Educational Studies

The Master's

This theoretically oriented programme aims to provide professional development for students interested in education and, in particular, for those seeking to pursue a management career in an educational (policy) institution. By focusing on one or more subfields of educational studies, students acquire in-depth knowledge of educational processes, policy, innovation, and research.

The programme involves individual assignments, as well as research seminars, led by experienced scholars, who offer insights into basic theories and recent developments in the field. Practical teacher training is not included in the programme.

My profile

By the end of the programme, you will have acquired:

• fundamental insight into a scholarly approach to educational models and the relationships between them; presuppositions that influence thought about individuals and society; methodology directed to defining, situating, and resolving pedagogical problems, ethical aspects of academic and professional practice; relevant developments in research and in the field;
• skills in the analysis of practical and theoretical problems from the perspective of educational pedagogy; setting up, executing and evaluating scholarly research; use and/or design of instruments for the optimisation of situations in practical situations; critical reflection on the content of practical interventions; linking theoretical concepts to practical acts; guiding and developing innovations;
• specific knowledge and skills at the level of educational and school policy; school leadership and management; innovation in education, educational didactics; instructional psychology and technology, including teaching, professional and continuing education, advice on education in the family, etc.

Study programme

Preparatory programme: Master of Educational Studies

A preparatory programme of two course units has been designed to ensure that you attain sufficient proficiency in academic writing, to enable you to complete the Master of Educational Studies successfully. The Master of Educational Studies Preparatory Programme and the Master of Educational Studies Programme can be taken simultaneously. Succeeding in the Preparatory Programme is mandatory for graduation from the Master of Educational Studies.

All students (except students with a ‘Bachelor Degree Onderwijskunde’) have to enrol in this preparatory programme. Students may obtain an exemption for one or both course units if their scores are sufficient on tests organised at the beginning of the academic year.

Master’s programme: Master of Educational Studies

Students take at least 45 credits in basic courses, courses from the modules and elective courses and write a Master’s thesis (15 credits) under the supervision of a senior staff member.

The programme consists of the following parts: Basic courses, Methodological courses, Seminar, Modules, Elective courses, Master’s thesis.

1. The basic part of the curriculum concentrates on three central goals: the improvement of theoretical insights and educational knowledge about macro-, meso- and micro-processes.
2. The modules and the elective part of the curriculum allow you to deepen your knowledge in a particular educational topic or theme as well as to choose a course in a discipline related to and bearing on educational issues (sociology, cultural studies, anthropology, etc.).
3. Master’s thesis: the general purpose of the Master’s thesis is to provide you with the opportunity to go through the different phases of a research project in a systematic way. Considering the fact that the Master’s thesis has to be written within a time span of 6 to 8 months (depending on the examination period – June or August/September – for which the thesis is submitted), it is necessarily limited with regard to its size and scope: it cannot be expected that all the phases of a research project are elaborated extensively. Students have to choose one of the topics made available by the supervisors. The Master’s thesis may consist of either of the following:

• A literature review: a thorough analysis of the international scientific literature regarding a particular topic. This should be more than just a summary of or a personal reflection on a topic. The critical analysis should be made within the limits of a theoretical framework. If the paper focuses on your home country, there should at least be a comparative aspect.
• A modest empirical investigation: participation/involvement in ongoing research. Due to its limited nature, this can take the form of, e.g. a small survey, an elementary analysis of existing data or a series of interviews.

The Master’s thesis should be the result of original research. Both student and supervisor bear responsibility for taking care of the development of the research project.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Master of Educational Studies programme will have acquired a thorough understanding of educational models and methodology related to pedagogical problems. They will also have developed skills in educational analysis, in conducting scholarly educational research, in designing instruments and in guiding innovation practices. Finally, they will have gained insight into educational policies, school development, instructional psychology and professional and continuing education.

Upon completion of the programme, MES graduates can pursue careers as advisors or managers in schools or in other educational settings. They are also qualified to play a role in the creation and implementation of educational policies, in labour organisations and organisations concerned with vocational and professional education and in community education and lifelong learning. Successful graduates may go on to undertake a PhD programme at a Belgian university or abroad, before embarking on an international career.

Application and Admissions

Detailed information on application procedures and admission requirements depends on your preceding qualifications, etc.

• You will find more information on application matters here.

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