MEd (Education Policy Studies)
The Master of Education in Education Policy Studies by full research, aims to assist you as an educator to
• develop your critical understanding of education policy in the context of democratic transformation;
• challenge you to analyse, reflect on and question educational theories, policies and practices;
• enhance your skills and leadership to enact change; and
• encourage you to explore creative responses to diversity.
A secondary aim is to equip you with the necessary research skills to undertake further advanced studies at doctoral level and to do research on Education Policy Studies. These aims include the competence to function as researchers of educational policy in professional contexts.
The research themes that are explored include:
• Democratic praxis and educational transformation, including policy developments within the South African political context
• Values in education, including equality, liberty, diversity, justice, shared compromise, practical reasoning and community
• Globalisation, internationalisation and free market ideology
• Centralisation/decentralisation dynamics
• International comparative studies on learner achievement and school effectiveness
• The learning institution and the nurturing of quality within instructional change
• Developing supportive processes, systems (organisation building) and funding
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Programme overview
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When applying
Please note that selection for postgraduate programmes is highly competitive, and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Research Master’s and PhD applicants are strongly advised to consult the relevant department before applying to discuss their proposed research topic and confirm the availability of a suitable supervisor.
Minimum admission requirements
To be admitted to the MEd programme, you must:
• have a BEdHons degree from this University, or another four-year bachelor’s degree in Education approved for this purpose by Senate;
or
• have obtained an honours degree at level 8 approved for this purpose by Senate, and an approved education diploma/certificate (additional studies in Education may be required of you);
or
have obtained a pass in another combination of studies both academic and professional, deemed appropriate by Senate for the purpose of joining the intended programme, including the combination of a four-year professional degree that has no Education component and an education diploma/certificate (supplementary study in Education will be required of you);
or
• in some manner have attained in your particular field of study a standard of competence deemed adequate by Senate (supplementary studies in Education will be required of you).
Conditions for admission
You will be considered for admission based on your above qualification on the following two conditions:
• You must have obtained an overall average of 60% in your BEdHons or equivalent study
• The relevant department must have the capacity to offer the programme.
Research methodology at honours level
• A module in research methodology at honours level is compulsory if you are enrolling for the full thesis master’s degree.
Supporting application documents
Departmental form
Download and fill in the following departmental form, and submit with your application:
https://files.su.ac.za/public/postgraduate-studies/documents/2026-03/de…
Document placeholder name on application portal:
Departmental form
Programme structure
For this degree you must:
• submit a research thesis (100% full thesis) worth 180 credits. The length of the thesis is normally between 40 000 and 50 000 words, presenting a substantiated argument which does not necessarily make an original contribution. In some cases, an oral examination may be required, as prescribed in the Faculty’s Regulations for Non-Examining Chairpersons of Master’s Examination Panels.
• 66524-872 (180) Education Policy Studies (100% thesis)