In the Master’s Programme in Changing Education 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 analyse, 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.
The foundation of the Master's Programme in Changing Education is international and multicultural awareness and competence. As a graduate, you will be able to:
Please note that this degree (Master of Arts in Education) does not provide a Finnish teacher’s qualification.
The scope of the Master's Programme 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,
The programme is aimed for students who have completed a first-cycle degree (e.g., bachelor’s degree) in Finland or elsewhere. The language of teaching and studying in the programme is English.
The programme is structured around three topic areas:
In the Master's Programme in Changing Education, your studies connect different views of diversities and equality in education, teaching, and learning. You study sociological, cultural, historical, philosophical, and gender studies perspectives with educational psychological and neuroscientific research.
You participate in carefully designed democratic learning where students and teachers work together with problems, ideas, materials and pedagogical tools in different contexts. You can choose from a variety of courses addressing current themes in education at different levels of schooling.
The content of the courses focuses on the three topic areas. All students take courses in each topic area and the optional courses provide space for creating a deeper understanding of the topic. You can check out courses in the
The language of teaching and studying in the programme is English.
The University of Helsinki also offers
For those students who intend to work in the laboratory-based neuroscientific research, please see the information of
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:
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.
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 programmes are for instance: