Master of Science in Educational Sciences
The two-year Master in Educational Sciences aims to prepare students for academic and professional interventions in the field of educational innovation. It prepares students for research into the nature, development and features of educational actors, institutions, related policies, and processes in educational development and educational practices.
The programme consists of two years and includes an internship and master thesis during the second year. It comprises one set of compulsory courses and one set of optional courses. The optional courses allow students to focus on specific aspects of educational practice and research and further deepen their knowledge.
Theoretical knowledge and research skills
Next to theoretical knowledge, students will acquire research skills to conduct theoretical and empirical research. They will be able to connect the educational practices with the practice of research. The students will be involved in authentic research tasks or projects to learn how to apply theoretical frameworks and research methodologies.
This programme aims to train students in applying relevant research software, conducting educational surveys and other research methodologies through this programme.
Course outline & programme
Number of ECTS: 120
Duration: 2 years
Campus: Etterbeek
Strategy: blended learning (face to face contacts + online learning)
Language of instruction: English
The educational strategy used in this programme is a blended learning approach. It encompasses a combination of online learning and face to face lessons. The flexibility (in time and place) of online learning is joined with the often needed face to face support and real life contacts with students, teachers and researchers. The programme appeals to innovative methods and interactive technologies to support student learning, such as using discussion forums, blogs and wikis to support online collaborative learning and peer interaction. In addition, teaching and learning strategies such as case-based learning supported by online tools will be applied in this International Master Programme.
The programme includes an internship and master thesis during the second year. It comprises one set of compulsory courses and one set of optional courses. The optional courses allow students to focus on specific aspects of educational practice and research and further deepen their knowledge.
First year of the Master: relationship between theory and practice
In the first Master year, students discover the different theories and their significance for the educational practice. The relationship between theory and practice will constantly act as the central focus. Students will scrutinize the different theories and methods critically and they will create their own opinions. They will be guided gradually and therefore they’ll receive a broad orientation on the educational sciences.
Focus on curriculum design and educational innovation
Next to this more general knowledge, we will focus on curriculum design and educational innovation. This includes learning competences on designing learning processes in formal education, educational work, company’s training programmes… To further complement these competences, students can choose courses that will enable them to technically support learning processes (educational technology, e-environments) and/or courses that offer them deeper insight into the management approaches to facilitate innovation in curricula.
Second year of the Master : focus on research activities
In the second year of the master programme, students will be introduced to numerous research activities of different educational fields: information- and communication technology in education, ICT support for learning processes … Naturally within this last year, students will turn into real professionals. This means that they are very familiar with theory, but moreover they will be able to manage practical issues as well. Therefore, the study programme consists of case studies in which theory and practice go together well, and in which internship (=practice) and a master thesis (= theory and research) are included. Students can perform their internship & master thesis in the European context or in their home country.
Pedagogical Internship introduce you to reality of educational field
The pedagogical internship aims to introduce students to the reality of the pedagogical and educational field. Students learn to cope with educational methods, insights and concepts in real practice. Of course they receive the guidance needed to complete this challenge. As the internship evolves, the student receives more responsibilities and builds more independency by performing the job as an educational expert. Core competencies that were achieved through the programme are further developed, practiced and examined in relation to the educational practice.Top
Something for you?
- Do you have a strong interest in models and techniques to design effective learning environments?
- Do you want to broaden your insight into the management of educational institutions?
- Do you pursue leading or advising roles in educational offices from the government, NGO, company, institutions for higher education …?
- Do you want to study in an international environment?
- Are you excited to use online facilities to support your learning process?
- Are you attracted by the advantages of a blended learning approach?
- Are you working in education and do you want to broaden and deepen your knowledge?
Then this international programme of Educational Sciences is definitely something for you.
Because of the specific characteristics and advantages of a blended learning approach, both international students and/or students with a job are addressed. Other students with a special interest in this International Master Programme are of course allowed to apply as well.
Strengths of the programme
Get connected to the rest of the world
Since the English Master of Educational Sciences has an international scope, students will get into contact with all kinds of cultures and nationalities. Next to the personally enriching experience, it also adds a value to the content of the programme.
Blend your learning: online learning and face to face lessons
The educational strategy used in this programme is a blended learning approach. It encompasses a combination of online learning and face to face lessons. The flexibility (in time and place) of online learning is joint with the often needed face to face support and real life contacts with students, teachers and researchers. The programme appeals to innovative methods and interactive technologies to support student learning, such as using discussion forums, blogs and wikis to support online collaborative learning and peer interaction. In addition, teaching and learning strategies such as case-based learning supported by online tools will be applied in this international master programme.
