Child Development and Education (research)

The 2-year Research Master in Child Development and Education trains students to design, conduct, and report research in the field of child development and education.

The two-year Research Master's programme trains students to do research into the nature, development and explanation of children's attributes. While topics vary, they share the bioecological model as a common theoretical framework. Students conduct two projects to apply the knowledge and technical skills that they will acquire throughout the programme. After the programme, students are qualified for research positions in fundamental or applied research. The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences at the University of Amsterdam has a strong tradition in empirical research and in connecting the teaching with the practice of research. In learning to develop their research skills, students will benefit from the department's extensive experimental research facilities, among which video-monitored observation rooms, a baby lab and an ERP research lab equipped with facilities for taking electro-physiological measurements. Students may also participate in observational and interventional research in families or classrooms, in large-scale skills-testing research on children and adults, or in conducting educational surveys using questionnaires for different target groups.

Programme outline

• The programme takes two years to complete. In order to graduate, students must attain 120 ECTS credits.
  A distinction is made in the curriculum between:
• disciplinary courses (choose four from eight elective courses plus 'Bioecological Models', 30 credits in total);
• courses in methods and statistics (four courses, 36 credits in total);
• writing and presentation skills (3 credits);
• research projects (two projects, 51 credits in total).

Upon successful completion of the programme, the student will receive a Master's degree in Educational Sciences and the title Master of Science (MSc).

Tracks

Students can tailor the programme to meet their specific interests by choosing disciplinary courses, and specific topics for their research projects. For example, students can specialise in pedagogical research, school research, clinical research, etc.

The clinical track (orthopedagogiek)

The programme's clinical track includes clinical practice and clinical cases. It enables students to qualify for certified advanced courses and training for clinical professions, including the NVO's Orthopedagogist (Orthopedagoog Generalist) programme, or the statutory Health Care Psychologist (GZ Psycholoog) training programmes. Graduates will eventually be able to work as science-practitioners in clinical research.

Thesis

Students complete two research projects and write two theses. The topic of the first research project (21 credits) is chosen halfway through the first year of study. Preparations for the more extensive second project (32 credits) may begin as early as the start of the second year. In the first project, students participate in one of the department's research groups, where they contribute to ongoing research. In the second project, students work more autonomously and write a research proposal first. Both projects are concluded with a thesis.

Internship

Research projects are ideally suited to being combined with internships, which can be found, for example, within the department's Research Institute, elsewhere at the UvA, or at other universities, including foreign ones. For students in the Research Master's clinical track, an internship at UvA/Virenze is particularly attractive, as it allows them to combine research practice with clinical practice.

Previous education: The programme is meant for students with a Bachelor's degree in Pedagogical Sciences or in Educational Sciences, but the programme is also accessible for students with an Bachelor's degree in an adjacent study (e.g., in Psychology, Sociology) who want to specialise in pedagogical or educational research. Assessment interview: For each applicant, the Admissions Committee studies the application file and, if appropriate, interviews the candidate, and decides on the admission. The decision is based on our selection criteria. Written request: Applications must submit an application file as early as possible, but no later than 1 June. Knowledge minimum: Basic knowledge of research methods and applied statistics in social and behavioural science research. Basic knowledge of child psychology (pedagogical sciences) or educational sciences. Grade list: Excellent study results, with marks in the top segment of the graduating class. Special importance is attached to the study results of research methods and statistics, research practicums, and theses. Language test: Foreign students who are non-native English speakers should include English test results (of either the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or the Cambridge International Examination) Additional language requirements:IELTS overall band: 6.5TOEFL internet based: 92 English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 80 (Grade A) TOEFL paper-based test score : 580 TOEFL iBT® test: 92

Scholarships / Grants:

The University of Amsterdam:
The University of Amsterdam provides a limited number of full and partial scholarships for excellent students from outside the European Economic Area. The Amsterdam Merit Scholarships have specifically been designed to offer talented, ambitious and dedicated students the opportunity to pursue a Mast
For additional information: Website

Accreditation

Accredited by: NVAO in: The Netherlands