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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes Educational Sciences
Header image Educational Sciences

Educational Sciences

Do you plan to continue in education and educational research? Would you like to deepen and broaden your knowledge and skills? Contributing to educational science and improving educational practice?

The master's in Educational Sciences prepares you for a career as a researcher and academic professional in the field of education.
You can choose from two tracks within the master's:

  • Onderwijsinnovatie (Dutch-taught, full-time or part-time )
    How can you improve education in practice? All things put into practice have impact. That is why scientific research plays a central role in finding solutions to practical problems and testing whether these solutions really work. This requires understanding education as a whole: knowing what is needed at different levels of educational improvement and how to contribute to that.
  • Learning in Interaction (English-taught, full-time or part-time )
    Interaction is the engine of learning and development, and therefore the key to improving education. Interaction does not only mean interpersonal interaction, as interaction also takes place between humans and learning environments, and with yourself. This master's track zooms in on the complex processes by which we learn academic subjects, develop cognitive and metacognitive skills, and acquire social competences.

The master's starts in September and February. Please note: In February only in full-time, with the last inflow in 2024.

Together with other programmes in our faculty, we are involved in the interdisciplinary research master Behavioural and Social Sciences .

Facts & Figures
Degree
MSc in Educational Sciences
Course type
Master
Duration
12 months (60 ECTS)
Croho code
60099
Language of instruction
English, Dutch
Start
February, September
Faculty
Behavioural and Social Sciences
Why study this programme in Groningen?

Our guiding principles: (a) research is central to education, b) our teaching takes place within an inspiring, academic community, and (c) education and research are at the heart of society.

Therefore, our master's has/offers:

  • a strong empirical-analytical approach, in which we adopt an evidence-based work approach and use insights from educational sociology, educational economics, policy sciences, and education law
  • choice of differentiations that match the fields in which educationalists work
  • intensive thesis supervision
  • Opportunity to participate in international research projects (graduation project)


Groningen professor Leon van Gelder was at the cradle of Educational Science as Science. (Read more at https://www.rug.nl/gmw/organisation/about-us/erfgoed/pages/van-gelder-erfgoed)
Our researchers operate in the very center of practice, serving on education committees or collaborating with municipalities and colleges, for example.

Programme

The first semester is largely reserved for methodological and theoretical deepening. The second half of the first semester also includes an internship or professional orientation, in which the student explores the later professional field on the basis of a concrete question.

The second semester, in addition to following a few courses, is largely devoted to working on the master's thesis, under the supervision of a research project supervisor. A forum is the completion of this part. The student gives an oral presentation with a debate about the research project.

Programme options
Learning in Interaction (track)

How do students learn in schools? What role do individual differences play in learning? How can you improve learning environments to optimally help students learn and develop?

Common to all processes referred to in the questions above, is that they take place while and because we interact. Interaction is the motor of learning and development, and therefore key to improving education.While we all can recognize these interactions, in this master’s track you will learn to take a scientific, evidence-based approach to better examine these day-to-day interactions. This master zooms in on the complex processes through which we learn academic subjects, develop cognitive and meta-cognitive skills, and acquire social competencies.Different theoretical perspectives and didactic approaches come together in this master’s track. You will understand learning processes in context, and be capable to examine the challenges that arise in optimizing learning environments to learners' needs.You can also follow this programme part-time.

More information about this option

Onderwijsinnovatie (track)

Jij wilt het onderwijs verbeteren door vernieuwingen door te voeren en handvatten te bieden.

Hoe weet je of leerlingen beter gaan leren door een innovatie of interventie? Hoe zorg je ervoor dat het implementatieproces goed verloopt?.De mastertrack Onderwijsinnovatie leidt jou op tot Onderwijskundige, een kritische onderwijsvernieuwer met academische vaardigheden en kennis die nieuwe ontwikkelingen en interventies op waarde weet te schatten en deze kan omzetten naar de praktijk. Je hebt goed zicht op hoe het implementatie- en evaluatieproces van onderwijsinnovaties verloopt en welke factoren hierop van invloed kunnen zijn.

Onze master is een van de weinige masters die zowel op klas-, organisatie- als landelijk niveau kijkt naar onderwijsvernieuwingen. Je verdiept je in onderwerpen als onderwijskwaliteit, management & leiderschap in een organisatie en onderwijsbeleid & onderwijswetgeving. Daarnaast kun je kiezen voor onderwerpen als diversiteit in de klas. Dit maakt dat jij straks breed opgeleid en inzetbaar bent.

Wil je meebouwen aan het onderwijs van de toekomst? Werk jij tijdens een stage graag aan vraagstukken uit de onderwijspraktijk? En ben je geïnteresseerd in onderzoek doen en in een leven lang leren? Dan verwelkomen we je graag!

Je kunt deze opleiding ook in deeltijd volgen.

