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Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
BOOK AN OPEN DAY
To find out more about postgraduate courses, talk to academic staff, and explore finance options, join us for our Postgraduate Open Evening on Wednesday 18 November 2026.
Course overview
-
L27 -
Distance Learning -
Part-Time -
2 Years -
21 Sep 2026
Whether the discussion centres on racial inequality, political developments or the Black Lives Matter movement, issues relating to race, racism and decoloniality are more important than ever. This flexible course, the first of its kind in the country, will enable you to raise awareness of these matters across professional occupations.
As part of this distance learning master’s, you’ll:
- Deepen your understanding of the contemporary global discourse on race, racism and decoloniality
- Draw on theory and practice from the Global South and Global North to analyse what race, racism and decoloniality mean within these contexts
- Study race, identity and culture within the Black Atlantic diaspora and the impact of black philosophies and movements
- Explore contemporary theoretical debates around critical whiteness studies and critical ethnic studies
- Select option modules to tailor your learning to your academic interests or chosen career
Research focus
You’ll be taught by academic staff who have conducted extensive research in the areas of race and education. You’ll also have the option to engage in your own research-based learning. You could submit your work for consideration for publication as part of the ongoing ‘Race and Education Working Paper Series’ within the school.
Further opportunities to get involved with international and policy making analysis will be available. Carnegie School of Education engages with BAMEEd, Diverse Educators and numerous other Multi Academy Trust networks.
Extended learning
Additionally, you’ll be able to attend short online workshops on:
- Discourse analysis
- Ethnomethodology and conversation analysis
- Grounded theory
- Black feminist epistemologies and approaches
Why study the MA Race, Education & Decolonial Thought course at Leeds Beckett University?
- Flexible learning - with full-time and part-time distance learning study options
- Learn from experts - you'll be taught by a professionally experienced teaching team
- Access to research expertise - within the Centre for Race, Education & Decoloniality
- Strong and meaningful partnerships - with schools and community organisations
- Distinctive and creative programmes - that are responsive to changes taking place in society
Explore videos and blogs
MA Race, Education & Decolonial Thought - student experience Sabah shares her thoughts about studying on the course.
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
Applicants should either have at least a second class honours degree or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements. Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 6.5 with no skill below 6.0. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages.
Entry requirements
Applicants should either have at least a second class honours degree or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements. Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 6.5 with no skill below 6.0. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages.
IELTS
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements. Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 6.5 with no skill below 6.0. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Modules, teaching and learning
Distance learning
We understand that full-time study does not suit everyone. That’s why we offer courses which give you the opportunity to decide where, when and how you can get involved in learning. Studying a distance learning course offers the convenience and flexibility to make education work for you. Whether you’d like to fit your studies around childcare, develop your skills while working or, quite simply, want to learn from the comfort of your own home, we can help you gain a qualification at a time and pace that suits your lifestyle.
Like our students on campus, you’ll have the same excellent teaching and learning resources, however you’ll find these online instead of a lecture theatre. Not only are all the modules taught online, but you’ll also have access to an online community and more than 140,000 books and journals in our online library.
Technical requirements for distance learning study are detailed in the full guide. Visit our distance learning website for more information.
We’ll support your learning on this course by pre-recorded lectures, weekly webinars, audio-visual materials and additional online reading. Your lectures and webinars will take place in the evenings (5-8pm GMT), and you’ll be able to access them from anywhere in the world via Microsoft Teams. If you’re a distance learning student or are studying from outside the UK, we’ll also offer occasional webinars and online 1-1 tutorials at pre-arranged times to suit you. All sessions will be recorded and made available to you.
What you'll learn
This module explores the relationship between decolonial thought and critical race theory, beginning with an examination of coloniality and its lasting impact on knowledge, identity, and power. You’ll investigate how modernity constructed a racialised ‘other,’ positioned outside of dominant European and North Atlantic worldviews. You’ll also examine how thinkers and activists from the Global South – particularly the Caribbean, Latin America, and Africa – have challenged and reimagined these frameworks. Through an intersectional lens, you'll consider how race, gender, and colonial legacies continue to shape society, culture, and lived experience. The module draws on the work of influential theorists including Sylvia Wynter, Mahmood Mamdani, Nelson Maldonado-Torres, Achille Mbembe, Walter Mignolo, and María Lugones, among others. Their perspectives will help you analyse the colonial roots of systemic racism and explore how decolonial and critical race theories can work together to promote social justice and new ways of knowing.
