MSc in Educational Sciences University of Groningen

Educational sciences is a multi-disciplinary research field that uses insights from developmental psychology, educational sociology, economics, and policy-making.

Our master will prepare you for a career as a researcher and academic professional, capable of solving a variety of problems at every level of formal education. You will develop broad knowledge in the field of education, methodological skills for research into education, and reflective skills. Even after the master, you can continue to develop as an academic professional.

An empirical-analytical approach to research, effectiveness and proven practices of teaching are characteristic of our master. A long-running line of thought - which can be traced back to the first educational professor in the Netherlands, Leon van Gelder - involves focusing on a strong academic tradition towards educational research on contact with the practice of education, for example participation in educational committees, cooperation with municipalities and colleges of higher education.

The programme is also involved in the research master Behavioural and Social Sciences .

From September onwards, most of our courses will be offered online. Where possible and necessary we will combine the online education with lectures and activities on campus, since we feel it is important that you can meet your lecturers and fellow students in person.

Job prospects

The Master of Educational Sciences prepares you for policy and advisory positions. You can advise pupils and teachers, but also school teams, boards and policy makers. You will deal with learning and organisational problems, such as the introduction of educational innovations. You can also work within the government on educational policy and the development of new forms and methods of education.

Areas of activity for educationalists:

• Policy advisor, educational developer, staff member, quality care employee, study advisor, school dean or career counselor at large educational institutions such as universities, teacher training courses, intermediate or higher vocational education, or adult education.
• Education policy officer with the municipal, provincial or national government
• For educational guidance services as school, teacher or pupil counselor/coach
• Employee at educational support services
• Policy officer at the umbrella organizations of education or associations
• School supervisor / educational manager/coordinator within an educational institution
• (Deputy) Director/management
• Scientific research: Governments, companies, research bureaus, educational institutions, university (Ph.D.: scholarships for a.o. the learning teacher or Research Master (as side entrant))
• Teacher at intermediate or higher vocational education (HBO/MBO)
• The media (radio, television, press) as educational journalists