More information about this option

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is optional

De Rijksuniversiteit Groningen is een internationale instelling met partnerships over de hele wereld en een groot aantal buitenlandse studenten. Ook voor Nederlandse studenten is het mogelijk gedurende een periode van drie tot twaalf maanden in het buitenland te studeren. Dit kan in het kader van de bestaande samenwerkingsovereenkomsten, maar ook als 'freemover'.

Entry requirements

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

Toelichting op de tabel "Doorstroommogelijkheden": Informatie over schakelprogramma: http://www.spo-groningen.nl. Verwante HBO-opleidingen zijn: ALO/CALO, PABO (of PA), HBO-pedagogiek, HKP, HPO, HSAO, vierjarige tweedegraads lerarenopleidingen en HBO-psychologie.

(motivation-) letter

Studenten met een

  • ander bachelordiploma aan de RUG
  • bachelordiploma aan een andere universiteit dan RUG
  • niet verwant hbo- of universitair diploma
  • bachelordiploma Pedagogische Wetenschappen of Onderwijskunde/Onderwetenschappen behaald aan een andere universiteit dan de RUG

dienen een toelatingsverzoek (met CV en kopie van diploma en cijferlijsten) in te dienen via https://www.rug.nl/gmw/masters/pedagogical-sciences/aanvraag-toelating-master-pedagogische-en-onderwijswetenschappen

other admission requirements

Voor de toelatingseisen toegespitst op de tracks zie de pagina van Onderwijsinnovatie en Learning in Interaction.





Transfer options

Transferring from...

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Education in Primary Schools (age 4 - 12)All Universities of applied sciences

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC

Additional requirements:
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

informatie pre-master: http://www.spo-groningen.nl, zie 'schriftelijk verzoek' voor informatie over toelatingsverzoek

Teacher Education in Physical EducationAll Universities of applied sciences

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC

Additional requirements:
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

informatie pre-master: http://www.spo-groningen.nl zie 'schriftelijk verzoek' voor informatie over toelatingsverzoek

Applied PsychologyAll Universities of applied sciences

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC

Additional requirements:
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

informatie pre-master: http://www.spo-groningen.nl Zie 'schriftelijk verzoek' voor informatie over toelatingsverzoek

Educational TheoryAll Universities of applied sciences

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC

Additional requirements:
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

informatie pre-master: http://www.spo-groningen.nl , zie 'schriftelijk verzoek' voor informatie over toelatingsverzoek

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Pedagogical SciencesUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
SociologyUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

Enkel met de minor Onderwijssociologie (5+10 EC) ben je direct toelaatbaar. Zie 'schriftelijk verzoek' voor informatie over het toelatingsverzoek

Academic training primary school teacherUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Deafblindness (part-time)All Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

zie 'schriftelijk verzoek' voor informatie over het toelatingsverzoek Met een diploma vergelijkbaar met RUG Bachelor Pedagogische Wetenschappen ben je waarschijnlijk toelaatbaar. De toelatingscommissie beoordeelt of je met jouw diploma toelaatbaar bent.

Registration procedure

Onderwijsinnovatie and Learning in Interaction

Zie Applying with a Dutch diploma

Zie ook de trackpagina's van Onderwijsinnovatie en Learning in Interaction

Voor inlichtingen over de inhoud van de master kun je contact opnemen met de studieadviseur via: studieadvies.pedok@rug.nl


Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 June 202501 September 2025
01 December 202501 February 2026
EU/EEA students01 June 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

see the pages of our tracks

other admission requirements

Admission requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Education or a Bachelor's degree in a subject related to education
  • good knowledge of research methodology and related statistics (a diagnostic test is available on the website)* good knowledge of educational psychology
  • advanced analytic and synthetic cognitive skills
  • English language requirement: TOEFL 580 or IELTS 6.5
  • all applications are subject to an academic assessment by the Admission Board

Language requirements

ExamMinimum score
C1 Advanced (formerly CAE)C1
C2 Proficiency (formerly CPE)C2
IELTS overall band6.5
IELTS listening6
IELTS reading6
IELTS writing6
IELTS speaking6
TOEFL paper based580
TOEFL computer based237
TOEFL internet based92

Registration procedure

For the admission requirements specifically for the tracks see the page of Onderwijsinnovatie and Learning in Interaction

Who to contact for more information about:

* the admission procedure: the admission committee via toelatingscommissie.pedok@rug.nl

* the content of the tracks: with the study advisors via studieadvies.pedok@rug.nl

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 June 202501 September 2025
01 December 202501 February 2026
EU/EEA students01 June 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 20800full-time
EU/EEA2025-2026€ 2601full-time
non-EU/EEA2025-2026€ 21400full-time

Practical information for:

After your studies

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

Career services BSS
Where do you want to work after your studies? You can contact
Career Services already during your studies. They will help you orientate on your career, develop your skills, apply for jobs and find an internship.