Explore decolonial viewpoints on race, culture, politics, and identity from across the Black Atlantic. You'll draw on key contributions from Black philosophers, activists, and social movements in the Caribbean, the USA, Latin America, and the UK. This module engages with critical debates surrounding the Black body and its representation through histories of slavery, colonialism, independence, and decolonialisation. Using these insights, you'll develop a critical essay that examines key arguments and contested ideas within the study of race, culture, and identity in Black Atlantic contexts.
This module provides you with the tools to undertake methodological critiques and to interrogate research findings, with a key focus on the ethics of empirical research. Working within a community of practice, you’ll develop your own lines of enquiry rooted in a critical understanding of current literature and you’ll design and evaluate a research project which will form the basis of your dissertation proposal.
This module introduces key ideas in critical whiteness studies through the work of thinkers such as W.E.B. Du Bois and George Yancy. Drawing on Yancy's Density Project, you'll explore the lived experience of racialisation and the need to critically examine whiteness and white racism. Through an interdisciplinary lens, you'll engage with political, philosophical, and cultural debates that challenge dominant narratives, asking complex questions such as "what should white culture do?". In doing so, you'll critically appraise a range of texts and perspectives that interrogate the construction and impact of whiteness in contemporary society.
Undertake an extended project in a subject area of interest that relates directly to your professional practice. This module will deepen your independent thinking, broaden your subject knowledge, and strengthen your ability to analyse, apply, and contribute to existing theory. You'll build on the research skills and learning strategies developed in the Research Methods module, supported throughout by expert supervision. The guidance you'll receive will boost your confidence and prepare you to present and defend an academic review of your chosen topic with clarity and conviction.
What you'll learn
This module adopts a multidisciplinary approach to understand how childhood and the early years have been constructed, and reimagined, throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. Drawing on a range of texts, you'll explore how childhood is shaped through language, media, visual culture, and popular narratives. As your focus broadens to include parenting and child-adult relationships, you'll be encouraged to reflect critically on your own perceptions of childhood. Academic work on the 'image of the child' and visual politics will support your exploration of how cultural representations influence both policy and personal understanding.
Explore how dramatic storytelling and ritual can be used as tools for social change when working with young people in challenging contexts. This module critically examines the historical and contemporary role of applied drama, theatre, and performance in therapeutic, educational, and community settings. Through seminar activities and project-based work, you'll collaborate on the practical development of drama techniques in a range of community and educational environments. This includes a placement with a community theatre company. As your skills and understanding of the artistic and therapeutic potential of applied drama grow, you'll critically reflect on the practical, ethical, and creative processes involved, particularly when working with marginalised groups.
Explore the ways that children develop concepts of social identities from early years to adolescence. You'll investigate the ways in which social, political, and cultural forces influence children's identities and the extent to which identity is assumed or enforced. This module explores ideas of identity as multifaceted, fragmented, dynamic, and performative. You'll study 'intersectionality' – the interconnected ways in which different social identities overlap along with related systems of oppression. Your study will conclude with an investigation into the ways in which social identities influence the life chances of children; how social identities relate to inequality and how inequalities are perpetuated.
This module offers a critical and in-depth exploration of ethnicity, migration – both voluntary and forced – and diaspora. Through a range of historical and contemporary case studies, you'll examine these themes as local, national, and global issues. Upon completion, you'll be able to link key ideas from critical ethnic studies with broader theories and concepts in race and ethnicity. This will deepen your understanding of how identity, movement, and power intersect across different contexts.
This module reflects on current provision and practice for neurodivergent individuals and groups. You'll explore how ideas about recognising, diagnosing, and supporting people have changed over time, and how these changes have been shaped by education, history, and society. You'll also consider how to ensure these approaches are fair and inclusive for everyone. Ultimately, you'll identify a range of effective, research-based approaches and strategies that promote learning and participation amongst neurodivergent people.
