Masters in Humanitarian Education

Millions of children around the world do not have access to education. As well as result of poverty, when populations are affected by disasters and conflicts, children’s education is often interrupted or stop entirely. A masters in humanitarian education provides the knowledge and skills needed to run education programmes for children affected by crises. A post-graduate degree in humanitarian education often also investigates how different cultures view education and provides a global perspective on teaching and learning.

A masters in humanitarian education often covers education planning curriculum development, education inequality and education for migrants and refugees. Studying a masters in humanitarian education can build on an undergraduate degree and a provide a specialism on education programming in international development or humanitarian work. Graduates with a masters in humanitarian education can go on to work for humanitarian NGOs or the United Nations.

Master in Education in Emergency – University of Nairobi

The University of Nairobi offers a postgraduate degree in education in emergencies. The course aims to contribute to the increasing professionalisation of the humanitarian education sector. The degree is designed in partnership with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and combines coursework, research and field work. The master’s in education in emergencies teaches students the core skills needed to implement education programmes in crises zones. Alongside focusing on core areas, students on the master’s degree can specialise in subject areas including educational planning, economics of education and corporate governance in education. The master’s in Education in Emergencies at the University of Nairobi links students with global practitioners working in humanitarian education. The masters aims to be the leading academic course for humanitarian education in East Africa and globally.

Applicants to the master’s in education in emergencies at the University of Nairobi need an undergraduate degree with upper second-class grade or a bachelor’s degree with a lower second- and two-years education work experience. Applicants can also have a postgraduate diploma in education or equivalent.

Fees for at the University of Nairobi for the master’s in Education in Emergencies total around 293,500 KSH. The university has a wide range of scholarships and awards including The Rockefeller Foundation scholarships, Aga Khan Foundation scholarships and DAAD scholarships.

Education and International Development MA – University College London (UCL)

The MA in Education and International Development at UCL is one of the top master’s degree for humanitarian education. The course enforces education crucial link to international development and Centre for Education and International Development at UCL is one of the leading centres for research in this area. The course is taught in the Centre for Education and International Development at UCL which focuses on the five thematic areas of poverty, education and inequalities, education, conflict and peacebuilding, education and the promotion of health and wellbeing, understanding the interconnections between education and migration and knowledge creation relating to education, gender equity and empowerment. UCL’s Centre for Education and International Development offers four different humanitarian education masters. These are the Education and International Development MA, Educational Planning, Economics and International Development MA, Education, Gender and International Development MA and Education, Health Promotion and International Development MA.

Entry requirements to study a master’s degree at UCL is a first or second-class UK bachelors or international equivalent. For applicants with English not as their first language, general requirements are either a year of previous study in English or evidence of English language ability through providing test results.  

Tuition fees for post-graduate courses at UCL are between 9,250 GBP and 34,100 GBP for UK and EU students, and between 18,800 GBP and 51,370 GBP for overseas students. The university estimates living costs to be around 20,000 GBP a year. UCL advertises a large number of funding schemes including scholarships, awards, grant and loans. Generally, applicants need a first class undergraduate or international equivalent to receive financial aid.

Master of Arts in International Education – Horizons University

Horizons University in Paris, France, offer a post-graduate degree International Education. The course draws on students with some professional experience and field work. The masters aims to bring together a diverse student body to exchange ideas on global education. Core modules on the master’s programme include multicultural education, technology in international education and pedagogy and methodology in international education. Students can also take additional optional modules in subjects such as project management, instructional design, child development and teaching and learning online. The masters in international education at Horizons University explores the teaching ideas and practices, as well as complexities and differences, in different cultures. The master’s degree covers educational methods of Latin America, Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The course can be taken in one or two years and can also be taken online.

Entry requirements for the International Education masters at Horizons University is an undergraduate degree or equivalent. They also recommend two years of previous work experience. The course admissions asks for strong English language ability and there is also preference for students who have an additional language.

To study the masters in International Education at Horizons University, the tuition fees are 3,450 EUR per year for full-time study. There are also fees of 60 EUR for registration an additional 80 EUR ‘technology’ fee. The University has some financial aid available to students.

Education, International Development and Social Justice MA – St Mary’s University

St Mary’s University in south west London offers a master’s in Education, International Development and Social Justice. The course aims to explore the complex links between education, equity and global development. The master’s degree covers the social, political cultural and economic environments in which young people access education around the world. It also informs students on the current ideas, methods, practices and theories of education across global contexts. The master’s degree in Education, International Development and Social Justice at St Mary’s University also explores the relationship between marginalised groups and education, as well as how social factors such as race, gender and poverty affect education. The masters programme crucially links education with human rights, poverty and economic development, colonialism and post-colonialist history and globalisation.

Applicants to St Mary’s University to study the Education, International Development and Social Justice masters need an undergraduate degree of at least a lower second class. Students who do not have a bachelor’s degree may be admitted if they show significant relevant experience. Overseas students without English as a first language need a IELTS score of 6.5 or above.

Fees for UK students to the masters in Education, International Development and Social Justice at St Mary’s University pay around 8,100 GBP. Overseas students pay tuition fees of around 13,950 GBP. There is a 20% discount on tuition fees for students who have previously studied at St Mary’s University.