Merlin studied our part-time MSc in Educational Assessment.
Why did you decide to study the MSc Educational Assessment course at Oxford University?
I moved into a career in assessment research after working in an entirely unrelated field and much of what I knew about assessment had been learned “on the job” in a fairly piecemeal fashion. Several of my colleagues had already taken this course and had recommended it enthusiastically, and I hoped that studying a structured programme might not only extend my knowledge but fill in some of the gaps in what I’d picked up over the years.
What is your full-time job?
I am a Research Associate at Ofqual (The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation).
How does the programme support and engage you as a distance learning student?
The programme supports distance learning well. The necessary resources are readily available on the online platform and the course coordinators and teaching staff are highly engaged.
What did you particularly like about the course?
The variety of backgrounds, expertise, and perspectives of the other students on the course was incredibly valuable, particularly those whose education and assessment experience was from outside the UK system.
How has studying the course helped with your professional development?
When I began the MSc, I was working in a primarily data-analytical role. During the course of my studies, I was able to move into a research position and I’m certain that this was supported by what I had learned.
What do you most value about the teaching at the department?
The “core” lecturers are all friendly and approachable, as well as incredibly expert and the lectures themselves are an ideal balance of the interactive and the didactic. The calibre of guest lecturers is impressive.
What is the community (students & staff) like at the department?
The sense of community, particularly between students, is a particular strength of the course.
What advice would you give to new students who are about to start the course?
It’s never too early to start thinking about your dissertation!
What is your favourite memory of studying at the department?
The residential teaching weeks. The opportunity to immerse yourself in a subject and to solely focus on a single thing for a few days is a rarity in adult/professional life.

The variety of backgrounds, expertise, and perspectives of the other students on the course was incredibly valuable. During the course of my studies, I was able to move into a research position and I’m certain that this was supported by what I had learned.