is the duration and format of the MSc in Educational Assessment?
+
This is a two-year, part-time professional development program. It is a hybrid program, combining residential sessions in Oxford with extensive online support.
What are the tuition fees for this programme?
+
Tuition fees for international students are not provided in the source material. Please check the official university website for current rates.
What are the estimated living costs for students in Oxford?
+
Estimated living costs for a single student in Oxford for 12 months in 2025-26 range from £17,100 to £24,420. These figures are estimates and can vary based on individual lifestyle.
How do I apply for the MSc in Educational Assessment?
+
You should apply directly through the University of Oxford's graduate admissions portal. The closing date will be announced approximately one week prior on the course page.
What are the English language requirements for this programme?
+
The programme requires a 'Higher level' of English language proficiency. Specific test results are not detailed in the provided text, but are generally required as part of the application.
What career paths can I pursue after completing this MSc?
+
This qualification aims to enhance assessment skills for roles such as a researcher in educational assessment, or a professional in awarding bodies, test agencies, schools, and universities.