Master in Changing Education
Helsinki, Finland
DURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Request the earliest start date
TUITION FEES
EUR 18,000 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for non-EU/EEA countries
Introduction
The Faculty of Educational Sciences at the University of Helsinki is well known for its expertise in studies on social justice and diversity in education, including sociological, cultural, psychological, philosophic, and gender studies perspectives, as well as the use of educational psychology and neuroscientific insights.
In the new Master’s Program in Changing Education, starting in autumn 2020, you get an understanding of education as a dynamic and transformable construct from the individual neural level to global policies. Your studies are theory-driven, science-based and hands-on and you gain the knowledge and skills to analyze, develop and influence the practices and structures of education systems, institutions, teaching and pedagogical issues. You complete the degree of Master of Arts in Education and become a future expert and change-maker in education.
How to lead the future of learning?
In the two-year Master’s Program in Changing Education, you get an understanding of education as a dynamic and transformable construct from the individual neural level to global policies. You also gain the knowledge and skills to analyze, develop, and influence the practices and structures of education systems, institutions, teaching, and pedagogical issues.
You study a unique and research-based combination of studies that connect different views of diversity and equality in education, teaching, and learning. The three topic areas include 1) Education, society and culture, 2) Educational psychology and neuroscience, and 3) Pedagogy, educational institutions, and research-based teacher education.
Students and student life
Student life and especially the student organisation culture is exceptionally rich and diverse in Finland. Also at the University of Helsinki, more than 250 student organisations operate within the Student Union of the University of Helsinki (HYY), ranging from faculty and subject organisations to political and societal organisations, and from choirs and orchestras to sports and game clubs. Their activities include anniversary celebrations, academic dinner parties, cultural events, get-togethers and excursions.
As a student and member of the Student Union (HYY), you are entitled to many benefits and services. For example, affordable student housing, low-cost sports services and student-priced meals. You also get numerous discounts, for example on public transport fees across the country.
Admissions
Curriculum
The scope of the Master's Program in Changing Education is 120 credits (ECTS) to be completed in two academic years. The curriculum comprises compulsory and optional modules in educational sciences, courses in qualitative and quantitative research methods, and culminates in the production of a Master’s thesis. You can also include optional studies in related disciplines, an internship, and a student exchange period as part of your degree.
The program is aimed at students who have completed a first-cycle degree (e.g., bachelor’s degree) in Finland or elsewhere.
The program is structured around three topic areas:
- Education, society, and culture
- Educational psychology and neuroscience
- Pedagogy, educational institutions, and research-based teacher education
Topic areas
1. Education, society, and culture
In this content area, sociological, cultural, philosophical, historical, political, and economic perspectives are combined in order to provide the students with an understanding of education as societally contextualized. Education is examined through the lens of policy, culture, and practice, specifically in relation to the questions of social justice. Students learn to examine the relationships between education and multiple inequalities, including age, gender, ethnicity/race, sexuality, disability/health, and social class. The focus is on analyzing the ways in which multidimensional inequalities, social exclusion, and discrimination in education are constructed. Students will evaluate education-related issues of social justice by combining micro- and macro-approaches and analyze, interpret, and find solutions.
2. Educational psychology and neuroscience
The recent advancements in educational psychology and the neuroscience of learning are taught in a manner that allows the students to understand learning, teaching, and education from a new viewpoint, highlighting the individual differences and the basic common principles of learning. The students will have direct experience with the use of modern psychological and neuroscientific methodologies, including data analysis and the use of physiological measurements to support learning. The students will learn to evaluate the value and applicability of research results.
3. Pedagogy, educational institutions, and research-based teacher education
The students will focus on pedagogical issues, Finnish research-based teacher education, and an analysis of different educational institutions and systems. Analyzing and assessing pedagogical phenomena is a central part of the studies. The students will also examine the Finnish educational system in its entirety. The studies also include developing professional experience and applying theoretical and methodological knowledge and skills in the field of education.
Language of studies
The language of teaching and studying in the program is English.
Earned degree
You will complete the degree of Master of Arts in Education. It provides general eligibility for postgraduate studies and qualifies for positions that require a Master’s level education. However, it does not provide a Finnish teacher’s qualification.
Master's thesis
The Master's thesis, an independent scientific study, is an integral part of your degree. The aim is to develop the basic skills required for conducting research, including:
- defining a chosen research problem in the context of previous research in the field
- finding information independently and assessing this information critically
- mastering the theories and research methods required for the work
- analyzing data
- communicating results in a clear and logical format appropriate to the audience
During a year-long Master’s thesis seminar, you participate in research seminar meetings, complete seminar assignments, write your Master’s thesis and present your findings in research seminar meetings. In the seminar meetings, you get regular feedback about your work from your supervisor and fellow students.
Upon completing the Master's thesis seminar, you will have advanced skills in critical thinking and writing, as well as a thorough understanding of your thesis topic. Given its scope and complexity, your Master’s thesis will also help you develop research and project management skills, which will be useful in a variety of professions.
Doctoral education
The degree of Master of Arts in Education provides general eligibility for postgraduate studies and a solid foundation for doctoral studies.
At the University of Helsinki, doctoral education is carried out in four doctoral schools. Suitable doctoral programs are for instance:
- Doctoral Program in School, Education, Society and Culture (SEDUCE)
- Doctoral Program in Psychology, Learning, and Communication (PsyCo)
- Doctoral Program in Brain & Mind (B&M)
Gallery
Program Outcome
Why Changing Education?
The foundation of the Master's Program in Changing Education is international and multicultural awareness and competence. As a graduate, you will be able to:
- understand and apply the critical evaluation of topics independently, as well as in co-operation with other groups and communities.
- critically and analytically evaluate, reflect, and gain information on the constantly changing nature of education and society.
- work ethically towards more socially just educational policies and systems.
- use methods from basic neuroscience and educational psychology to improve teaching and learning.
- continue your studies in a Ph.D. program.
- work on education-related issues as a well-qualified professional within administration, development, research, and training, for example, in governmental and non-governmental organizations, municipalities, educational institutions, consultancies or companies within the education business.
Please note that this degree (Master of Arts in Education) does not provide a Finnish teacher’s qualification.
Scholarships and Funding
Our scholarship program is for students who are applying to the University of Helsinki. These scholarships are intended for excellent students from outside the EU/EEA, who wish to complete a Master's program at the University of Helsinki. Grants can be applied while applying to the University of Helsinki’s Master’s programs.
For more information about scholarships, please visit the university website.
Career Opportunities
Career prospects
Building your career begins already during your studies. From the start of your studies until one year after the completion of your degree, Career Services at the University of Helsinki give guidance and support, including career guidance and counseling, courses and events, and facilitation of mentoring groups.
Upon graduation, you will be well-qualified to work as a professional on issues related to education within the administration, development, research, and training. Some potential employers are governmental and non-governmental organizations, municipalities, educational institutions, consultancies, and companies within the education business.
The degree of Master of Arts in Education provides general eligibility for postgraduate studies and qualifies you for positions that require a master’s level education. However, it does not provide a Finnish teacher’s qualification.