This module introduces you to the idea of co-production. It explores how engaging with and promoting the voices of children and young people can inspire possibilities for social change in challenging educational and community settings. You'll examine the historical and contemporary treatment of children's voices, and children's contribution to social change. Through seminars and project-based activities centred on practical, collaborative learning, you'll explore a variety of educational and community settings. Throughout your study, you'll reflect on the effective practical and ethical processes experienced, to develop your own competences, knowledge, and skills of co-production with children. By reflecting on how children and young people's voices are treated in practice, you'll gain important insights. You'll also engage critically with research and academic literature. Through this, you'll consider the role of co-production with children and young people as a powerful mechanism to drive social change.
Fees and funding
£8,670
UK
Studying part-time gives you the flexibility to learn at your own pace. Because of this, the part-time tuition fees are calculated using credit points.*
The tuition fee for students entering in 2026/27 is £48.16 per credit.
The total number of credit points for this course is 180.
*The fee you pay may differ based on the number of credit points you study.
£10,040
International 2026. Full Course Tuition Fees.
Studying part-time gives you the flexibility to learn at your own pace. Because of this, the part-time tuition fees are calculated using credit points.*
The tuition fee for students entering in 2026/27 is £55.77 per credit.
The total number of credit points for this course is 180.
*The fee you pay may differ based on the number of credit points you study.
Fees and funding
£8,670
For students entering in 2026. Full Course Tuition Fees.
Studying part-time gives you the flexibility to learn at your own pace. Because of this, the part-time tuition fees are calculated using credit points.*
The tuition fee for students entering in 2026/27 is £48.16 per credit.
The total number of credit points for this course is 180.
*The fee you pay may differ based on the number of credit points you study.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Optional Costs
- You'll need access to a computer, the internet, and any necessary course software. Visit the course Teaching & Learning 'Modules, Workload & More' section for more details.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£10,040
For students entering in 2026. Full Course Tuition Fees.
Studying part-time gives you the flexibility to learn at your own pace. Because of this, the part-time tuition fees are calculated using credit points.*
The tuition fee for students entering in 2026/27 is £55.77 per credit.
The total number of credit points for this course is 180.
*The fee you pay may differ based on the number of credit points you study.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Optional Costs
- You'll need access to a computer, the internet, and any necessary course software. Visit the course Teaching & Learning 'Modules, Workload & More' section for more details.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Funding support for your studies
Discover more about our range of postgraduate funding options including a Master's Loan of up to £13,206, and our 20% alumni discount*
*Terms apply
Carnegie School of Education | Social Structures of Power Reader Dr Shona Hunter discusses what is meant by the term ‘social structures of power’ and explores how aspects of our social identities place us into social categories within society.
Career prospects
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
Career Prospects
You’ll be a confident researcher and practitioner in race, racism and decoloniality in a variety of societal and professional contexts.
This course will also equip you with the transferable skills you’ll need to work in an array of dynamic careers in roles such as:
- Project manager
- Equality, diversity and inclusion manager/lead
- Researcher
- Civil servant
You could be employed in education, the NHS or local government. You may choose to work in human rights, community development or politics, or graduate schemes in the public and private sectors. Alternatively, you could continue your academic research by studying for a full master’s followed by a PhD.
This is an amazing course that combines critical thinking, challenging content and superb teaching. I have learnt so much on the course and know that it will shape my work in education for years to come."
Fred Oxby
Teacher
Heather Paul
Associate Director of the Centre for Race, Education and Decoloniality / Carnegie School of Education
Heather Paul is a lecturer, contributing to both undergraduate and post graduate programmes on Teaching and Education within Leeds Beckett University, Carnegie School of Education. She is passionate ultimately at making an impact for all communities to develop and thrive.
Beckett Careers Team
Our careers service is not just there for undergraduates, we support our postgraduate taught and research students too.
Your postgraduate degree will boost your CV and help you stand out from the crowd. Whether you're just starting out on your chosen career path, changing careers or moving to the next level, we can provide you with expert advice and resources to help you take the next steps to achieving your goals.
Student life
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Experience Leeds Beckett
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Thinking of staying at home for your studies?
It’s a great option for lots of our local students