Make your own interesting combinations
Many students don’t really like the thought of focusing on educational sciences only from the beginning on. They often have other interests that can only be realized within other initial (bachelor) programmes. A student may for example show a big interest in psychology or adult education sciences with the intention to approach it in an educational science context later on. Therefore, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel decided to elaborate a Master Programme of Educational Sciences which students can follow after another bachelor programme. The big advantage is always that while graduating, you are in the possession of two different diplomas with two different specializations.
Lifelong learning
Lifelong learning is a hot issue not only in Europe, but in the entire world. Education is often used as a strategy for many purposes. Education doesn’t stop when leaving school. Education is everywhere: in the media, in the private sector, in our spare time… Not only locally, but globally and internationally too the importance of education is highlighted. An international Master in Educational Sciences will therefore be an added value on your curriculum vitae.
Study in Brussels
The Vrije Universiteit Brussel, a dynamic and modern university with two green campuses in the Brussels-Capital region, offers high-quality education and research. Our research teams are internationally recognized in many disciplines of fundamental and applied research. We offer high-quality education to almost 10.000 students. Add to that our association partners and you have one of the biggest centers of knowledge in the capital of Europe. Thanks to this expertise and its strategic location, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel is your ideal partner for prestigious research and education with an outlook on Europe and the world.
Admission & application
Direct admission
Direct access is granted for students with a Belgian Bachelor’s degree in
- educational sciences
- pedagogical sciences
- psychology
- adult education sciences
Application based admission
Students holding a Bachelor’s degree in other related social sciences can apply as well. An Admission Board will evaluate the applications on an individual basis. The degrees must have been achieved in an officially recognized institution.
Candidates without direct access to the master programme of educational sciences, but who are meeting all the other requirements and showing great potential may, at the discretion of the Board, be granted an admission or a conditional admission.
Candidates with a conditional admission must follow an additional programme to provide the missing credits. The courses for this programme will be determined by the Admissions Board and must be successfully completed during the first master year as a prerequisite for being considered in the end-of-year deliberation. Students will not graduate or receive credits for the master curriculum until they have passed all of the courses in this additional programme.
All necessary information regarding the admission requirements, deadlines and application forms can be found on the webpage 'How to enroll as a student'.
Language Requirements
Proficiency in English is essential since the courses will be taught in English and (online) cooperation with other international students will be a considerable part of the courses. The language requirements can be found on the website. It is essential that the language requirements are met to avoid difficulties in communication.
Chinese students
For Chinese students an APS-certificate is required to study and stay (visa) in Belgium. The students have to contact the German Embassy in China. It is possible to get your APS-certificate after your application. But be aware that this procedure takes a lot of time. Therefore it is necessary to apply well before the deadline. Please check the webpage 'How toe enroll as a student' for more information. You can also contact educational.sciences@vub.ac.be for specific questions.
Important notes
- Before submitting the full application file by post, you are advised to send a full digital application file to the university. However, your application status can only be recognized when the full submission by regular mail is completed.
- The tuition fee is determined by the origin of the student and the amount of credits. More information can be found on the webpage about admission
- At the moment the programme itself does not grant scholarships. However, students can look for other scholarship opportunities, such as Erasmus or Eramus Mundus programmes.
- The admission board will look at several things for deciding on an application. Particularly the completeness of the file, the motivation of the student, his/her grades, the quality of recommendations and the curriculum match.
- Every point mentioned above is as important. In addition, the admission is granted on a competitive basis, depending on the strength of all the applicants.
Additional information
Students who have obtained the go-ahead of the Admission Board, or who have direct admission can find additional information on the web pages for prospective students. Certainly take a look at the webpages Preparing your stay prior to your visit to the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Top
Career opportunities
After completion of this programme, graduates have many options. They can be qualified for research positions in fundamental or applied research in Educational Sciences and related areas. They can work in different teacher education centers, centers for training and professional perfection, educational organizations, centers for educational media (multimedia and ‘edutainment’), and educational advising... Furthermore, they can also be employed at study services and specific training projects of private and semi – government institutions, institutions for higher education, governmental ministries and cabinets...
Our student service
Students at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel are not just mere numbers. A lot of attention goes to making sure that you can study in the best possible situation. There are numerous staff members ready to assist you and give advice on all topics related to student life: practical information, medical assistance and finance, study planning, sports and culture, health, transport, housing and food, etc.
For all kinds of help, advice and support, visit the web pages of ‘Student Facilities’.
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More information
- Faculty of psychology and Educational Sciences
- Department of Educational Sciences: educational.sciences@vub.ac.be, www.vub.ac.be/EDWE/
- International Relations and Mobilty Office