Adult Education for Social Change (International Master) IntM
Adult education has been recognised in Europe as a critical element in addressing challenges pertaining to employment, research and innovation, climate change and energy, education and combatting poverty. A concern about social inequality and a belief that adult educators can contribute to social change based on smart, sustainable and inclusive growth is the driving force behind the creation of the programme.
- Academic contact: imaesc@glasgow.ac.uk
- Teaching start: September
- IntM: 24 months full-time
Why this programme
- This programme has been designed to maximise the learning outcomes through both student and staff mobility and is innovative in the interconnectedness of the curriculum.
- Its unique focus brings together the recognised strengths of all partners into a relevant degree which engages with and responds to key issues of our time, such as social inequality, migration and intercultural cooperation and collaboration.
- A distinctive feature of this programme is the connection between theory and practice, gained through focused placements and mobility periods between the partner universities.
- The programme aims to deliver a curriculum that enables people to work with adults effectively and competently in changing socially diverse contexts.
- This Joint Masters Degree is awarded by a consortium comprising the University of Glasgow (Scotland), the University of Malta, Maynooth University (Ireland), Tallinn University (Estonia) and the Open University of Cyprus.
- An array of academic conferences, workshops and other socio-cultural events involving all consortium partners will help to make your experience a truly rewarding one in terms of making lasting friendships and equipping you for a future professional career.
Programme structure
The programme is taught over 24 months and includes three mobility periods. It has been designed so that you benefit from the specific expertise of each of the partners and have a short credit-bearing placement built into each of the mobility periods.
Semester 1 courses will be delivered at the University of Glasgow. There is a pathway choice in semester 2 between the University of Malta (Critical issues, policy and curriculum) and Maynooth University (Community engagement and education). Semester 3 courses will be delivered Tallinn University. Open University of Cyprus courses will be delivered online with every partner.
You will also complete a research dissertation that will be supported by all institutions throughout your two years of study. You can choose to spend this semester at Glasgow, Malta, Maynooth or Tallinn, depending on the focus of your dissertation.
There is also the opportunity to attend a summer school in Penang at Universiti Sains Malaysia or undertake internships at UNESCO (UIL) Participatory Research in Asia (PRIA) or the German Institute for Adult Education (DIE) as part of the summer mobility period.
Year 1: Semester 1 (September - December)
University of Glasgow
- Introduction to adult education for social change
- International issues in adult education OR Psychology of adult learning
- Practical aspects of adult education
- Placement
- Teaching adult education online.
Year 2: Semester 2 (January – May)
University of Malta (Pathway A) - Critical issues, policy and curriculum
- Adult education and social difference
- Adult education for sustainable development
- Curriculum development
- Placement
- Research methods (online).
OR
Maynooth University (Pathway B) - Community engagement and education
- Advanced gender studies in adult and community education
- Advanced theories in adult and community education
- Placement
- Power, politics and society: adult education in context
- Research methods (online).
Summer mobility
Universiti Sains Malaysia - Summer School (June-July)
- Peace studies
- Sustainability.
OR
Internship (limited places)
- DIE (German Institute for Adult Education)
- PRIA (Participatory Research in Asia)
- UNESCO (UIL).
Year 2: Semester 3 (September – January)
Tallinn University
- Critical reflection in adult learning and education (online)
- Placement
- Research support and employability issues
- Social and professional identity of adult educators
- Theories of change in adult education.
Year 2: Semester 4 (February – August)
Glasgow, Malta, Maynooth OR Tallinn
- Research dissertation
Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours
to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw
or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract.
Career prospects
Graduates will be equipped with the academic knowledge, research skills, and practical employability skills through this jointly developed and delivered programme.
You will find employment teaching and facilitating change in schools, communities and workplaces, advocating through activism or influencing policy in international NGOs and governments, as well as undertaking research that uncovers new knowledge about how adult education can help eliminate social injustice.
Fees & funding
Tuition fees for 2023-24
IntM
Fees for the 2 year programme:
International:
- £16,640 per annum
Home:
- £7,680 per annum
EU:
- £9,920 per annum
The EU/EEA fee value reflects the difference in fee status at the EU partners in the programme consortium.
The fees listed here cover tuition only. The University of Glasgow can only collect fees in Pound Sterling at the published GBP values and subject to exchange rates at the time of payment. As the programme contains various mobility periods, students (funded and self-funded) will need to cover their own airfares between each chosen partner.
Additional fees
- Fee for re-assessment of a dissertation (PGT programme): £370
- Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed: £350
- Registration/exam only fee: £170
Funding opportunities
Banco de Mexico
The Mexican National Bank (Banco de Mexico) provides special loans for students who wish to undertake a programme of postgraduate study. The University of Glasgow in partnership with Bank of Mexico FIDERH is offering a fee discount to holders of a Bank of Mexico FIDERH loan. See the FIDERH website for further information.
Colfuturo Fundacion para el Futuro de Colombia
The University of Glasgow offer discounts to all successful Fundacion para el Futuro de Colombia (Colfuturo) scholars who enrol at the University of Glasgow to complete a postgraduate programme.
CONICyT (La Comsion Nacional de Investigacion Cientifica y Tecnologica de Chile)
The University of Glasgow offers a 25% discount to all successful CONICyT scholars who enrol at the University of Glasgow to complete a postgraduate programme.
CONACyT (Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia) / FUNED Agreement
CONACYT offers a non-refundable scholarship, a monthly stipend and medical insurance of an approximate total of $20,000 USD (in the case of the UK, no medical insurance grant is given since students are already covered by the National Health System) The University of Glasgow offer a 30% discount to all successful CONACyT scholars who enrol at the University of Glasgow to complete a postgraduate programme.
Alumni Discount
In response to the current unprecedented economic climate, the University is offering a 20% discount on all Postgraduate Research and full Postgraduate Taught Masters programmes to its alumni, commencing study in Academic session 2023/24. This includes University of Glasgow graduates and those who have completed a Study Abroad programme or the Erasmus Programme at the University of Glasgow. The discount applies to all full-time, part-time and online programmes. This discount can be awarded alongside most University scholarships.
The scholarships above are specific to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database
Entry requirements
2.1 Honours degree or non-UK equivalent in any subject.
English language requirements
For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)
- 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0.
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Common equivalent English language qualifications
All stated English tests are acceptable for admission to this programme:
TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome)
- 90 with minimum R 20, L 19, S 19, W 23.
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test, this includes TOEFL mybest.
PTE (Academic or Academic Online)
- 60 with minimum 59 in all sub-tests.
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)
- 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Glasgow International College English Language (and other foundation providers)
- 65%.
- Tests are accepted for academic year following sitting.
University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses
- Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.
Alternatives to English Language qualification
- Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have complete their degree in that majority-English speaking country and within the last 6 years
- Undergraduate 2+2 degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country and within the last 6 years
For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.
Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:
- School of Modern Languages and Cultures: English for Academic Study
- BALEAP guide to accredited courses
For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office using our enquiry form
International students
We are proud of our diverse University community which attracts students and staff from over 140 different countries.
How to apply
For information on applications and to apply, please see the consortium website:
Apply to programme (consortium website)
