Master's programme in Education

Study programme code MASTPED

ECTS credits 120

Admission requirements Qualified teachers (pre-school, general, subject-specific teachers as well as teachers with a minimum of one year's practical-pedagogical education) Students with a Bachelor's degree with a concentration in Education/Special Education or with a cand.mag. degree that includes intermediate-level subjects in Education/Special Education. Applicants with an equivalent competency level may be admitted upon individual evaluation.

General description and profile of the programme The Education Master Programme brings into focus teaching and learning. This didactic focus will characterize all modules in the programme, both the educational modules and those concerning special needs education. All students attend joint first-year classes in which educational/special educational problems and perspectives will be integrated. In the third term there will be two elective specializations offered, one in didactics and one in special needs education. During their final term students will write their master´s thesis.

Specific arrangements for recognition of prior learning (formal, non-formal and informal) Arrangements for the recognition of prior learning are described in the information on the institution under "General arrangements for the recognition of prior learning (formal, informal and non-formal)".

Examination regulations and grading For a description of the examination regulations, see the Examination Regulations of the University of Agder.

For information about the Norwegian grading system, see ECTS credits and grades. Specific information on grading for each course is found in the individual course descriptions.

Graduation requirements The Examination Regulations of the University of Agder regulate the graduation requirements for each programme of study.

Learning outcomes After having completed the programme,graduates should be able to: - undertake independent analysis and evaluations of teaching and learning approaches to problems in different institutional and social contexts. - describe philosophy of science from different perspectives and evaluate its relevance in educational research. - have adequate methodological knowledge to work out a didactics design relevant to research area. - use critical analysis and be able to arrive at a position in approaching ethical problems in educational research and practice. - show creativity and innovation in order to see cohesion and interaction in various areas of knowledge and thus be able to find solutions to complex educational problems.

Teaching methods Instructional forms will primarily consist of lectures, seminars and group work. One half of the ordinary working period will be spent in groups.

Assessment methods Assessments will vary according to the distinctive character of the modules and will consist of: home assignments, oral examination, individual at-home assignment, group and project assignments and presentations (individual or group).

Student exchange It is possible to make arrangements with the institute regarding studying abroad.

Occupational profiles of graduates and access to further studies Completion of the Master's degree allows the student to continue with either studies towards a doctoral degree or direct entry into the professional arena, for example in educational administration, didactic planning and evaluation, development of teaching aids, pedagogical-psychological services and specialised instruction for schools, skills development and instruction in companies and organisations, etc.

Qualification awarded Completion of the programme awards a Master's Degree in Education.

Contact person Bjørg Rustad (38141255 )