MSc in Biology - Biology and Education

Leiden University

The master’s specialisation Biology and Education prepares you for a career as a teacher in secondary schools. After completion you obtained the qualifications to be a Biology teacher. Note that this specialisation is only open to students who speak Dutch.

What does this master’s programme entail?

The master’s specialisation Biology and Education optimally prepares you to teach the subject of biology to secondary school students, based on a solid background of high quality research in biology. The programme comprises a one-year Biology component, followed by an education component in the second year. This master’s specialisation uniquely enables you to make a relevant impact on society by educating today’s secondary school pupils for tomorrow’s challenges in the field of biology.

Why study Biology and Education at Leiden University?

• The specialisation provides you with one year research training in Biology and one year of theory and practical experience in teaching offered by the Leiden University Graduate School of Teaching.
• Within the programme, you have ample opportunities to assemble our own study path based on your own interests and ambitions.
• During the education component, you receive one-on-one guidance, but you will also meet with colleagues from different disciplines, each with their own knowledge and experience, providing you with a broad view on education.

Biology and Education: the right master’s programme for you?

Do you want to fascinate our younger generations for the field of biology? Are you aiming for a career as a modern and flexible teacher? Then, the Biology and Education master’s specialisation is the right choice for you. After completion, you will have obtained your teacher qualification, which is required for employment as a biology teacher in Dutch secondary schools. You can also participate in the World Teachers Programme for international teaching. As the main education component is taught in Dutch, all applicants must provide proof of proficiency in Dutch language.

Career prospects

After graduation you have a lot of opportunities: academics are highly sought after in Dutch secondary education or mbo teaching. You can also aim for a management position or work as a researcher within the field of Biology.

The Master of Science programme guarantees thorough research training founded on a sound theoretical basis. After graduating you have excellent knowledge and highly developed research skills. Moreover you have obtained the skills and knowledge to apply your Biology background to issues of classroom practice.

Career

Approximately half of our graduates choose a career in scientific research, many as a PhD student. Universities, research institutes, and medical centres are the major employers. Other alumni work at consultancy agencies or in the public domain as policy-makers, science communicators or teachers. Graduates also occupy management positions or have project responsibilities in a wide variety of commercial and non-commercial sectors, from bioscience-based companies to environmental management agencies. Some students even start their own company.