MSc Education (Open Pathway)

The MSc Education (Open Pathway) allows you to design your own programme of study based on your areas of interest, rather than choosing one subject area from our specialist pathways.

Units can be taken from across the different specialisms and from our bank of available optional units to build a tailored programme of study. For example, if your interests span both educational policy and the use of technology in education, you might combine units from the Leadership and Policy pathway with units from the Learning, Technology and Society pathway.

A diverse range of students take the open pathway, attracted by the freedom that it offers. Many students have recently completed their undergraduate studies, with some experience of teaching, volunteering, or other work experience in schools or education more broadly. Others are returning to education after a longer period of work and wider experiences, looking to formalise their learning. Many of our students are international, from a range of countries around the world. This diversity creates a rich learning environment and encourages sharing of ideas among students and academics alike.

After completing the MSc, most students go on to work in education in some form. Some will use the master's year to develop their skills as educational researchers and go on to study for a PhD at Bristol or elsewhere.

An upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in any discipline.

For applicants who are currently completing a degree, we understand that their final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades they achieve during their studies.

We will consider applicants whose interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements. We may make these applicants an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so the applicant would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of their degree. Specific module requirements may still apply.

We will consider applicants whose grades are slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements, if they have at least one of the following:

• evidence of significant, relevant work experience;
• a relevant postgraduate qualification.

If this is the case, applicants should include their CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when they apply, showing details of their relevant work experience and/or qualifications.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.