Job examples

  • Beleidsadviseur, onderwijsontwikkelaar, stafmedewerker, studieadviseur, schooldecaan, beroepskeuzebegeleider

    bij universiteiten, lerarenopleidingen, MBO/HBO of volwasseneneducatie

  • Beleidsmedewerker

    bij een gemeentelijke, provinciale of landelijke overheid

  • Onderwijsinspecteur

    bij OCW

  • School-, docent- of leerlingbegeleider/coach

    bij onderwijsbegeleidingsdiensten zoals de landelijke Pedagogische Centra, Stichting voor Leerplanontwikkeling (SLO), CITO en educatieve uitgeverijen

  • Schoolbegeleider, onderwijsmanager of coördinator

    bij een onderwijsinstelling

  • Medewerker Onderwijsondersteunende diensten
  • (Adjunct-)directeur / manager
  • Wetenschappelijk onderzoeker

    bij overheden, bedrijven, onderzoeksbureaus, onderwijsinstellingen, universiteit

  • Promovendus

    bijvoorbeeld via beurs voor o.a. de lerende leraar of de Research Master (als zij-instromer

  • Docent

    op een HBO/MBO

  • Onderwijsjournalist

    bij radio, televisie, pers

Research

GION: Gronings instituut voor onderzoek van onderwijs

GION (Groningen Institute for Research and Education) makes a concrete contribution to better education through scientific research. Education is better if it has more favourable consequences for the cognitive and affective development of pupils. The aim of the research institute is to increase knowledge about education and to improve educational practice. GION, therefore, conducts both fundamental research and commissioned research.

Research themes

GION's research focuses on four research themes:

  • Learner, teacher and instruction
    Research on what happens in the classroom. How do students learn? What do teachers do in the classroom? In what ways can we improve student learning?
  • School boards and educational policy
    Research conducted at the level of the school (organization). How are schools managed? How do employees and management work together? In which ways can we improve educational policy?
  • Society, culture and politics
    Sometimes research questions exceed the level of the class or school. These studies are broad, diverse and focus on the social, cultural and/or political side of education. For example, GION has conducted education/research surveys into the national level of pupils in the field of language and movement education.
  • Educational research methodologies
    Some of our researchers focus on theoretical and fundamental aspects of scientific research. For example, on the way in which research is carried out within the educational field and on which methods are used.

For the research interests of staff members involved in our tracks see the track pages of Onderwijsinnovatie and Learning in Interaction

Apply nowBrochureEventsContact
Master's Weeksdiverse locatiesMore information

Contact

  • Academic Advisor Educational Sciences ((questions about the programme))
    Email: studieadvies.pedok rug.nl
  • Toelatingscommissie Ped. &onderwijswetenschappen ((voor studenten met een Nederlands diploma))
    Email: toelatingscommissie.pedok rug.nl
  • Dr. Anneke Timmermans (Programme coordinator)
    Email: masteredusci rug.nl
  • Admission Office (Contact form) ((for students with a non-Dutch diploma))
  • Secretariaat Gion
    Telephone: +(0)50 363 9159

Study associations

ODIOM

As a student of the programmes Pedagogical Sciences, Educational Sciences, the AOLB and the Switching Programme of Pedagogy (SPO), you can become a member of ODIOM, the friendly and active study association.
As a member, you benefit from discounts on all required textbooks and receive the newsletter every two weeks. ODIOM has over 800 members and organises a wide range of educational, sporting and social activities every year, such as guest lectures, excursions to pedagogical and educational institutions, the introduction camp for first-year students, trips abroad, get-togethers and parties.
https://www.odiom.nl/
Read more
Student profile

Jij

  • wilt je ontwikkelen als academische professional in het domein van onderwijs
  • hebt interesse in een brede vakinhoudelijke kennis van onderwijs, waarbij je gebruik wilt gaan maken van visies, modellen en methoden van onderzoek
  • wilt kritisch leren reflecteren op implicaties van onderzoek voor het onderwijs
  • bent gedreven om onderwijs te optimaliseren, beschrijven, verklaren
  • wilt bijdragen aan de kwaliteit, effectiviteit, doelmatigheid en aantrekkelijkheid van onderwijs.
Study support

In the programmes of Pedagogical and Educational Sciences, there is a strong focus on study advice. There are several study advisors are available. You can contact them as a prospective student, current student, or former student of programmes within the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences.

Study advisors can assist you with questions regarding:
• the content of the programme
• planning and organising your studies
• choices during your study
• registrations
• programme regulations
• taking courses outside your programme
• studying abroad

They are also available for personal support.
Don't hesitate to get in touch or make an appointment with one of the study advisors.

For brief questions, please email: studieadvies.pedok rug.nl
You can make an appointment via the online scheduling system: https://fbss.as.me/schedule/9de94536 ,
or by phone through the Student Service Desk: +31 50 3636301